Where to shop for a used Porsche?
04-03-2013, 01:21 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Where to shop for a used Porsche?
*I cross-posted this on the 993 forum as well*
*Updated with suggestions through 4/8/13*
I just recently began shopping for a used Porsche, and I'm attempting to come up with a list of all the places to look online. So far through browsing this site (along with 6speedonline and Pelican Parts) I've come up wtih:
Websites:
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com
http://www.craigstlist.com
http://www.pca.org/TheMart/SearchAds.aspx
http://poc.westhostsite.com/classifieds
http://www.autotempest.com
https://rennlist.com/forums/marketplace/cars/search
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/
http://www.ebay.com/motors
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/?mode=search_form
Dealers:
http://www.globalautosports.com/
http://www.holtmotorsports.com
http://sloancars.com
http://www.truspeedmotorcars.com
http://www.weissachautohaus.com
http://www.willhoitenterprises.com
http://www.highmarques.com
http://www.rpmsportscars.com
http://www.carsauto.com
http://www.cvluxurycars.com
http://Www.europeancollectibles.com
http://www.porsche.com/usa/approvedused/usedcarlocator/
http://www.motorcargroup.com
http://www.smithvolvo.com
http://www.tomferguson.com
http://www.victorymotorcars.com (proceed with caution)
http://www.exoticclassics.com/ (proceed with caution)
Are there any places I'm missing that have good reputations? Should I steer clear of any of the sites I listed?
Thanks
*Updated with suggestions through 4/8/13*
I just recently began shopping for a used Porsche, and I'm attempting to come up with a list of all the places to look online. So far through browsing this site (along with 6speedonline and Pelican Parts) I've come up wtih:
Websites:
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com
http://www.craigstlist.com
http://www.pca.org/TheMart/SearchAds.aspx
http://poc.westhostsite.com/classifieds
http://www.autotempest.com
https://rennlist.com/forums/marketplace/cars/search
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/
http://www.ebay.com/motors
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/?mode=search_form
Dealers:
http://www.globalautosports.com/
http://www.holtmotorsports.com
http://sloancars.com
http://www.truspeedmotorcars.com
http://www.weissachautohaus.com
http://www.willhoitenterprises.com
http://www.highmarques.com
http://www.rpmsportscars.com
http://www.carsauto.com
http://www.cvluxurycars.com
http://Www.europeancollectibles.com
http://www.porsche.com/usa/approvedused/usedcarlocator/
http://www.motorcargroup.com
http://www.smithvolvo.com
http://www.tomferguson.com
http://www.victorymotorcars.com (proceed with caution)
http://www.exoticclassics.com/ (proceed with caution)
Are there any places I'm missing that have good reputations? Should I steer clear of any of the sites I listed?
Thanks
Last edited by BradtheAg; 04-10-2013 at 11:11 AM.
04-03-2013, 02:22 PM
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2010
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Hi,
Try here, it's always worth telling Tom what you're looking for；
http://www.tomferguson.com/
Good luck，
Paul
Try here, it's always worth telling Tom what you're looking for；
http://www.tomferguson.com/
Good luck，
Paul
04-03-2013, 03:28 PM
#4
Formerly turbotwoshoes
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Shopping for a car?
Rennlist Vehicles for sale section... I think it is limited to members.
I see some really nice cars and sometimes really good buys go buy form time to time. ie. a 1993 965 3.6 turbo went for $50K +/- but had more than that in receipts and had been very tastefully rebuilt form total strip down. I try to find the link. Patience is the key word when buying a Porsche. Prices will start rising like the sap in the trees as the weather continues to improve this spring.
I see some really nice cars and sometimes really good buys go buy form time to time. ie. a 1993 965 3.6 turbo went for $50K +/- but had more than that in receipts and had been very tastefully rebuilt form total strip down. I try to find the link. Patience is the key word when buying a Porsche. Prices will start rising like the sap in the trees as the weather continues to improve this spring.
04-03-2013, 05:08 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
Trending Topics
04-04-2013, 01:04 PM
#8
Hi,
Try here, it's always worth telling Tom what you're looking for；
http://www.tomferguson.com/
Good luck，
Paul
Try here, it's always worth telling Tom what you're looking for；
http://www.tomferguson.com/
Good luck，
Paul
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
04-04-2013, 01:54 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
I'd argue against discussing your car interests with a broker or locator service. They are not your ally. Instead, they will become your competitor, trying to locate and acquire the car you want, creating an artificial increase in apparent buyer interest in the car you're considering.
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
04-08-2013, 03:34 PM
#10
Instructor
Thread Starter
Great post, thanks.
You can save searches on http://www.autotrader.com/ and http://www.cars.com/ and have it update you whenever a new car that meets your criteria is added. I have found that http://www.globalautosports.com/ does a decent job of aggregating cars for sale by dealers.
OP is updated with all suggestions through 4/8.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
OP is updated with all suggestions through 4/8.
04-08-2013, 06:43 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Yorkshire, England
Posts: 855
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Hi,
I agree with much of what you say but it's very simplistic. I wasn't saying buy here, was saying try here in your search, it worked for me and I'm very happy. No time spent researching is wasted and I think that was what the original question was about, the more places to look, the better.
Not everyone has sufficient mechanical knowledge of model differences, inherent model problems, not to mention backdates, upgrades, recalls, rust buckets, the car not being exactly as advertised, chop jobs, stolen vehicles etc., etc.
You can rack up a fair old bill just travelling around looking for the right car and if you don't have the knowledge you are walking a very long and very thin wire, we all know these cars can be very expensive to put right.
I would always keep my options open and look everywhere, if you can't find the car you want what have you got to lose? Nobody is forces anyone to buy, if you do find the what you think is the right car but you're not completely happy always be prepared to walk away, they may even come after you with a better deal.
In the meantime you're learning all the while and a good reliable specialist can be a good ally, I've had them come with me to check a car out for nothing more that the cost of dinner and a couple of beers.
If you end up buying from a reputable specialist you can always take it back if it isn't right. They should want to make you happy 'coz they have a reputation in a very small market and they know you may buy another from them in the future. Not to mention get added value from servicing etc., and they might get to sell your original car all over again when the time comes.
It's all good advice though, nothing wasted, buyer beware
Cheers,
Paul
I'd argue against discussing your car interests with a broker or locator service. They are not your ally. Instead, they will become your competitor, trying to locate and acquire the car you want, creating an artificial increase in apparent buyer interest in the car you're considering.
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
Not everyone has sufficient mechanical knowledge of model differences, inherent model problems, not to mention backdates, upgrades, recalls, rust buckets, the car not being exactly as advertised, chop jobs, stolen vehicles etc., etc.
You can rack up a fair old bill just travelling around looking for the right car and if you don't have the knowledge you are walking a very long and very thin wire, we all know these cars can be very expensive to put right.
I would always keep my options open and look everywhere, if you can't find the car you want what have you got to lose? Nobody is forces anyone to buy, if you do find the what you think is the right car but you're not completely happy always be prepared to walk away, they may even come after you with a better deal.
In the meantime you're learning all the while and a good reliable specialist can be a good ally, I've had them come with me to check a car out for nothing more that the cost of dinner and a couple of beers.
If you end up buying from a reputable specialist you can always take it back if it isn't right. They should want to make you happy 'coz they have a reputation in a very small market and they know you may buy another from them in the future. Not to mention get added value from servicing etc., and they might get to sell your original car all over again when the time comes.
It's all good advice though, nothing wasted, buyer beware
Cheers,
Paul
04-08-2013, 09:10 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
06-26-2013, 02:18 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Arizona
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I'd argue against discussing your car interests with a broker or locator service. They are not your ally. Instead, they will become your competitor, trying to locate and acquire the car you want, creating an artificial increase in apparent buyer interest in the car you're considering.
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
Even if you look at a car you like, don't take the seemingly benign "offer" from the selling dealer to locate a similar or better example.
If you want a bit of fun with this den of thieves, instead of enquiring as a buyer, first enquire as a seller:
"Gee, I am wondering about selling my '97 Turbo S, but I'm not sure about price ..."
"Oh that Albatross. Oh boy, what a millstone around your neck! Wow. Tough car to sell. You'll never find a real buyer. Boy, I wish I could help you out. It's going to be a very slow process to sell a car like that. The very most you'll get for it is $110K and I know that sounds like less than you expected, but trust me, I've been in this business for 30 years and I know what it takes to sell a car like that! You don't even want to think about the cost and the time to deal with it! Believe me!"
... then have a friend call up as a buyer:
"Hi, I'm in the market for a 993 Turbo. I see you have one advertised."
"You certainly know your Porsches! That's an awesome car. And what a great example we have here on our showroom floor. It's been the talk of everyone who visits. It will be sold at the full asking price and I know the history of this car, it's a rare thing to find one in this condition! You know, if you really want a superb 993 Turbo, I know of a Turbo S that might be coming on the market, but those are practically impossible to find and will be close to $200K ... are you in that market?"
On the other hand, if you want an absolutely pristine, money no object example and you're prepared to pay a 10% to 100% (no kidding) premium to have it "sourced" through the wholesalers and auctioneers, through the "grapevine" of used car dealers and brokers, then by all means, give it a whirl. Every now and then, especially in a buyer's market, having the wider reach of the seasoned broker can actually work out in your favor.
As others have noted, there's no substitute for buying directly from the seller in a private sale. You can learn a lot more about the real condition and history of a Porsche buy standing in the driveway of the owner's house and getting the measure of the person as they describe their time with the car to give you confidence the car is as well maintained as the paperwork suggests.
I bought a used '94 RS America and a used 2004 996 GT3 by thumbing through the classifieds and taking the owner at face value. Both cars were one-owner and genuinely "showroom" and "pride and joy" examples.
Sidenote: When I was selling the RS America, I had exactly that conversation with on or two of the brokers back then (at least two of which still exist and predate on Porsche owners today, you'll usually see them listing "pristine" cars for exorbitant numbers.) Their game is simple. You advertise your car, they call you up first thing in the morning and explain how you've got a real problem on your hands. You'll say "But this car is unique and awesome?!" and they say "Sure, but just try finding the next guy who agrees with you and will pay you all the money." After a few minutes of browbeating, they start trying to "close" on you and get you to be a sucker and take a "we pay cash" offer.
As for the shopping process, the list above is pretty comprehensive (and who has time to survey all those sites?) so my question is how on Earth to keep an eye on all those listing sites. Google can't get into their listings and can't alert you to new listings. So there's no easy way to subscribe.
If anyone knows of a way to get alerts on new listings or to subscribe (without being observed oneself and just picked off by a better-informed market observer one step ahead of you) then please advise!
06-26-2013, 03:48 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
I've been happy with my purchase from Holt. Based on the cars I've seen on this site and a few others, my car is in the top 2 or 3 percent in terms of condition. It was a little pricey but in the long run was worth it to me.
