Hi guys, new forum member, but have been lurking for a while. I hope this post doesn't break any rules. I live in Seattle and am heading down to Portland tomorrow to checkout a red 2007 Cayman S at Northwest Investment Cars:
http://nwicars.com/view_vehicle.htm?vehicle_id=526

I've read good and bad things about the store, and when I called Marque Moters about a PPI, he warned me that the store doesn't have the best reputation, but I'm willing to drive the car and get it inspected. My current 335i lease is ending soon and this will be my first Porsche. If anyone had advice or would like to help me check out the car, I would really appreciate it. I plan to be in Portland around noon tomorrow, 10/15.

-reznet

 

So how did it go?

 

Hi Steve! the trip went well. The drive was nice with a few straight and open sections where I could really fly, and the scenery was nice too. The car itself appears to be in perfect condition, with no visible flaws that I could see, and it rode great too. My next step is having it inspected at Marque Motors and then begin price negotiations. The dealer is asking $44k which seems high, but the car does appear to be in near-new condition. The dealer claimed the original owner never even drove the car in the rain, and it certainly seems that way. I'd appreciate any tips on determining the right price for the car and ways to negotiate with the dealer.

-reznet

 

This is the one with like 13,000 miles correct?

Just for reference I just picked up an '06 Cayman S (no changes for '07) with 12,000 miles for $38k. My car has the exact same options it appears.

 

Thanks for the information! Did you buy from a dealer or private party? What was the asking price? If I want to get the dealer to agree to 38k, do I start at 32k so we can both work our way to 38k, or can I just come out and say I'll only pay 38k? I'll be carless soon, but willing to rent a car for a few weeks if it can save me ~$6k.

-reznet

 

Clean retail on mine was $39k. Clean retail on an 07 is $41k. So they're high to start with.

I bought it from a dealer in Seattle. They were asking $38k and I just paid it. Low milage in a color I actually liked (seal grey) was too good to pass up so I just sucked it up and paid.

There were 2 red Caymans with low milage for sale on autotrader around Portland a couple weeks ago. One of them was private party. Maybe they would be more willing to negotiate if the dealer isn't. I don't have any experience with NW Investment Cars, but go in with what you're willing to pay and be ready to walk if they aren't willing to budge. There are always other cars out there.

Search Florida, California and Texas. I was really surprised how much lower some of the prices were in those areas. I was was about ready to buy one cheaper and have it shipped until the one I bought popped up. You could likely get a CPO'd '07 for that price from a Porsche dealer.

 

The two red caymans in portland are actually the same car; the VINs are identical. I also found a page where the original owner was offering his car and wanted 39.5k for it, and so I imagine the dealer gave him less than that.

I found a 09 red CS in Iowa that I'd actually prefer since it has the better engine and navigation. I don't want to fly out there, but I'm nervous about buying a car without driving it first just in case there's something about the car I don't realize I don't like until after I've bought and shipped it out here. and I did find a nice white 07 CPO for $41k in Houston, so I know you're right about the prices.

Does anyone have experience with buying and shipping a car without driving it first?

-reznet

 

I've bought many cars unseen. Of course, two of them were brand new from the dealer, so I wasn't too worried about it. The other two cars I bought were bought from big dealers and were very low miles and 2 yrs old. One was a CPO and the other was still under warranty. I had both cars inspected by a independent shop to inspect it for any re-paint, mechanical, etc. and then negotiated with the dealer for shipping.

Both of the used cars were in great condition and I had no problems with the transaction. Going through a private party, I would be a little more wary just because of the scam potential. IMO, I think you can get great deals over the internet via the dealers or ebay. You're a potential customer that they ordinarily wouldn't get and they know you'll just telephone the next dealer if they don't give you a good deal.