Originally Posted by Archimedes

The only for sure advice that we can give the OP, given it appears that he is new to Porsche, is that his chances of getting a GT4 RS are slim to none, unless he's willing to pay a big ADM. OP, I would search for an allocation and also scour the dealer cars that are out there now to see if anything tickles your fancy. I would not hold out hopes for an RS or, even less so, a manual RS.

Originally Posted by Surge74

I think the better question to the OP is, why do you want a manual?! The manual is the biggest issue with the GT4/Spyder, and perhaps its only serious flaw. I can’t get my heart around a PDK Boxster, and I don’t want a GT4, so I walked from my Spyder allocation because of the terrible gear ratios.
If I were you, I would get a PDK RS and keep it forever.

Originally Posted by Dave I

I might be the only person in CA history to get screwed over a "non-refundable" deposit on a Porsche, but it did happen. Fourteen years ago I ordered a 997.1 Carrera S through Michael Porsche in Fresno (had purchased two cars from them before) and two months before the car arrived, decided to cancel and found out that my sales manager contact was no longer employed there. The new *** clown that had replaced him told me "absolutely no way your deposit is refundable". After weeks of trying to go up the chain of command and researching the cost to retain counsel, I decided the cost of trying to recoup the deposit was going to be far greater than the original cost.

Definitely use someone recommended by a member such as Larry, and if possible get something in writing.

Originally Posted by The Pinkoboe

When I was searching for my allocation last year, several California dealers told me any deposit would be non-refundable, regardless of what the law said. Fresno was one of those sleazy dealers who wanted me to sign something saying I understood my deposit would not be returned. I will never do business with a dealership that feels they can violate the law just because they have a product that is in high demand.

I kept looking until I found a dealer (Livermore) that told me upfront that it was of course refundable, and was an otherwise smooth transaction.

Good luck in your hunt!

Originally Posted by Christmas50

AMEX is the answer! LOL!

Originally Posted by TXshaggy

Lol, well when you progress from #3 "on a list" to an allocation with a commission number then report back. Few others on here reporting same situation

Originally Posted by mllarson

I know a lot of people who are #3 'on a list' for an allocation, many of whom are on the same list as me...

Originally Posted by Larry Cable

Whenever I place a deposit with a dealership (via a credit card) I always write a letter authorizing the deduction including phraseology to the effect that the deposit is fully refundable by Ca law.

If they get $hitty then you can always use your credit card company to dispute the charge, and produce the letter signed/dated to the effect that was delivered to the dealership ...

Originally Posted by Larry Cable

"we're sorry, we're experiencing very low allocation volumes at the moment, but your allocation is very important to us, please stay on the list. and your allocation will be fulfilled in the order in which it suits us..."