Is this a good price on an S?

[scottnh1970]

I'm new to Boxsters and this will be my first purchase. Found a dealer-for sale 2002 Boxster S black on black with 18" wheels premium chrome wheels, sports package with 26,700 miles going for $24,325. Talked the dealer down to $20,600. My question: is this a good deal? I'm already over budget after taxes and I'm trying to get the best deal, but I'm getting emotionally attached to the car now. Test drove it and everything is like new. My original budget was 19K, but am I being realistic about a 2001-2003 S with low miles for that price.

Advice please as it is on hold for me until this weekend.

Thanks

Scott

[DenverSteve]

I can't speak for Maryland but to me that is a little too high. Unless, of course, it comes with warranty/CPO. You can pick them up in California for far less than that, or even here.

[rdougan]

It is fairly expensive, even in great condition. I'd try and get another few k off that.

[WhipE350]

That doesn't seem far from being a good price. It has really nice low mileage. Get a PPI (pre-purschage inspection) and see if it needs any work, that might help with price negotiations. I know in Charlotte last fall when I got my 2000 'S' if there had been a 2002 'S' for less then $20k with low mileage it would have sold pretty fast.

Let them know you had a budget and set amount...then wait a couple days and they'll probably call you.

[fatmike]

Originally Posted by scottnh1970

Talked the dealer down to $20,600. My question: is this a good deal?

The 2002 (and 1/2) Boxster S had the Xenon headlights as standard equipment (earlier 2002's did not). PSM is a nice option.

With both of those options, windscreens, newer tires and proof of proper service history I would be looking to spend in the high teens...But, your really not that far off so your getting an OK deal.

Also, get it inspected before you buy. The Boxster can be a reliable car, but it has some known weak spots. Get someone who knows what to look for evaluate your purchase.

Originally Posted by scottnh1970

I'm getting emotionally attached to the car now.

Sounds like your buying it...





/

[fatmike]

Those wheels look like a nice upgrade

[scottnh1970]

So you think something might be wrong with it?

Forgot to mention it has a carfax on it and had 4 owners with a good history of service—for what there was with 26k on it. Was originally a corporate car with 2k a year on it. The other 3 owners ranged 4-6k on it between them. Do I need to do an independent PPI since its a dealer sale? It's a well known dealer in PA. Both KKB listed it around 26k and Nada at 20K.

I originally offered $19,000 on it but only got them to $20,600. Not sure if they are going to go any lower (from $22,000). I haven't seen any dealer or private under 30k mileage on a 02-03 S going for under $18,000 around the east coast.

At the dealers current price, I'll be paying $22,000 after all is done (taxes, etc.)—$3,000 over my budget—I'm open to anymore advice. Pass because there will be another close to this one or bit the bullet.

[WhipE350]

Don't think anything is wrong, but from all the listening and reading I have done getting a PPI from an Indy makes sense. I wish I had but I also go lucky and got a good car.

How long have you been looking? If this one doesn't work out there will be others. Have you watched the 'Classifieds' on this forum for a while. Members offer great prices and almost all the time they are well cared for cars that you can't`` go wrong buying. Some even have the RMS/IMS/Clutch all fixed. I'd even pay extra in many cases for a car from another forum member. Not saying they are all perfect but some really nice ones pass through.

How much will you drive the car. If you don't mind going between 45 and 65k miles you can save a lot...and if you won't be driving it a ton it will still have decent mileage in a few years.

With low mileage and 4 owners that isn't a bad thing, a lot of these cars sit in folks garages most of the time.

[scottnh1970]

Originally Posted by WhipE350

Don't think anything is wrong, but from all the listening and reading I have done getting a PPI from an Indy makes sense. I wish I had but I also go lucky and got a good car.

How long have you been looking? If this one doesn't work out there will be others. Have you watched the 'Classifieds' on this forum for a while. Members offer great prices and almost all the time they are well cared for cars that you can't`` go wrong buying. Some even have the RMS/IMS/Clutch all fixed. I'd even pay extra in many cases for a car from another forum member. Not saying they are all perfect but some really nice ones pass through.

How much will you drive the car. If you don't mind going between 45 and 65k miles you can save a lot...and if you won't be driving it a ton it will still have decent mileage in a few years.

With low mileage and 4 owners that isn't a bad thing, a lot of these cars sit in folks garages most of the time.

I've been looking for about 4 months now Autotrader, Craigslist and this forum. Saw a few deals come and go on a few S's on this forum and dealers on the east coast. If it doesn't sound like a gotta-have it price on this one then I'm going to push for another $1,500 off and see what they say—then walk away. I just hate not knowing if I'll spend more in the future for what this one has.

The dealership is a big flagship Mazda dealership and being 150 mile away from me might be difficult to arrange a PPI since I don't know that area and Porsche certified garages. This is why I asked about getting a PPI done—not about the extra cost but logistics. Plus I thought the dealer would have to have one completed or some type of multi-inspection done. They do offer a 3 month warranty on the vehicle.

I would take an 2002-030S black or red, manual with under 50k from anyone on this forum for $18,000 but I haven't seen those prices either. What I have found are more expensive prices on the forums, but they should be since everyone is an enthusiast and want a premium on their babies—I understand that.

Seems like for what I ultimately want will be in the 20k range.

[scottnh1970]

Sorry for my ignorance—what is PSM?

Originally Posted by fatmike

PSM is a nice option.
/

Originally Posted by fatmike

Sounds like your buying it...
/

I'm trying not to make an emotional purchase—but common sense is leaning to yes.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by scottnh1970

Sorry for my ignorance—what is PSM?







I'm trying not to make an emotional purchase—but common sense is leaning to yes.

PSM = Porsche Stability Management aka Please Save Me

The most common mistake people make when purchasing a car is letting emotion rule.

Some take it or leave it advice:

Whenever I am contemplating a purchase, whether it be clothes, cars, tools (that I think I really gotta have), electronic gear or gadgets, and emotion kicks in, I automatically wait 1 week before making the purchase.

Sometimes the desire is still strong, so I make the buy and am generally satisfied. Sometimes my passion for the item fades and I am glad I didn't buy it on 1st impulse.

Other times, I have often found one that is better, one that I like more, or the same item at a lower price.

In a few rare cases, the original item is no longer available a week later, which I just write up to fate - it wasn't to be.

This practice has served me well over the years and prevented me from spending money needlessly on things I really don't want or need.

It takes some practice, especially with a used car with the potential to be 'lost' to someone else.

On the other hand, if you disappear for a week, the dealer or seller is more prone to haggle when you return because he knows that you're both a serious, and non-emotional buyer. His tricks (yes... they do use tricks to play on your emotions) don't work and he knows it. If he wants to make the sale, he has to play it straight up.

And maybe the most important thing to keep in mind is:

The one thing the World has no shortage of is used Boxsters!

Don't exceed a tight budget, it will diminish your joy in the car and have you 2nd guessing yourself.

Good Luck!

[Lil bastard]

Another thing to realize about these cars is that their value is still plumetting.

If financing the car, consider how you're going to feel a year later when the car's market value is $17k, but you still owe the bank $22k.

I'd say stay within your budget! You can still find a very nice Boxster and get out the door for $19k.

It won't be the newest model, or the most option loaded, it might not even seem as nice as the one you're looking at here. If your budget is truly realistic, you have to face the fact that you cannot afford this car.

But you're not in a position to go to the showroom and get the exact car you want either, so you have to make some compromise.

Cheers!

[brian325is]

Those wheels look like the same ones I have in black. Cheap ebay ones. They look nice but are heavy

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/19-Porsche-Cayman-Boxster-997-911-CHROME-wheels-rims-/230662153128?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b48923a8

[mallai]

Originally Posted by scottnh1970

Sorry for my ignorance—what is PSM?

Here ya go..

http://www.deter.com/porsche/PSM.txt

[copsahl]

PSM Porsche Stability Management

Will help keep the rear from overtaking the front when cornering fast, among other things.

[Motobob]

If the car is in as nice of shape as it looks with those options discussed, it is a "fair"price...may not be the lowest price but it is fair. See what the PPI says.... Bob

[sasha055]

What kind of wheels are that? They look amazing!

[scottnh1970]

Originally Posted by sasha055

What kind of wheels are that? They look amazing!

I believe the wheels are Porsche Sport Classic II that are chromed. They actually weren't my first choice (not into chrome wheels—pain to keep clean), but since they are on the car they are growing on me.

[keithl]

Originally Posted by scottnh1970

I believe the wheels are Porsche Sport Classic II that are chromed. They actually weren't my first choice (not into chrome wheels—pain to keep clean), but since they are on the car they are growing on me.

I don't think they are Porsche Sport Classic II. They look like "non-Porsche" after market wheels.

[scottnh1970]

Originally Posted by copsahl

PSM Porsche Stability Management

Will help keep the rear from overtaking the front when cornering fast, among other things.

Thanks. I will ask about that.