Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > Porsche Boxster & Cayman Forums > Boxster General Discussions

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-03-2016, 04:49 AM   #1
Perfectionist
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 86
Advice on selling a clean Boxster S

Hi,
Unfortunately, it looks like I have to sell my Boxster S to make room for a 911. I don't have enough garage room for 3 cars. Absolutely love the 986 S, never thought I would sell it. Wondering if anyone with experience with 'For Sale by Owner' have any advice for me?

I've only put the ad on Craigslist for now.
Porsche Boxster S 2003 (986 model)

Am I putting too much info there and scares people away?
Would you say the price is fair?
I have a feeling only another Porsche Enthusiast would understand about the car's condition. I don't want to trade it in and let dealers auction a great car into just another car with its service history wiped out.

Thanks so much for your input.

Shred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 04:59 AM   #2
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Western Mass
Posts: 8
Any bites yet? I have a 2002 that is nearly identical to yours that I was thinking of listing. BTW; how did you arrive upon that asking price?
kenbefound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 05:06 AM   #3
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New England
Posts: 296
Excellent ad, I think. And a beautiful car. I would be flying out right now to write you a check if I were in the market. Not sure your average Craig's list shopper will appreciate the work you've put into this car unless they know what they're looking for. Are you a PCA member? If yes, you might consider placing an ad in your regional magazine/website.

Again, gorgeous, superbly maintained car.
Need_for_speed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 05:11 AM   #4
2003 S, Arctic Silver, M6
 
paulofto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Posts: 1,348
Garage
I think it is a great ad.

+1 for the suggestion of putting it in the PCA regional or national ads.
paulofto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 05:18 AM   #5
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 19
Having recently bought a 986 S off CL myself I think it's a great ad and I'd have contacted you straight away if I were still on the market and local to you. Pictures could be nicer but the content is there and that matters most.

That being said, I do think it might scare away the casual shopper but your rig rightly should be at the high end of the price range so that person probably isn't your customer anyway.

-Roger
rdonahe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 05:25 AM   #6
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 25
Having sold multiple cars on craigslist, my recommendation would be more pictures. Buyers like to see the car in detail before contacting you.
A partial reason for this is the sheer number of bad cars and scams on craigslist.
Craigslist allows 16+ pictures I think? More pics make your ad stand out.

Look at some of the dealer ads for relevant shots /angles of photos.

At a minimum, all 4 sides, plus a shot down each side for showing dents/lack thereof is preferred.
Interior shots, both seats, console, dash, odometer
Engine shots,
Shot of each wheel, tire for tread and curb rash
shots under the car if you can get them.
Exhaust shot
Truck Interior, Frunk Interior

etc


You can never have too many pictures. Especially with high mileage car. Show the wear on the seats etc. Most people expect it to be in much worse condition than you describe

And most people don't read, they just look at pictures.

Last edited by jedblanks; 08-03-2016 at 05:48 AM.
jedblanks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 06:00 AM   #7
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,631
If you have a subscription to Excellence Magazine I think you can have an ad on their online site for free - Excellence | The Magazine About Porsche, at least that's how it used to be with them.
PaulE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 06:56 AM   #8
Perfectionist
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 86
Thank you so much for everyone's input.

Great tips on the photos. I will definitely take more photos and max out the allowance I can, along with different angles plus the inside showing the perfect leather. Probably add a link to Dropbox with even more photos and show any imperfection with rock chips and little dings. I don't want to waste anyone's time, I know Porsche owners like us love their cars.

I will also post on Autotrader.com, PCA.org, rennlist and Carguru.
I know about Excellence mag but never subscribed to it.

@Kenbefound - To come to this price conclusion, I have searched all over the net for prices of 03-04 Boxster S nationwide. I can't find a single one with full history and all the preventative maintenances done right. Looks like people who love their cars that much don't usually sell them. I priced it based on the current asking market.

To be honest, at the current market if I have the garage space no way I would sell it. A 911 is great but it's no Boxster when it comes to handling and fun.
We all know it's really hard to find a good 986S, especially with all those owners who bought a Boxster and then neglected it due to the costs of the up keeping. It has really hit our well maintained car's value hard.

Last edited by Shred; 08-03-2016 at 07:00 AM.
Shred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 07:05 AM   #9
Perfectionist
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 86
I was first thinking of posting the ad after I have the 911 but I heard it can take quite a long time to sell a used Porsche of this age? I am hoping its full documented records and all the work put in would give me an edge over the ones sitting around for months at dealers.

Should I post this now because it might take months?
Shred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 07:19 AM   #10
Registered User
 
Chuck W.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Agoura Hills (LA) So.Cal.
Posts: 1,574
Quote:
Originally Posted by jedblanks View Post
Having sold multiple cars on craigslist, my recommendation would be more pictures.
GREAT narrative. Very well done.

I would add the cost of the recent service you had done in the listing. The 94K and 105K services had to be very expensive.

I have to agree with jedblanks. More and better quality photos. Take the car to a park or some place near your home with a green background just after sundown. Then take the photos of the exterior of the car from the cars level; low to the ground. And show off the interior and the sport seats.

You can put up to 24 photos in your Craigslist ad, use them all! Show the instrument cluster lit up, the white tag under the hood with the option codes, the paperwork fanned out, the books & manuals for the car, the keys. Photos, photos and more photos.

If you're not a member of Rennlist or Pelican Parts forums, join them and list it in their classified. Porsche Cars For Sale - Pelican Parts Technical BBS is a very good place to list. Very active classified section that you can list but no comments can be made.

IMHO, I would list it now. It may take a day or three months to sell. I would much rather have it gone now than have it sitting outside with the 911 in the garage and be pressured to sell it.

GLWS! Which 911 did you buy?
__________________
1995 Porsche C4 Cab

2016 BMW M2, 6 Speed LBB - ED 7/2016
1997 993 Cab - Sold; 1997 993 Turbo - Sold
2001 Boxster S - Original Owner - 30K Miles -SOLD

Last edited by Chuck W.; 08-03-2016 at 07:40 AM.
Chuck W. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 07:53 AM   #11
Perfectionist
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 86
@Chuck W. I am looking for a 997.1 or .2 C2S Cab, still looking for 'the one' at the moment. Finding that unicorn haha!

I think I've met you before? I remember this amazing red Boxster S in Agoura. Didn't I buy a 4 stalk unit from you to do cruise control retrofit?

Thanks for the tip on Pelican, forgot about that.
Shred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 08:10 AM   #12
2003 Base 5-speed
 
grc0456's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Stoneham, MA
Posts: 949
Garage
Fantastic ad and all good suggestions above. I definitely agree with more pics, especially including the interior. I hate ads that have 27 views of the outside of the car and none of the inside - where you'll be spending most of your time. I think you may be selling yourself a little short at $14,500. Someone is going to get a great deal!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
grc0456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 08:23 AM   #13
Registered User
 
Chuck W.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Agoura Hills (LA) So.Cal.
Posts: 1,574
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shred View Post
@Chuck W. I am looking for a 997.1 or .2 C2S Cab, still looking for 'the one' at the moment. Finding that unicorn haha!

I think I've met you before? I remember this amazing red Boxster S in Agoura. Didn't I buy a 4 stalk unit from you to do cruise control retrofit?

Thanks for the tip on Pelican, forgot about that.
I am and we did! I came sooo close to selling the Boxster a couple years ago and didn't. Worked out well.

Look at the 2009 to 2011 997.2. Better engine and some nice upgrades. Prices are dropping on those 911s too.
__________________
1995 Porsche C4 Cab

2016 BMW M2, 6 Speed LBB - ED 7/2016
1997 993 Cab - Sold; 1997 993 Turbo - Sold
2001 Boxster S - Original Owner - 30K Miles -SOLD
Chuck W. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 08:31 AM   #14
Registered User
 
CoBeerToad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Peoria IL
Posts: 529
Garage
Best Barns Sierra 12 ft. x 24 ft. Wood Garage Kit without Floor-sierra_1224 - The Home Depot

Have you considered this?
CoBeerToad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 09:34 AM   #15
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: LB, Germany
Posts: 1,453
Hello,

your ad needs more and better pictures. Don't shoot against the sun. Take pictures where you can see the car from all sides and where you can see all details.

Regards, Markus
Smallblock454 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 10:26 AM   #16
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 6
I'll re-iterate that you need more pictures, better pictures.

I recently sold a car on Bring-A-Trailer. I think there's no better enthusiast marketplace, and these cars deserve enthusiast owners.

To get shots like the ones you see on BaT, detail the car, drive to a pretty place (like a park), and wait until the "golden hour". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hour_(photography)

Take lots and lots of shots.

Yours looks like a really well cared for example, GLWS.
__________________
email beats Private Messaging: rwalker@rwalker.com
cornholington is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 10:56 AM   #17
Registered User
 
Finnegan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 455
Just to pile on: More, better pictures! Take her out for a real photo shoot. Choose a nice location, and the right light. (golden hour) That will get an emotional response. Then your fantastic ad copy will do the rest. GLWS!
__________________
'04 Midnight Blue Metallic 986
Finnegan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 11:47 AM   #18
Perfectionist
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 86
@grc0456 Thanks, price adjusted. I hope it is still a fair deal at 15500?
I guess I have to leave some room for bargaining lol.
Shred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 12:03 PM   #19
Registered User
 
BruceH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bedford, TX
Posts: 2,708
Garage
I think your price is good, everyone wants to negotiate. Same advice on the pictures, more and with better lighting. Great deal for someone. Make sure you post it here on 986 forum as well! Good luck on the sale and finding your 911 Oh and keep us posted as to both outcomes
__________________
______________________________________________
2001 Boxster S Lapis Blue
TS Cat Bypass Pipes and exhaust
iPad Mini Dash Install
DEPO Tail Lights
BruceH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2016, 01:15 PM   #20
2003 Base 5-speed
 
grc0456's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Stoneham, MA
Posts: 949
Garage
Advice on selling a clean Boxster S

Depending on how fast you want to sell, I'd stick to your guns on price if it was me. Your target buyer is someone who is an enthusiast or wants to be, who has done their research, and does not want to buy a cheap Box, unloved, undocumented Box - having to spend a lot to bring it up to par. You've loved the car, spent the money on nearly everything anyone could ask, and want to pass it along "turn key" to someone that doesn't want to deal with those things right off - they want to drive the car. Maybe I'm biased, but I was such a buyer and paid a reasonable premium for such a car. Good luck with whatever happens (and post pics of the 997)!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Last edited by grc0456; 08-03-2016 at 01:21 PM.
grc0456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:25 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page