good questions to ask dealer
05-05-2011, 01:38 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
good questions to ask dealer
guys, i'm thinking of getting back to air cooled again. i've found a nice looking 993 targa ( dark blue over tan) at victory motorcars in houston. 98K miles, '96 model year. thinking of trading my '04 C4S with 51K miles. i had a '98 targa years ago and loved it, but i remember those cars had issues. what questions would you guys ask before even considering a trade? guy says he'll trade and give me $6K. thanks for any help. (i haven't posted this on my usual 996 page for fear of retribution...)
05-05-2011, 02:07 PM
#5
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Search is definitely your friend on Victory. Should make for amusing reading.
Regarding the Targa, the roof assembly is the one scary part of owning one, as they don't make them anymore and if it develops a problem it can be a major hassle. I would make sure it operates smoothly and does not leak or rattle. There are some very good posts about the top on this forum.
The only other thing to really worry about is the secondary air injection, check with an OBD 2 reader for error codes and that all the readiness flags are set when you look at the car. Certain types of dealers (!) would think nothing of just resetting the error codes and sticking you with a heck of an expensive problem if those ports are clogged and you can't get the car through emissions. If the car has had a top end done, it's probably fine, but if not, be careful.
Look past the fancy carpet stripes, freshly dyed seats and glossy tires he is known for when he details his cars, and you might land a good one.
Regarding the Targa, the roof assembly is the one scary part of owning one, as they don't make them anymore and if it develops a problem it can be a major hassle. I would make sure it operates smoothly and does not leak or rattle. There are some very good posts about the top on this forum.
The only other thing to really worry about is the secondary air injection, check with an OBD 2 reader for error codes and that all the readiness flags are set when you look at the car. Certain types of dealers (!) would think nothing of just resetting the error codes and sticking you with a heck of an expensive problem if those ports are clogged and you can't get the car through emissions. If the car has had a top end done, it's probably fine, but if not, be careful.
Look past the fancy carpet stripes, freshly dyed seats and glossy tires he is known for when he details his cars, and you might land a good one.
05-05-2011, 02:31 PM
#6
Bought a nice 97 C2s from them in Jan. All went well. RWM
Trending Topics
05-05-2011, 03:40 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
The first question to ask that came into my mind is, "where's the nearest emergency exit, Robert?"
Disdain for this dealer is pretty much universal, though there are exceptions such as the one above. Just PPI the hell out of it and be very careful.
Disdain for this dealer is pretty much universal, though there are exceptions such as the one above. Just PPI the hell out of it and be very careful.
05-05-2011, 04:58 PM
#9
Nordschleife Master
05-05-2011, 05:16 PM
#12
05-05-2011, 05:18 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
05-05-2011, 05:25 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
I would also be careful on where you get the PPI if you choose to go with them. I've read stories about how the owner will steer you in the direction of his perferred "independent shop" and tell you the other one close by is not good. There is a reason he wants you to go to "his" shop because they probably scratch each other's back. I've read he puts up a big stink about getting it done at a shop of your choice so just be aware of this. I don't have any personal experience with him or his business but like many here I have read enough to know I would wait and find a car elsewhere.