Lessons learned: Buying a "used low mileage engine"(must read) - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jake Raby · 09-30-2009, 08:02 PM

thehighheelsgirl,

Trust that this forum will not be utilized for anything more on this subject than it already has been... I am well aware of the forums rules and will conform to them.

I know all about forum controversy; I've probably been engaged in more than ten thousand of them since around 1995 when I started posting to newsgroups and the like. Thats what happens when one thinks outside the box, gets big results and then shares them.

The "Purchaser" has come up with his own way of sharing this and when the time comes he'll do that..

Until then, I am just the bearer of the technical glitches and nightmares imposed by the "Phantom".

Where this story ends up being published might just surprise lots of people.

pcs5978 · 10-01-2009, 02:07 AM

The Latin phrase referenced below, Caveat Emptor or "Let the buyer beware", certainly applies in this situation. As the purchaser of this motor, no one knows this better that me. But there is another phrase that people are less familiar with, Caveat Venditor which translates to ""Let the seller beware". The size, speed, connectedness and transparency of internet-based virtual communities means that if you're representing a product or service that is not up to standard, you're putting you're business and/your reputation on the line. Being "outed" to a community can be a very anxiety provoking thing and by reading the content and the subtext of the stings in this thread its not to difficult to figure out who the "vendor" is that needs to "beware". Me thinks he does protest too much.

Stay Tuned

Rob-00BoxsterS · 10-01-2009, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehighheelsgirl

...On the other hand, an internet forum is not a place for people to settle personal grievances or engage in name calling... As a new member here, I did read the rules, and it states, like I think pretty much all forums, that "do not use this forum as a vehicle to attack others." Regardless of how much dislike some of us may have for others, posting other member's names and contact info in a public domain like this is not right.

I couldn't disagree with you more. An internet forum is the place to settle grievances pertaining to that forum and I don't see Jake or pcs5978 engaging in any questionable name calling. They are stating facts and protecting the community. I would be interested in Brucelee and/or Rkwie's opinion on this.

Personally, if I were in the market for a new (to me) engine, I would like some background on who I could (or couldn't) trust. Actually, make that for anything I purchase.

Many forums have a buyers/sellers/vendors feedback sub-forum.

Having joined our community only a few days ago and not wanting the identity of this mystery seller revealed makes me question your motives. Forgive me if I am off base with my assumptions.

cvhs18472 · 10-01-2009, 03:57 AM

If an old animal has 4 legs, teats, weighs well over 1000#s and gives milk: is calling it a cow name calling? There is an old Polish saying that asks if a Pigs A** is still Pork--basically saying what is, is . There is no name calling here just a true story. Ed

thehighheelsgirl · 10-01-2009, 06:15 AM

I just joined this forum the other day after finding it on the internet, after I bought a Boxster last week to learn a bit more about it. I only mentioned my post in this thread since I've seen things get really out of control on other forums.

For the sake of knowing who to trust and not trust when buying these, if the source of this engine was a professional merchant, then yes, I would want to know where I can or can't buy from. I'm on a shoe forum (don't laugh, I'm a girl LOL), and there are multiple threads about what online stores to deal with and which ones to avoid. However, if the person in question here is not a merchant, while it's an unfortunate deal for the buyer, it's not like he's likely to be selling other engines in the future since he's not in the engine selling business. At least that would be my logic, those of you who are more "car guys" let me know if my thinking is wrong.

jmatta · 10-01-2009, 06:34 AM

I commend Jake for his time (which could be better spent) and efforts to educate the rest of us on the pitfalls of these engines (M96) and the new breed of snakes which have arisen looking to prey upon those less knowledgeable (and think they can get away with it).

Just remember, that shiney new "used" Boxster you just purchased could house one of these frankenstein engines...better to have the right questions to ask before you write the check.

Jake Raby · 10-01-2009, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Just remember, that shiney new "used" Boxster you just purchased could house one of these frankenstein engines...better to have the right questions to ask before you write the check.

You got that right!! It would amaze you to know how many instances arise with phone calls where Boxster and 911 oweners have experienced engines failures and ALL they want to do is screw the next guy!!!
They ask me "Is there any way I can repair the engine cheap so I can just sell the car?"

I typically then go ballistic and remind them that Porsche people don't screw each other and they obviously aren't an enthusiast at the level they should be to own one one.

Nothing fires me up more than that!

Steve Tinker · 10-01-2009, 11:33 PM

jmatta is absolutely correct - any purchaser of a used Boxster (and there are many of us who can ill afford a new one) could have a similar engine lurking under the hood......
I think both pcs5978 and Jake both have a legit argument - we are not talking peanuts here & I'll bet there is some serious money having to be spent. Imagine this happening to you......

Jaxonalden · 10-01-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehighheelsgirl

I'm on a shoe forum (don't laugh, I'm a girl LOL), and there are multiple threads about what online stores...

Let’s see, your forum name is "Thehighheelsgirl" and you’re a member of a shoe forum (didn't even know that existed

). Yea, you’re a girl alright and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. You and Love Bunny should get together; she has a pair of boots you can appreciate.

Some older members might remember this from last December.

[IMG]http://986forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11415&stc=1[IMG]

pcs5978 · 10-01-2009, 01:00 PM

When I bought this motor, I didn't expect to have all sorts of expensive problems. But since then I've tried to look on the bright side and I've discovered a new return on this "investment" - entertainment! Didn't really imagine that I'd find myself getting advise in Forum Etiquette from someone who frequents a "shoe forum". Wait a minute didn't Osama Bin Laden escape from Bora Bora wearing a Burkha?

10-01-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaxonalden

Let’s see, your forum name is "Thehighheelsgirl" and you’re a member of a shoe forum (didn't even know that existed

). Yea, you’re a girl alright and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. You and Love Bunny should get together; she has a pair of boots you can appreciate.

Some older members might remember this from last December.

[IMG]http://986forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11415&stc=1[IMG]

The things women spend money on.....

Jake Raby · 10-01-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

who he/she is.

Now thats funny!!!!!

BigOlJohnson · 10-07-2009, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehighheelsgirl

I just joined this forum the other day after finding it on the internet, after I bought a Boxster last week to learn a bit more about it.
I only mentioned my post in this thread since I've seen things get really out of control on other forums. .

I thought you bought the Boxster in February? Talk to Aaron Holstrum lately?

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehighheelsgirl

-------------However, if the person in question here is not a merchant, while it's an unfortunate deal for the buyer, it's not like he's
likely to be selling other engines in the future since he's not in the engine selling business. --------

So, we let the Guy/Girl off the hook, just because he doesn't have ANOTHER broken
engine to sell?

I CALL BS! I say we hang him/her by his NUTS, IF he has any!

BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

BIGGY

clickman · 10-02-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob-00BoxsterS

An internet forum is the place to settle grievances pertaining to that forum and I don't see Jake or pcs5978 engaging in any questionable name calling. They are stating facts and protecting the community.

Personally, if I were in the market for a new (to me) engine, I would like some background on who I could (or couldn't) trust.

I agree 100%. If forum members can protect other forum members from spending a LOT of $ on these shysters and the problems they create, why wouldn't we share all that we know, including naming names?

Brucelee · 10-03-2009, 05:48 AM

Why the diversion to boots and shoes?

Just wondering.

jmatta · 10-03-2009, 06:12 AM

Things got a bit sidetracked by the posts from new member "thehighheelsgirl"...
everyone kind of forgot about the engine problems for a moment!

I (for one) have been watching this post a couple times daily for updates.

thehighheelsgirl · 10-03-2009, 10:03 AM

Sorry bout that guys!

Dragonwind · 10-07-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Why the diversion to boots and shoes?

Just wondering.

It must have been the commercial interuption to the drama we are watching.

Chris