Dealer vs Private
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Carmel Valley CA
The difference is about 3-5K in price here. I live close to the Silicon Valley area, lots of specialty Porsche places around. Prices were generally at least 3K higher at the "dealers" than comparable private cars. As long as you can get vehicle history, records, and do your PPI, you'll save money away from the dealers. They have to make money too. If you are looking for specific color, mileage, year, you may have to buy it wherever you find it. Prices have dropped quite a bit over the last 1 1/2 years so you'll get a really good deal regardless. It does seem to me that the real bargains have been drying up. Maybe the economy forced sales are about over which I think really whacked the prices.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 341
Likes: 3
From: SEATTLE, WA
consider a dealership to be like a pawn shop. The convienence of going in, choosing a car and leaving will cost you $$$. Forget about value, but you get convienence. If you see one that looks reasonably priced (comparable to private party pricing) it's probably a roach. Nice cars are priced accordingly.
rjp
rjp
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: albany,NY
My feeling is that you pay $ 3-5 K for peace of mind. Assuming you get a warranty, and the car is all sorted out ,it may be woth it, although $3-5K can cover a lot of repairs.
Because the 911 is machanically unique, I wouldn't pay this premium to anyone except a Porsche( new or used) dealer with a good reputation.
A warranty from a guy who can't find the engine isn't woth much.
Because the 911 is machanically unique, I wouldn't pay this premium to anyone except a Porsche( new or used) dealer with a good reputation.
A warranty from a guy who can't find the engine isn't woth much.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
Get this...in the state of Georgia, there is no sales tax if a car is purchased from a private owner. If you purchase from a dealer, 6%. Obviously, PO is the way to go as long as you don't have to trade-in a car.
Don't be fooled though...the generous state of GA nicks you for "ad valorem" tax every single year based on the value of your car. Costs me about $300 each year to renew the tags on my 14 year old Carrera.
Don't be fooled though...the generous state of GA nicks you for "ad valorem" tax every single year based on the value of your car. Costs me about $300 each year to renew the tags on my 14 year old Carrera.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 686
Likes: 1
From: SLC, UT
Mike,
I live in Utah and we had a similar tax, e.g., a personal property tax, based on the book value of the car (which of course was always a few thousand more than you could sell the car for). They did away with the tax a few years ago for just the reason you stated. People were purchasing a "new" vehicle and paying less tax than people with a 15 year old P-car. Now if your car is 12 years old or older, you pay something like $30.00 and if it is new than 12 years, you pay something like $70.00. Not a bad deal...
Regards,
Jim
'86 911
I live in Utah and we had a similar tax, e.g., a personal property tax, based on the book value of the car (which of course was always a few thousand more than you could sell the car for). They did away with the tax a few years ago for just the reason you stated. People were purchasing a "new" vehicle and paying less tax than people with a 15 year old P-car. Now if your car is 12 years old or older, you pay something like $30.00 and if it is new than 12 years, you pay something like $70.00. Not a bad deal...
Regards,
Jim
'86 911
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: West Chester, Pa
Brian,
A suggestion to try to minimize the risk of uncertainty (translation: big repair bills) when buying from a private owner (and there will always be an inherent risk in buying a car like the SC that's a minimum of 20 years old - after all, stuff does wear out)- attend your local PCA meetings, and find out who has cars for sale (and why are they selling them?). It's been my limited experience that ACTIVE PCA members SEEM to take better care of their cars - perhaps because of their interest and enthusiasm in the marque. I think the 'why' a person is selling a car is important - a member is moving up (as was the PO of my SC), or going to a track car, as I've seen happen quite a bit. Also, members may know something about the car (I've found them to be refreshingly candid). IMO, the search is half the fun, and very educational. Just take your time, because there are a LOT of dogs out there.
A suggestion to try to minimize the risk of uncertainty (translation: big repair bills) when buying from a private owner (and there will always be an inherent risk in buying a car like the SC that's a minimum of 20 years old - after all, stuff does wear out)- attend your local PCA meetings, and find out who has cars for sale (and why are they selling them?). It's been my limited experience that ACTIVE PCA members SEEM to take better care of their cars - perhaps because of their interest and enthusiasm in the marque. I think the 'why' a person is selling a car is important - a member is moving up (as was the PO of my SC), or going to a track car, as I've seen happen quite a bit. Also, members may know something about the car (I've found them to be refreshingly candid). IMO, the search is half the fun, and very educational. Just take your time, because there are a LOT of dogs out there.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 99
Likes: 3
From: Petersburg, Pa
I may be in a unique position because I actually found a used car dealer I can trust! I know, I know, I shouldn't smoke so much CRACK! <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" /> He's a small town dealer, whose business has been in the family for many, many years. Most of his business is by word of mouth from satisfied customers. I payed a little more on my last 2 Porsche purchases, but when I had a problem w/ my SC, he's really gone out of his way to make things right @ his own expense. You usually get what you pay for here in Central PA. <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" />
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: IN
I would say NEVER buy at a dealer unless you have too much money!
Private owners also usually have service history and you get a better feel for how the car was taken care of vs. a dealer buying at an auction, giving it a quickie detail job maybe and on to the sales area...
I had a doctor client who wanted me to search a Porsche for him and found one at a local dealer who always had many available...He said he had complete service history so I put him in touch with my client, who bought the car. Only then did he (We) find out the service records had been...Lost...Yeah right...Dealers, if they have lips....They lie! Never again!
Private owners also usually have service history and you get a better feel for how the car was taken care of vs. a dealer buying at an auction, giving it a quickie detail job maybe and on to the sales area...
I had a doctor client who wanted me to search a Porsche for him and found one at a local dealer who always had many available...He said he had complete service history so I put him in touch with my client, who bought the car. Only then did he (We) find out the service records had been...Lost...Yeah right...Dealers, if they have lips....They lie! Never again!
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Don't forget, depending on the dealer, they may give you the contact information for the previous owner. I was looking at an SC at a MD classic car dealership, who offered to give me the previous owner's phone number. Also, if a dealer refuses to allow you get an independent PPI or seems reluctant, walk away.