'99 Boxter - Purchasing - Would like some advice - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

idjiot · 08-29-2005, 10:56 AM

You guys are definitely giving me lots of doubts about this. (It's a good thing, though.)

I'm not in "desperate" need of a car so maybe I'll go take a look at a few more. There really aren't that many more out there.

To the guy who said the cars are a bit overprice - what are you selling your car for? I really am a serious buyer. If I go with these cars, what would you consider to be more "fair" prices for them?

FYI - Car B - the one I'm seriously considering - original asking price was $22.5k. The owner seems to have really taken care of the car - only used Porsche stuff on it. Plus, him being the only owner seemed like a plus to me. Most other cars asking for less are at least two owners. I'm ambivalent on the tiptronic but at the end of the day, it is nicer when there's so much damn traffic - if you live in LA you'll understand.

I'd LOVE to buy this 2002 S that I saw at a dealer. IT was in Yellow and pure sweetness. It's a shame they were asking for $32k. Anyone know of a similar car being sold for about $8k less? Haha.

Considering my budget (about $20k - it's not that I CAN'T go over that but I really would rather not), can I really do better than these cars and still get a Porsche?!!

idjiot · 08-30-2005, 03:52 PM

After listening to the discussion here on this forum and discussing with my cousin, we have decided to spend the extra cash upfront to get a newer car with less mileage if only for peace of mind.

Instead, we're looking at a 2001 with 31k miles for $25k tonight (Too expensive?). I checked on Edmunds and that seems to be approximately the right value for a Private Party sale. The owner wouldn't go lower than that.

It's also yellow.

I've got my fingers crossed that this is the one!

Brucelee · 08-30-2005, 04:17 PM

No, that price is in the ballpark and I applaud you decision to step up a bit in value. I think you will not be sorry.

BTW-that Yellow can be a sweet color.

Best of luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by idjiot

After listening to the discussion here on this forum and discussing with my cousin, we have decided to spend the extra cash upfront to get a newer car with less mileage if only for peace of mind.

Instead, we're looking at a 2001 with 31k miles for $25k tonight (Too expensive?). I checked on Edmunds and that seems to be approximately the right value for a Private Party sale. The owner wouldn't go lower than that.

It's also yellow.

I've got my fingers crossed that this is the one!

idjiot · 08-31-2005, 07:20 AM

Got the car - will post information later. Does anyone know of a good mechanic near Laguna Niguel, CA? (Orange County, CA) I need to get the car checked out prior to completing the purchase...

Brucelee · 08-31-2005, 11:03 AM

For this PPI, I would use the nearest Porsche dealership. Do a google to find one. Well worth the money.

Best of luck.

I love Laguna Niguel BTW-that Ritz is my favorite resort in the world!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by idjiot

Got the car - will post information later. Does anyone know of a good mechanic near Laguna Niguel, CA? (Orange County, CA) I need to get the car checked out prior to completing the purchase...

idjiot · 08-31-2005, 11:49 AM

*****UPDATE*********

I called Dealer A to get some details and it turns out they don't run any tests - it's all visual. The only thing that "might" be different is that they do a road test. That's it.

My only question now is: do I need any of the checks that I've listed below or can I just go ahead with the visual?

Thanks!
**********************

I called up two dealers:

1. Dealer A - quoted me $464 - said that it was their complete certification program.
2. Dealer B - quoted me $125 - he said that it would be mostly a visual check on everything.

My question is: what do I really need?

I've read about compression checks, laser alignments, multi-pint checks...at the end of the day, I'm not sure what I really "need."

In case you're in California and knowledgable: Dealer A = Newport Auto; Dealer B = McKenna

Thanks!!!

Brucelee · 08-31-2005, 11:54 AM

In my opinion, you need something not quoted.

The pre-cert inspection is overkill.

The visual check is not enough.

My dealer does the visual, a road test, and puts the car on the computer, runs it through a diagnostic. They also do a print out of all warranty work done on the car since day 1.

They charge $230 and this takes them about 2 hours.

BTW-this is Hoen Porsche, here in Carlsbad. The contact is Mike Cooper at 760-438-4434 if you want to speak with him.

Hope that helps.

Good luck!