Need your guys' sage advice again - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

shaman1204 · 02-02-2007, 02:39 PM

I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a 02 base last Wednesday. It had 35K miles, clean carfax and it looked like it had been seviced regularly and was a one owner vehicle. The dealer was asking $21,995. Called Wednesday night to make my offer and the salesman said sorry, sold it Saturday ( I drove it Friday).

But, they have the exact same car, 2002, same interior, options (not a lot), exterior color, but this one has 49K miles and they are asking $22,995? Plus, the carfax is clean but it has had 5 owners? I like the car but I am worried about the multiple owners and mileage. I will get a PPI and I found a 3 year 36K mile bumper to bumper with wear and tear, seals and gaskets, etc for $1900. Does anything about the above car throw up any flags with you guys?

I am thinking I will go drive it tomorrow and low ball him with a $20,000 offer. Afterall, it is going to be the coldest day of the year.

02-02-2007, 02:44 PM

5 owners. That's a lot.

blinkwatt · 02-02-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmussatti

5 owners. That's a lot.

Higher end cars tend to have alot of owners.

yellowboxster01 · 02-02-2007, 04:30 PM

any particular reason they want more for the one with more miles?

shaman1204 · 02-02-2007, 05:22 PM

I asked the same question and the salesman told me it was because the lower mileage one had probably been on the lot longer.

SD987 · 02-02-2007, 05:26 PM

Would you let five different strangers drive your car unsupervised for a year each?

I didn't think so.

mikefocke · 02-03-2007, 03:20 AM

and the 49k miles doesn't scare me, nor does the 5 owners. Surprise. Roadsters are owned by people whose circumstances change. I bought 2 Boxsters. First from a lady who was replacing it with a Hummer because she didn't drive it any more and now had 3 kids. Second from a salesperson who needed more room and a more all weather car and who couldn't deal with a set of snow tires for it. This last car was bought from a motivated seller in January when the car was covered with snow and salt! But because it was, I got a bargain. Both cars were 2 owners-before-me cars. Both original owners traded them in during the first year. Both cars have had very very few problems.

My advice is go to craigslist.com for Chicago and watch the adds (none there now in the medium mileage range) . Remember the asking price is at least 10% higher than you should be offering. And make friends with the guy who comes recommended as a future mechanic and who will be doing your pre-purchase inspection.

Other thoughts http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/buyingorsellinga1997-2004boxster