Questions buying used 981
#1
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Questions buying used 981
Long time reader, first time poster. I'm about to purchase a used 981 and I'm just curious if you pros see any red flags here.
It's a dealer sold CPO 2015 Cayman S, well optioned (PDK, Chrono, PSE, X73 Sports Suspension, Premium Pkg, Infotainment/Bose, 20" plat satin wheels, Bi-xenon) w/ warranty until 2021 for $60k. I had a PPI done from a independent 3rd party (hopefully, because small city, dealer knew them) which turned up a missing exhaust manifold bolt, some road rash/broken air deflectors ahead of the front tires, and overrevs to the tune of range1: 997\1635.00h, range2 5\1248.00h (seems fine from what I've read here). Car has 6000 miles, essentially all on the track. I'm flying in from out of state, so seller wants me to send pictures of both sides of cashier's check prior to arrival (mail order was the other option), as well as SSN and driver's license pics. Not sure if that is standard practice or not?
It's a dealer sold CPO 2015 Cayman S, well optioned (PDK, Chrono, PSE, X73 Sports Suspension, Premium Pkg, Infotainment/Bose, 20" plat satin wheels, Bi-xenon) w/ warranty until 2021 for $60k. I had a PPI done from a independent 3rd party (hopefully, because small city, dealer knew them) which turned up a missing exhaust manifold bolt, some road rash/broken air deflectors ahead of the front tires, and overrevs to the tune of range1: 997\1635.00h, range2 5\1248.00h (seems fine from what I've read here). Car has 6000 miles, essentially all on the track. I'm flying in from out of state, so seller wants me to send pictures of both sides of cashier's check prior to arrival (mail order was the other option), as well as SSN and driver's license pics. Not sure if that is standard practice or not?
#2
Any maintenance records? I'd like to see more frequent oil changes given track usage. Otherwise with the CPO warranty you should be fine. I've been tracking my 981 for 3 years and it's running strong.
Should also check the brake rotors for cracks around the holes, discoloration of the red calipers, and pad thickness. Not sure if the dealer would address these items, but worth a shot if needed.
Should also check the brake rotors for cracks around the holes, discoloration of the red calipers, and pad thickness. Not sure if the dealer would address these items, but worth a shot if needed.
#3
Sounds like a careful dealer, but it makes sense they want to make sure you're legit before they hand off a 60K car to you. Though I just bought a used 987 Boxster from a Buick dealer 100 miles away with a personal check. Granted it was a third of what you're paying, but still, it made me laugh that they would do that.
The 981 is a great car, I think you're getting a solid deal on a well optioned car. I've got a 981 Cayman GTS and that thing is going to be with me for a loooong time. You will really enjoy yours.
I agree it would be good to see maintenance records, but you can ask the dealer to pull you any records of the car through its VIN. Since it's under original warranty, the original owner most likely went to his dealer for scheduled maintenance. If he used it for DEs there should be records of several oil changes. Brakes could be a bit worn, I'd make sure the car has decent pads. If you arent going to track it make sure you have a set of OEM pads on it.
The 981 is a great car, I think you're getting a solid deal on a well optioned car. I've got a 981 Cayman GTS and that thing is going to be with me for a loooong time. You will really enjoy yours.
I agree it would be good to see maintenance records, but you can ask the dealer to pull you any records of the car through its VIN. Since it's under original warranty, the original owner most likely went to his dealer for scheduled maintenance. If he used it for DEs there should be records of several oil changes. Brakes could be a bit worn, I'd make sure the car has decent pads. If you arent going to track it make sure you have a set of OEM pads on it.
#4
No SSN unless you're financing, or dealer is handling your plates. They love to run people's credit, but with a cashier's check, no need. But only if cashier's check is from a major bank; otherwise they're voidable (credit unions, etc). A copy of your DL is standard practice. I'd also make sure there're no exclusions on the warranty due to tracking, which is not officially covered (not even on GT cars after 2014 anymore, although so far it's being done as goodwill). I'd personally pass on a track rat like that, but CPO and a local dealer should give you some piece of mind. Good luck.
#5
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a copy of cashier check is not called for
by definition a cashier check means that the bank is already cashed the funds from your account and it is the bank's money
also they can verify that when you arrive to pick up the car, it is not like they are shipping the car to you.
agree with elp, I'll pass on a track rat, in particular if you are keeping the car for a long period of time, as track use wear out things that can be expensive to replace, are you sure you want to pay for that ?
by definition a cashier check means that the bank is already cashed the funds from your account and it is the bank's money
also they can verify that when you arrive to pick up the car, it is not like they are shipping the car to you.
agree with elp, I'll pass on a track rat, in particular if you are keeping the car for a long period of time, as track use wear out things that can be expensive to replace, are you sure you want to pay for that ?
#6
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I simply transcribed the CarFax report onto a spreadsheet for my own purposes going forward. All maintenance was at the dealer.
Brake pads and rotors are brand new. Don't know if OEM or not. I was told by PPI that front tires are new and rear tires have 75% tread remaining. Only see 2 specific references to oil changes on here.
Spoke to local dealership and they see no issue with the previous use of the car having an effect on the warranty, since it was made to be CPO.
I intend to drive this as my daily driver for a long time. I'm getting the feeling that this is a good buy and I'm going to love it, but the track-use could come back to bite me in the distant future?
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#8
Because lazy Porsche never updated the system after raising the redline on 9A1 engines. In fact, you could even have stage 3 overrevs on a 981 (between 7.6K rpm redline and 7.8K rpm rev limiter). By the way, it doesn't matter if it's PDK or manual. The only thing you cannot have on a PDK is mechanical overrevs, which can go past 7.8K rpm.
#9
Because lazy Porsche never updated the system after raising the redline on 9A1 engines. In fact, you could even have stage 3 overrevs on a 981 (between 7.6K rpm redline and 7.8K rpm rev limiter). By the way, it doesn't matter if it's PDK or manual. The only thing you cannot have on a PDK is mechanical overrevs, which can go past 7.8K rpm.
#10
Drifting
I'd be OK with the cashier's check and DL, but not SSN.
Me personally, I'd pass on a track rat. That's a hard life. It really just means a shortened lifespan on the engine, suspension bits, transmission and whatnot. Nothing that will come back to haunt you within the warranty period, but probably shortly thereafter.
Me personally, I'd pass on a track rat. That's a hard life. It really just means a shortened lifespan on the engine, suspension bits, transmission and whatnot. Nothing that will come back to haunt you within the warranty period, but probably shortly thereafter.
#12
Three Wheelin'
I"d be insulted if a dealer or private party wanted me to send pics of a a cashier's check before I BOARDED A PLANE to come see a car. Why can't you just show it to the seller in-person? Although the car has nice options, I don't think $60k is a screaming deal on a car that has spent all of its time on a track.
#13
6,000 mostly track miles? You sure you want that car and to pay that much for it?
And no way in Hades would I be sending a copy of the cashier's check ahead of time.
BTW, the dude went through tires...
And no way in Hades would I be sending a copy of the cashier's check ahead of time.
BTW, the dude went through tires...
#14
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Should there be a more specific/complete service history available than what I can see on this carfax report?
Btw, thanks for all the comments guys. I've already purchased a plane ticket, so not sure what I'm going to do here...
Last edited by EatGreatEvnLate; 04-04-2017 at 05:20 AM.
#15
I thought that these cars were meant to be driven hard?
Whats worse, 6k track miles or 6k grocery runs?
Seeme to me that only wear items should mind the track use, which looks like they were replaced as needed.
Whats worse, 6k track miles or 6k grocery runs?
Seeme to me that only wear items should mind the track use, which looks like they were replaced as needed.