Topaz330ci

Hello Folks,

I found an excellent 04 C4S in Sacramento..... check it out;

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

I talked the person down to around $34.5

I calculated all my expenses and it would come up to around $40K after import and registration into Canada. With an extra $500 which my local Porsche dealer asks for the letter. I was thinking upon purchase, I will take it to a local Porsche dealer in Sacramento for a full inspection and at the same time to program my DRL's....

What do you guys think of this car and my process? I'm looking for input...

Thanks,

Alin

ivangene

get the full inspection PRIOR to purchase

THEN discuss price
not the other way around

looks like a nice car GL

nick49

As far as your process goes, I think you have a few things backwards. Too many people are buying a "deal" rather than a car. Asking for the best price first, before doing anything else will get you neither the best deal, or the sellers attention.

In order to get your best price and not **** off the seller, price negotiation should be last. First decide if you would buy the car at the right price. Next have the car checked out to your satisfaction. If you would still buy it and actually like it better thans others you've seen, start the bargaining process.

Check as many sources to get info on what a car like this should sell for. Now you have an idea what the car is worth, you can make a realistic offer. Considerations should be made for any detailing or work the car may need, or expendables nearing the end of their useful life. You may also add for anything you feel is better or way above average.

This process can take a lot of the emotion out of the purchase and have you make rational decisions based on facts. You won't **** off the seller, by chiseling on price when he has no idea if you are a serious buyer. If you have decided on the car and have done some work to show it, the seller will realize that the price is the only thing holding you back and will lower it accordingly to move the car.

Lastly, find a car that will knock your socks off, forget about price. If it ckecks out, negotiate, and buy it. You will be much happier with it regardless of what you paid, providing it's within your budget than buying something that really doesn't excite you because the price was right.

ROK

good thoughts, nick. i completely agree. you get what you pay for.

i've seen so many examples where a buyer says he/she got a killer deal but when I look at the car, it makes sense why. i'd pay the extra couple Ks to get the mint shape car with great options.

ivangene

Turns out studies show that people who get the lowest prices often end up be the least happy





So if you wanna be really happy PM me and I will sell you my car

fbgh2o

You are being ripped off, unless PCNA has issued an edict which precludes US dealers from issuing the recall clearance letter.


PM me and I can help you with the process. I live in Ottawa and brought a C4 to Ottawa from Dallas last fall.

Barn996

As others have noted, do a PPI, if it passes go drive the Porsche. I think the price is very good, but only if the vehicle passes your requirements...driveability, appearance, interior wear and tear etc. GL

Topaz330ci

This is the answer I just got from him;

Thanks for the continual interest in my car. It is tentatively sold this past sunday, but process is not complete so I'll answer your questions still and keep you posted on the on-going process

1. never in the accident and clean title - I do however run the car thru my practice so there is a lien on the car
2. never been painted
3. clutch not been replaced and last maintenance at Niello Porsche clutch/brake checked out with flying colors
4. never leaks nor RMS issue as Niello Porsche checks the car on all visits
5. i'm the original owner but had dealer miles when I bought it
6. see 3, front tires in excellent condition
7. no mechanical/electrical problems... just a replaced CD player no costs to me by the dealer with OEM Bose unit about 2 yrs ago
8. zero problem as of yesterday

Hopefully this helps, and again I'll keep you posted on the process,


So the car seems very stellar by the looks of it.

This car is also exactly what I want, Black on Black late model 966 4s, so it def blows my socks off!

At the moment this situation seem's a bit iffy. It might be sold soon

Only thing I could do now is wait and see... But indeed I would negotiate more if problems arise after a full inspection. I just wanted to see how much flex I have with negotiating. I would be flying in and driving back pretty much 2 days. during the drive back I would have to find a place to stop at and get the LN Engeenered bearing replaced. So that would contribute to another day in the journey...

Thanks for the input guys! and I'll keep you posted on the status.

Topaz330ci

You are correct. Once I do the inspection and DRL lights at the dealer there... I will ask them for a recall letter and hopefully this will do the trick without even stopping in at Mark Motors Ottawa.

I'll let you know if I have any questions on the actual import process.

My current car was imported from North Carolina and I got suckered into paying BMW 1000$ for recall and admissibility letter

rajeshr

BTW, doing the DRL's at the dealer is going to be prohibitively expensive. I think you will end paying $900 or so for that. When I imported mine to Victoria, I ended up doing the DRL's myself - the cost was about $7 in parts and 10 mins of labour. Here's a link to what needs to be done:
DRL Hack

Topaz330ci

What an easy Hack. I heard of it, but I didn't research it yet. Looks like a 10 min job for sure.

I did not expect it to be $900. I thought about an hour labour would do the trick but I guess not.

Thank you for this very useful hack!

fbgh2o

Just to be certain, have you talked to a US dealer and asked them for a recall letter? The RIV does not care who issues it.

I can recommend an excellent non-dealer mechanic who did my whole inspection, DRL hack and handled the emissions, stickers, child saftety bolt etc...

Topaz330ci

No I did not call and ask yet.....

I am just waiting to see the status of the car. Waiting.... and waiting.... and waiting.


If the car is still available, then I will start putting things into place and taking actions. I'll contact you if all goes well!

Thank you for the help!

Shark Attack

Get a PPI if it all looks good just buy it

Shark Attack

But why woudl you bother importing?