Selling Etiquette & Ideas..

[sharke22]

I'm about to start the process of selling a 996 C4S (I know this is a Boxster forum but please bear with me, don't throw anything hard at me; we're keeping the Boxster).
I need some advice, I'm hoping to sell it privately. Now obviously I don't want any joe off the street driving an exotic car like a 911. What sort of advice would any of you give? There doesn't appear to be any way to put it on the potential buyers insurance whilst they take a test drive. I'm sure some of you have been through this. Also, where's the best place to advertise an exotic? Just AutoTrader? I live in Houston, Texas.
Any other generic advice on selling a car like this is VERY welcome.
thanks in advance

Good question. Here are a few suggestions:

1) Place an ad in the Porsche Panarama

2) Place an ad in your PCA Local Newsletter/Magazine

3) Take the potential buyer on a test drive, don't let them drive

4) Take potential buyer on test drive, let them drive, but go with them

5) Require a significant refundable deposit, prior to any test drive.

6) Sell it to BruceLee!!

[thenavarro]

I would post on ebay with detailed pictures and descriptions. You will have a large pool of potential buyers that way. A lot of deals are closed off ebay that were originally on ebay by individuals making contact with the seller and progressing from there. Selling a car these days is definitely a nationwide event in my opinion. I've actually purchased 3 Porsches that originated on ebay and only one went to completion of the auction.

Also, if you feel comfortable with the individual after speaking with them, talking with them, etc, I would not hesitate in letting them have a test drive, you can accompany them of course. After all is said and done, a Porsche truly is just another car (not trying to be blasphemous, just realistic) and I know that personally, if I took the time to go see a car in person and ask all the appropriate questions, that if the seller would not trust me to drive it, then there is no way they should expect me to trust them enough to purchase a car from them.

I understand your feeling of not wanting to allow joy rides, but in this day and time, it is very difficult to ascertain if the person is serious and has the financial means to complete the transaction 100 times over, or if the person is only just interested in a joy ride. You can't tell this from age, sex, attire, etc, etc, etc. If there are any particular aspects of the car that you want to warn them about before they drive, ie rear engined handling, shifting style you are comfortable with, etc, then make your wishes known before they set off for the test drive.

I personally think the best way to sell someone on an item is to let them experience the experience.

Best wishes and good luck on your sale,

Mike

[docdyh]

I think you can pretty much tell who is serious buyer by talking to them. Obviously, a 16 yr. old kid is not. Personally, I would NEVER purchase a car that I did not drive myself or have it inspected.. Just my two cents...

[Brucelee]

"Sell it to BruceLee!!"

Thanks for the plug buddy!

[Brucelee]

The first thing I would advise is to wait until May to sell your 996. You will fetch a much better price.

I would also forget EBAY, which is a great way to get an offer below wholesale.

And yes, you will need to let a legitimate buyer drive the car and have a PPI.

Good luck!

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by docdyh

I think you can pretty much tell who is serious buyer by talking to them. Obviously, a 16 yr. old kid is not. Personally, I would NEVER purchase a car that I did not drive myself or have it inspected.. Just my two cents...

Do not jump to conclusions on the younger people,some may be more professional then you think. I was 17(I look 16) when I started looking at older 911s and Boxsters among other cars. The internet area has made it easy for many young people to become succesful and make decent money at a young age, with me it was eBay.

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Do not jump to conclusions on the younger people,some may be more professional then you think. I was 17(I look 16) when I started looking at older 911s and Boxsters among other cars. The internet area has made it easy for many young people to become succesful and make decent money at a young age, with me it was eBay.

Well put, Blink!

[sharke22]

Guys,
Thanks again for all your input. I'm not a card-carrying member of the PCA myself, is there anyway I can still advertise via them?
Obviously any other good ideas are welcome too.
thanks

For less than $100 you can become a member. The PCA takes about $45 and the local chapter has a membership fee too! FYI.

Originally Posted by sharke22

Guys,
Thanks again for all your input. I'm not a card-carrying member of the PCA myself, is there anyway I can still advertise via them?
Obviously any other good ideas are welcome too.
thanks

The PCA Web site lists a lot of Texas chapters, but one contact name is William Wong- 281-332-2965. You may want to call him, and ask.

[Perfectlap]

my local PCA has a newsletter called Porscheforus with a classified section.
Also check Excellence Magazine I think they have a classified section as well.
Ebay done correctly can be the best exposure you can get. Most PCA members I know check it regularly and refer cars to non-Porsche owning friends when they see a good example. List it with a firm price for starters and see what happens.
You have a certain amount of time to remove the listing if you get a better offer outside of Ebay. I think most people become of aware of the Porsche on eBay and make a deal with the owner outside of Ebay. A cheap way to get your car noticed.

[KRZTACO]

I would scrap the Ebay option. If you sell it or do not sell it on Ebay you still pay $ to list the car.

I would stick to Auto Trader and state specifically the price you want is FIRM. Otherwise you open ourself up to be haggled before and after the test drive.

Perhaps you can request to see a letter of Loan Pre-Approval. I was given one from my bank before I bought my car that let me know how much I could finance.

Being a member of PCA definitely narrows the potential test drive, however you potential buyers will be from all walks of life.

Being 26 at the time when I bought my 986 S, I narrowed it down to 2 vehicles, one from a private party and the other from an Audi dealership. After I paid $180 (each) for a PPI I ended up going with the Boxster S from the Audi dealership (same price) because the Private party vehicle had an RMS Leak that needed to be fixed, AGAIN, which was within the 2/24000 warranty.

Just my experience, hope it helps.

KRZ

Sharke, at the end of the day 16 or 77 you still have to get the best price for your car, when i got my second boxster the priveteer gave me the key and let me go driving his car (okay he kept my wife while i was gone) but i thought that was very nice of him and bought his car

Originally Posted by olly986

Sharke, at the end of the day 16 or 77 you still have to get the best price for your car, when i got my second boxster the priveteer gave me the key and let me go driving his car (okay he kept my wife while i was gone) but i thought that was very nice of him and bought his car

olly986...how long were you gone? That was pretty risky!