Please advise.. - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jump · 03-06-2008, 08:52 AM

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. · 03-06-2008, 09:02 AM

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 · 03-06-2008, 11:56 AM

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 · 03-06-2008, 12:01 PM

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 · 03-07-2008, 11:46 AM

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.

Cloudsurfer · 03-07-2008, 12:53 PM

Aside from the seller proving that he can not be trusted, I would back out of this deal for one reason: you do not want to be buying any exotic car from someone who cannot afford to own it. I'm not sure how long he has had the car for, but if its any length of time, I would be extremely cautious. The guys who have cars they can't afford are the ones who don't maintain them the way they should, may park them outside, and may not even be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly drive the car.

If you already have plans, run down there and check it out. I would never buy a car like this without a thorough PPI. If everything checks out and the car really is what you want, go for it.

It is worth noting that the 99s are probably the least desirable year, and you will pay for that on the other side when you sell the car down the road. Whatever is saved now, may not really amount to savings when everything in factored together.

Patrick

joshua6060 · 03-07-2008, 12:57 PM

wow another nola person on this site, i thought i was the only one, but you won't ever catch me on the causeway, work and live in nola, silver 01 boxster, luv it, having a few issues right now, but i'm sure they will get fixed

meerzee · 03-09-2008, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshua6060

wow another nola person on this site, i thought i was the only one, but you won't ever catch me on the causeway, work and live in nola, silver 01 boxster, luv it, having a few issues right now, but i'm sure they will get fixed

It does seem that you are the only NOLA Boxster guy at times....that is certain!
I got my first "Porsche wave" yesterday while driving up 59 to Abita from a superclean Carerra 4 (silver) --- Maybe it was Max in his new ride??? LOL.

Just moved from Metairie...don't enjoy the commute, but the quality of life is truly second to none. We have been enjoying the trace, Abita and just having fun with the ole' Box! (Took apart my LCD climate box and replaced the "Rising Sun" damaged LCD in about 15 minutes, and put on my Stuttgart front license plate --- looks pretty unique at this point....)

Take care, hope to see you on the roads....