wes66vette

Thank you guys so much for the advice...Now...she is sending me pics of Targas...she is a car girl...loves to drive (she has a JCW Mini). So, keeping her as happy as I am, is sort of easy...

I was not opposed to the Targa, just didn't consider it until she brought it up...

Now for the "I don't really know what is going on news"...

I decoded the VIN and got this...

2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4
Division: PCNA Commission #: 0
Prod Month: 03/2016
VIN: WP0BA2A95HS132086 Price: $129,875.00
Exterior: Sapphire Blue Metallic Interior: Leather Interior in Black
Warranty Start: March 31, 2016
Additional Equipment
250 Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
432 19" Carrera Wheels
489 Heated Multifunction Steering Wheel
9VL Bose
AZ Leather interior in Black
P06 Power Sport Seats (14-way) with Memory
Package
XSC Porsche Crest on headrests

But on the website (and evident from the pics) the options show as this:
Base - 911 Targa 4
1V - Targa Roof In Black
250 - Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
432 - 19" Carrera Wheels
489 - Heated Multifunction Steering Wheel
602 - LED Headlights Incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+)
9VL - BOSE® Surround Sound System
AZ - Leather Interior In Black
N1 - Sapphire Blue Metallic
P06 - Power Sport Seats (14-way) With Memory Package
P3E - Premium Package Plus I.c.w. Power Sport Seats (14-way)
QR5 - Sport Chrono Package
XFJ - Instrument Dials In White
XSC - Porsche Crest On Headrests

Is there a hiccup with the VIN decoder (I was at the local Porsche dealer) or am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Gus_Smedstad

I get the same results if I go through the Porsche Admin decoder. Which, admittedly, is not 100% infallible - I've seen it display zero options on a car that was not a stripper.

Delta is:
Premium Package Plus (which includes PDLS+)
Sport Chrono Package
Instrument dials in white
crests on headrests.

Looking at the photos I can see most of those missing options.
Instrument dials in white is easy.
Steering wheel has a mode dial, which you only get with Sport Chrono.
The headlights have washing jets, which are part of PDLS.
Heating and ventilation buttons in center console, which are part of Premium Plus.

No decent photos of the headrests, so I can't tell about that.

wes66vette

That is what I thought...and your telling me that the Admin decoder isn't 100% accurate makes me feel better...I had a visual on the options, so, I didn't know if they could have been from another car or what...the sales person is going to find the window sticker and take a picture, and if we can come together on a $$$, then it is a done deal...just have to find a way to get to the dealership (about 500 miles away).

I will keep everyone posted on the developments...sort of getting nervous about this much $$$ for a car.

wes66vette

Okay, just got the story on the VIN decoder vs installed options...salesman said the car came from PCNA, and the sticker was right...both he and his manager haven't seen anything like this before. They options are there, they just believe they were installed @ PCNA...he says the car doesn't look tracked, but I don't know how I would tell. It is warranted out to 2022, but I am now a little leery of the build.

This is my first Porsche, don't want it to be a mistake...The strange thing is that the "window sticker" off the Porsche Admin Decoder is priced as if it had the missing options...going back to my original question...do I need to worry, or is this "normal". My local Porsche sales manager said "run away"...but I am pretty sure they want the business. Need some objective thoughts on this odd build.

Al.Fresco

Clearly they didn't add Sport Chrono after the fact. Appears to be a VIN decoder fluke to me.

It does happen.

skiahh

Hmmm... wonder if it was a PEC car. Do they resell those? If it's CPO'd that would be a pretty good hedge against the abuse those cars see.

Hell, if it's "very" negotiable, tell 'em you'll buy it today if they'll take $100K (plus ONLY taxes, tags; no added fees). Otherwise, tell him you'll think about it and talk things over with the wife. Since wives tend to be our "conscious" in spending so much money, that ought to inspire some motivation!

wes66vette

I don't know what a PEC car is...it doesn't sound good...it is CPO'd...and we are stuck at $125K out the door...I haven't countered, but I started @ $120K out the door...the aggressive pricing isn't really there (as he mentioned before)...we will see, I have time.

wes66vette

Oh, just figured it out...Porsche Experience Center...could be, he said "it was probably used to as an Executive demo"...I think the only thing I can do is ask to see the PPI sheet...this could be the end of it...

pitt911

from a pure financial perspective, I think your are better off with your original plan of buying a used 911 S cab that is CPO .
even if the additional 25 K is doable , even with a good discount you will lose 1/2 of that amount , the moment you sign the papers.
for winter driving may want a 911 4s cab. You might be lucky and find one with an extra set of winter wheels

Gus_Smedstad

I don't think this car was either a Porsche Experience Center car or an executive car. Autocheck says it was first titled in Connecticut, no PEC there, and reports there was a lien. Executive demos are basically company cars, so they don't get loans when they're titled.

That business isn't really a reason to get cold feet. Better reasons are wanting an older, less expensive car, or deciding you want a cab rather than a targa.

As 2017 Targas go, it seems pretty nice. It ticks all the boxes I'd want except manual transmission. I really like Sapphire Blue.

Targas in general - if you're still looking at Targas, rather than cabs - tend to hold their value better than coupes or cabs. There aren't a lot of Targa 4's out there, but low mileage 2015's are running about 15% off MSRP, vs. the 9% (approximately) Porsche of Nashua is offering on this 2017.

Honestly, I think a 2017 Targa 4 is going to feel like a 991.1 Targa 4S, so to get the same experience you'll probably be paying $110k-$115k. For example, one of the least expensive comparable ones I see on Autotrader is a white 2014 Targa 4S at Porsche Atlanta at $114k.

STG may chime in (if he's reading this thread) on better 991.1 bargains. You might spend a little time browsing the Hot For Sale thread.

TorqueChap

I'm biased but SB Targas rule You'll be thrilled though with whatever Pcar you ultimately buy.

Gus_Smedstad

That'd be private sale only. My experience with dealers is that they have zero interest in taking winter wheel sets and reselling them, since it's selling used wheels and tires. The market for such things seems to be entirely on eBay.

wes66vette

I am going to hold off...just a feeling, and there are other options out there...I really do appreciate the counsel...

Werks 1

Keep the Wife HAPPY!!! I am with TorqueChap..... any of the cars are nice.... I have had a 1984 911 coupe...1989 930 Cab...and now a 2016 TARGA GTS!!!!! LOVE THE TARGA!!!!! Cab was nice...but the TARGA gives me best of both worlds....The old Cab had a Targa like profile...The new ones are just ugly with the top up.....and who cars about putting the top up/down while driving...I don't get that.....20 seconds is not an eternity..... I also like the Sapp Blue Metallic....was my second choice

Werks 1

PS...Thanks for SERVING!