Looking to purchase 964
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 782
Likes: 3
From: Abbotsford, BC
1) Gain as much knowledge about these cars as you can. (Lots of info and help on this forum)
2) Establish a respectful relationship with the seller. (Remember that in this market the seller is in the drivers seat and needs to know you're a serious buyer)
3) Get in the drivers seat. (Take the time to inspect and discuss all aspects of the car with the owner)
4) Pull the trigger. (Money talks)
2) Establish a respectful relationship with the seller. (Remember that in this market the seller is in the drivers seat and needs to know you're a serious buyer)
3) Get in the drivers seat. (Take the time to inspect and discuss all aspects of the car with the owner)
4) Pull the trigger. (Money talks)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 121
From: British Columbia, Canada
When I found a car I liked, that also happened to be local to me, I was left with little choice but to make the deal the day I went to look at her. Another prospective buyer had a PPI done, but foolishly passed on the car. I happened to be friendly with the shop that did the PPI and was able to chat over the results via phone. When I went to see the car myself, I knew I wanted her. I didn't even drive her. I was sitting in the drivers seat, engine purring, looked up at the owner and said "I'll take it."
The price was fair for both parties. I offered a few bucks less than asking, attempting to save a couple dollars and put towards future servicing materials. He kindly declined. We knew the ask was the price, not a dollar less. I smiled. He smiled. We shook hands. Done deal. Took maybe 20 minutes from start to finish. I now know it would be nearly impossible to find another example with all of the work/documentation/mileage/condition that this car has. I feel bad for the other buyer who chose to pass. But, I am very thankful he did.
The price was fair for both parties. I offered a few bucks less than asking, attempting to save a couple dollars and put towards future servicing materials. He kindly declined. We knew the ask was the price, not a dollar less. I smiled. He smiled. We shook hands. Done deal. Took maybe 20 minutes from start to finish. I now know it would be nearly impossible to find another example with all of the work/documentation/mileage/condition that this car has. I feel bad for the other buyer who chose to pass. But, I am very thankful he did.
As Mixter has stated in the previous post ... the seller is in the driver's seat here.
Once you have found the car that you want you know there is zero chance that another one exists.
Either you buy it or know that a similar one is not likely to come back into the picture.
Unfortunately buying a good 964 is expensive and you have to be prepare to pay.
When I purchased mine I offered the seller full asking price with no subject and an all cash deal.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,118
Likes: 3,227
From: New Jersey
Yes PPI is important to verify, for me personally, clean/maintained is key. Clean perfect paint, I expect and am OK with some patina on a 25yr old car, but I want one not abused and without major warts to deal with. I'm not super concerned about repairs if done properly and/or cannot tell. I don't mind spending several K to get things where I want them, but unless the car is a bargain I don't want to have to do a repaint immediately or a tranny/engine job.
This is all for C2 964:
40k - probably needs quite a few things, drippy engine, interior could be a bit ratty, same with paint, and high miles
50k - most likely recent major work, clean engine, clean interior, serviceable paint, miles 100k+
60k - no major work needed, engine clean/no drips, clean interior, good paint (maybe not all original), miles under 100k
70k+ - low miles, need nothing, very clean repaint and/or original paint, very clean interior, later year 92-94, desirable color combo/special exterior colors.
I've seen cars trade in ALL these ranges the last couple months.
At least that is what I saw/see out there.
This is all for C2 964:
40k - probably needs quite a few things, drippy engine, interior could be a bit ratty, same with paint, and high miles
50k - most likely recent major work, clean engine, clean interior, serviceable paint, miles 100k+
60k - no major work needed, engine clean/no drips, clean interior, good paint (maybe not all original), miles under 100k
70k+ - low miles, need nothing, very clean repaint and/or original paint, very clean interior, later year 92-94, desirable color combo/special exterior colors.
I've seen cars trade in ALL these ranges the last couple months.
At least that is what I saw/see out there.
My advice is a bit different. Work your network with the Porsche family. Post a WTB ad in all the forums. Meet everyone at all the local shops and tell them what you are looking for. I searched for my car as I would search for a job. Meet anyone and everyone. Place ads in the local PCA newsletter, meet the local PCA members. You have to get out there and find your car.
Waiting for the car to show up on RL or PP means you are competing with all the rest of the world and unless the car is right around the corner from you, you will not get there first and most likely will have to assume the risk of no PPI.
Ultimately, my efforts paid off in just 2-3 months, and I was blessed by the previous owner contacting me. The car was not really "for sale". He saw one of my ads, it resonated with him and he reached out to me. Turns out he is the long-time friend of a local Porsche enthusiast that I am fortunate to count as a friend of mine. I now have gained yet another friend and a very nice car. There was no timing pressure, no competition, just two gentlemen meeting and executing a smooth transaction. Like in the old days...
Honestly, I don't know how people buy these cars any other way. I don't know why anyone would want to cheat themselves of all the great experience that results from the process I describe.
Just my humble opinion.
Waiting for the car to show up on RL or PP means you are competing with all the rest of the world and unless the car is right around the corner from you, you will not get there first and most likely will have to assume the risk of no PPI.
Ultimately, my efforts paid off in just 2-3 months, and I was blessed by the previous owner contacting me. The car was not really "for sale". He saw one of my ads, it resonated with him and he reached out to me. Turns out he is the long-time friend of a local Porsche enthusiast that I am fortunate to count as a friend of mine. I now have gained yet another friend and a very nice car. There was no timing pressure, no competition, just two gentlemen meeting and executing a smooth transaction. Like in the old days...
Honestly, I don't know how people buy these cars any other way. I don't know why anyone would want to cheat themselves of all the great experience that results from the process I describe.
Just my humble opinion.
My one suggestion is not only to have a thorough PPI done but if you can make sure the shop specializes in Porsche's and has extensive knowledge of the 964 or 993 at a minimum. Too many PPI's done by 'Mr German car mechanic' and this can lead to disappointment as well. Also you may consider setting your sights lower. I used to tell people back in the 80's find a car that is mechanically sound and cosmetically poor vs the other way around. It is always easier to fix the cosmetics and you can drive a car that doesn't look great but not one that doesn't run great.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 409
Likes: 3
From: Knoxville, TN
These things are nuts. 3 years ago a girl brought one over she was needing to sell. Just over 100k miles. She wanted 12.5k. I offered 10.5k and was afraid she'd take it.
Don't give alot of money for junk would be my only suggestion. Junk is still affordable on the front end.
Don't give alot of money for junk would be my only suggestion. Junk is still affordable on the front end.
