Please advise..

[schoir]

Max:

I would not be comfortable in doing a long distance deal with a seller who has clearly demonstrated that he cannot be trusted.

If you are keen on getting a car from the South Florida area, I would drop an e-mail to Pedro of Pedro's Garage (www.pedrosgarage.com) and arrange for him to look at any car that you are seriously thinking of buying. He is very knowledgeable, a Porsche nut, and completely trustworthy.

He does PPI's and the peace of mind it will bring you will more than pay for the price of his services.

Regards, Maurice.

[steve00s]

In my research on the 996, I found that the 1999 did indeed have a lot of problems. I talked to the service manager at a Porsche dealership and he was right up front about steering clear of a 1999 because of the problems that they have seen. I probably wouldn't buy earlier than a 2002 because that was the year they went from a 3.4L to the 3.6L. As far as engine mods on the 3.4L, you would have to spend a fair amount of money to get the horsepower of the 3.6L. I saw the car you were looking at and it was very nice looking but the price of these seem to keep dropping and there is a good supply. Good luck.

[Jump]

If you do decide to fly down to check it out, try to go check out the collection at "The Collection". I spent a year working a few blocks from there. They have a fantastic selection to drool over including Porsche, Ferrari Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar and Lotus. Just down Bird Road to the east is a car lot of used, high end cars/exotics. Also very fun to peruse. If you make it to The Collection, there is a fantastic restaurant in the same building called Chispa (SW corner) specializing in contemporary Latin. They always had HOT hostesses as well!

As far as the guy selling the car, he is a definite dirt bag. I'd stay as far away as I could.

[Bob Z.]

If I were you I'd still fly down and check it out as it sounds like you have a cheap ticket and plans made.

Look the car over and keep the other email address stuff to yourself at first - bring a hardcopy along to show him, if you like, after discussing the car. And bring a camera to take a pic of his face when you spring it on him!

But if the car is what you are looking for, and checks out, buy it. Or make him a lower offer and tell him that you were also looking at other cars - that will make it all even!

[fatmike]

What makes you think your getting your deposit back? Although, your chances might go up if you show up in person.

We hope this one works out for you...






/

[nola911]

Thanks guys, between responses here and 6speed, I have confirmed my necessity to be careful with this. I also met a former owner who traded it for a TT. I will be spending the weekend in Miami either with a new car or a rental taurus.

Mike, he never said it wasn't refundable, and ebay/paypal is pretty good at protecting the buyer when something goes wrong from a sellers standpoiunt. Plus I will see him face to face, and that has to be worth something!

Thanks again guys,\
Max

[meerzee]

Max, Max, Max......my friend.....
You sound like me when I bought my Box. (maybe it is guilty karma from trying to upstage your 986!!!) - J/K.

It seems like when I purchase cars remotely, I always get screwed in one fashion or the next, and things are never always exactly as they seem. But, I have still gone through with all but 1 deal and that deal the sellers were shady like the one you mention here. I would have to agree that people who are deceptive are just not honorable, reputable individuals and they will tell you what you want to hear, until someone offers them a buck more...regardless of how much time and effort you (the buyer) has spent on purchasing their vehicle.

I would go down, have a personal chat with this character, check it out hard and trust your gut. The guy might be a complete loser, but if the car speaks to you and you have a solid feeling, then go for it. I wouldn't change a thing about my purchase of my very spunky 02S, but in retro...I probably would have held out for an 03 S just to grab the rear glass and less mileage. But I adore my car and yes like you only drive it when the weather is near perfect. (and sometimes even on Fridays!) --- HEY, maybe I will catch you on the Causeway soon!!!!
(now that I am a Mandevillite)

There are tons of excellent 996s out there...and just (as hard as it sounds) take your time and relax...you will find the one that you are supposed to drive --- and if the guy is a real jerk, accidently back over his foot while test-driving for kicks...

LOL

All the best, my friend.