no911Dave

I know this is a little odd, and hope it's not too bold, but is there anyone in the Western Massachusetts area willing to let me look at and maybe go for a ride in their 993? I'm about 50% sure I want one, but I've never even been in one, much less driven one. I've spent some time in a 996. It's just hard to know if I really want a 993 without having experienced one, and the dealer I tried to work with a little bit out here has been less than helpful. Please e-mail me offline, I hope my e-mail's in my profile! I'm trying to get the most C4 coupe 6-speed I can for the mid-30's, I just can't stretch the budget any further.

Speaking of cars, any opinions on this car or dealer? <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1858907107" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1858907107</a>

They have some buyer-unfriendly wording in their Terms and Conditions, like a 10% restocking fee (!) if substantial discrepancies are found between the published report and the actual vehicle.

Thanks everyone.
Dave

Anir

Dave,

Why not test drive a few 993's at other dealers? Before I bought my 993TT, I test drove a Ferrari 355 and 360 at Ferrari of Atlanta, a 456GT at Miller Motorcars, a BMW M5 at our local dealer, and an assortment of 993's at Northland Porsche.

Dealers want to sell cars, and are more than happy to let you take test drives. And, of course, it's a less awkward situation than taking a spin in another private individual's personal car.

Vinny '98 3.8 C2S

a 10% restocking fee (!) if substantial discrepancies are found between the published report and the actual vehicle.

That would seal it for me. I'd look elsewhere.

Phil

a 10% restocking fee (!) if substantial discrepancies are found between the published report and the actual vehicle............

WHAT a JOKE!!!!if this guy was selling caskets, no one would die!

Allen

[quote] if this guy was selling caskets, no one would die! <hr></blockquote>ROTFLMAS...now this I've never heard...that cracks me up!!! <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

JasonAndreas

[quote]Originally posted by no911Dave:
<strong>I know this is a little odd, and hope it's not too bold, but is there anyone in the Western Massachusetts area willing to let me look at and maybe go for a ride in their 993? </strong><hr></blockquote>

Where in Western Massachusetts are you? I haven't seen a whole lot of 993's out here. In fact the only one I know of is a silver 993TT. There was a red one but the lady that owned it totalled it on i-91 or 291 last year. There are a bunch in Western Connecticut. Next Sunday (September 22nd) there is a PCA autocross in Springfield, MA at Smith & Wesson.
<a href="http://www.cvrpca.org/" target="_blank">CVR PCA Region</a> I believe there were 2 993's there last time, maybe they'll get a better turnout this time around. The monthly PCA meetings usually get a high turnout and a few 993's usually show up.
I couldn't find your email address in your profile.

--jason andreas
1993 964RSA
in the berkshires

no911Dave

Thanks for the input. I know it seems crazy not to go to the dealer and drive a 993 on the lot. I probably shouldn't feel badly about it, but I'd go in there with no intention of buying the cars I've seen on their lot at the prices they're asking. It just seems dishonest of me to do that to them, which is why I was trying a different tack. I also think I don't show up in their showroom looking like someone who would actually buy a car. I don't look like a tramp, but I'm not in the Dockers and topsiders with the sweater draped around my neck either (how's that for a stereotype?), so I don't think they take me seriously. And the fact is that I don't have a lot to spend compared to a lot of the people who come in there. If I can find someone locally who wants to sell privately it would be best. I'll just keep looking.

Thanks again,
Dave

Bins

Dave,

Dont worry about it. Just go in there and be honest. Say that youre considering buying one but youre a 911 virgin. Better still, call them and make an appointment with them for a test drive.

You dont necessarily have to dress the part. Just dont dress like a tramp. <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

fbfisher

Sorry for this long post but it may help. It may be different here in So Cal but I have sales persons asking me if I want to drive the cars. I think it has less to do with making a fashion statement and more to do with appearing to be a knowledgable P-car shopper. Dealers know that their cars are over priced and if you know the market price as opposed to the asking price you will find dealer asking prices drop like a stone.

Rule # 1: Don't discuss price on your first visit - be interested in the car not the price. Every 993 is different and the only way to tell is to drive them (and later have a PPI). It's ok to rule out a car based on "how it feels" to drive. I have been back to the same dealers several times driving different cars, looking for the "right one." The more times you go back the easier it is because the see that you are serious about finding a car and they know that each one is different.

You can gain instant credibility by simply by doing four things:

1) Look for the option code sticker under the front trunk lid and have the sales person read you the codes (because there eyes are better than yours). Write the codes down for you to later compare them to the list of codes that you show him/her that you have printed from <a href="http://www.p-car.com" target="_blank">www.p-car.com</a>

2) Peel back the trunk liner on the right side and identify that the factory paint code sticker is there.

3) Peel back the trunk liner on the left side and note whether the car has the original wiring harness (very important on '95 cars) and if original, check the part number to determine if it is the updated version.

4) Open the engine compartment and note whether or not it stays open by itself (many don't) and admit that you don't know anything about the mechanical aspects of the car - that you leave that to a PPI "by the way do you allow for a PPI?"
Note the presense (or not) of the Motor Sound option if there and ask him/her to start the car.

By this time after several approving nods on your part they will be asking you if you want to go for a drive. Say yes. Take it on the freeway also.

When the test drive is over, tell them what you think of the car (don't discuss price) and tell them that you have a others that you have plan to see. You'll get back to them after you have compared their cars to the others that you are going to look at.

Happy test driving!


p.s. I usually where shorts and a tee shirt and comfortable running shoes. I think its whats in my check book that they are intersted in, not whats in my closet.

no911Dave

Well thanks again for all the good advice. That knowledgable poking around does sound like it might set the right tone, and maybe I was a little over the top with my fashion opinions! I'll try what you said. I'm in no hurry, so hopefully something will work out. And if you're still searching, good luck to you too.

Dave

Bins

Good advise fbfisher.

Tone

3 other thought:

1. Why worry about what a dealer thinks of how you look?!


2. If you're really concerned what other think of your presence maybe a Porsche isn't the right car. You will get looks and see people thinking...

3. Don't worry about driving the dealers cars. It's a win-win, you'd probably buy a car from them if the car & price was right -- even if the car wasn't there when you showed and they brought it in later.

Happy Hunting!

tom_993

Dave,
I agree with everyone’s comments about test driving cars at the dealer. But don’t give up on your search for an actual owner. Spending an hour or two with an actual owner will give you valuable information on the entire ownership experience. You can’t get this from a test drive. Offer to buy the guy a beer or lunch or something! Another idea would be to attend one of the local Porsche club events. Check out the PCA at <a href="http://www.pca.org." target="_blank">www.pca.org.</a> I’m sure you’ll be welcome. People love to talk about their cars at these events, so don’t be shy!

Good luck!
Tom
’95 993

A.J. - 95 993

[quote]Originally posted by fbfisher:
<strong>Sorry for this long post but it may help ... When the test drive is over, tell them what you think of the car (don't discuss price) and tell them that you have a others that you have plan to see. You'll get back to them after you have compared their cars to the others that you are going to look at.

Happy test driving!

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Excellent advice!

I remember seeing Turbos and other Unobtanium on the dealer lot while I was in college. I wondered how anyone ever got to test drive something like that. Seemed to me like you had to open your investment portfolio to prove your worth before they tossed you the keys. But as I grow older, and a bit more savvy, I've found a better route (since the only portfolio I have contains artwork from elementary school): I bought my wife a used A4, and befriended the salesman. A month later, I asked if I could maybe drive one of the Cabrio 964's on the lot, even though I wanted a coupe, possibly mid-80's. I had never been in a 911, but I just wanted to see how they felt so I could be a little more aware of what I was talking about if I were to start doing a search for one. He reached into the drawer of keys, headed out to the lot, and walked right past the Cab. I thought, Oh great, he's going to show me a Mustang or Corvette. I underestimated him - he took me to my eventual 993, which was double my budget. A week later, it was mine.

Last year, he let a friend and I drive a Viper GTS, and a few months ago my wife and I took out a 996 TT.

no911Dave

Hi everyone. I'm just checking in again to say thank you once more for all the advice and suggestions.

Dave