Dealer advice ?
#1
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Thread Starter
Dealer advice ?
Am considering a long distance purchase from Walters Porsche in Riverside Ca. Will have to ship to Fl. Anyone have experience in dealing with them? Also need a reference for a mechanic in the area to do a PPI. A reliable transport too. Thanks a bunch!
#2
RL Community Team
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Looking at a 16 year old car.
When looking at a 16 year old car such as a 993 the dealer , even with the best of intent, will likely mis some key disclosure items on the car. Your best bet is to have a Porsche Club member look at the car and drive it for you.
A local inspection guy, mechanic or not, may not give you adequate feedback unless you give him very specific guidance on what to look at.
Attached is a list of common issue on 993 that may help you in developing an inspection item list.
Andy
A local inspection guy, mechanic or not, may not give you adequate feedback unless you give him very specific guidance on what to look at.
Attached is a list of common issue on 993 that may help you in developing an inspection item list.
Andy
#3
Did a similar transaction in 2012, my honest advice: 1) have a "RennFax" done by a knowledgeable member; assuming you are positively advised then 2) have a PPI completed by a Rennlist recommended (search function and old threads are your friend), air-cooled knowledgeable independent shop; again assuming all is reasonably positive (in an imperfect world) then seek guaranteed, insured and bonded, enclosed transport (not worth cheaping out on this-ask me how I know) with one of the recognized, National name shippers (again search function, Panorama, Excellence magazine may be useful in your search for a firm to contract with).
It wasn't terribly hard, but then again there were several disappointing discoveries made when the vehicle arrived; none would have been a deal breaker, but several would have provided additional bargaining chips in the price negotiation phase in my favor with the dealer in question had I been informed of them from either the dealer or the PPI. (did not seek RennFax and that was an error on my part; lesson learned $$)
Best of Luck to you.
It wasn't terribly hard, but then again there were several disappointing discoveries made when the vehicle arrived; none would have been a deal breaker, but several would have provided additional bargaining chips in the price negotiation phase in my favor with the dealer in question had I been informed of them from either the dealer or the PPI. (did not seek RennFax and that was an error on my part; lesson learned $$)
Best of Luck to you.
Last edited by linen grey ghost; 07-12-2013 at 01:11 PM. Reason: spelling-typing challenged individual
#4
Rennlist Member
Yup, RennFax is the way to go. I will also suggest that you fly out there, look at the car with your own eyes and then drive it back to Florida. It's a great way to get to know it. Andreas bought his car in the Washington state and drive it back to the east coast.
#5
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I've bought new cars from Walter's, both Porsche and Mercedes. The owner, Walter Kienle, started out as an independent Mercedes shop owner and mechanic many years ago, and has been a new car dealer since 1964. He also owns the local Audi dealership. Walter's has a good reputation as an honest dealer (but there will always be some detractors who didn't get a perfect car for free).
Their Porsche dealership is one of the larger ones, with a large service area that has all the latest flat-screen displays and computerized equipment. Most of the techs are younger guys, who don't have much experience on the air-cooled cars.
If you can get Walter's to agree to an independent shop PPI, Precision Motion is close by, and they know the air-cooled cars well. You can reach them at 951-784-0425--ask for Donny Kravig, the owner.
I've used Intercity to ship Porsches with excellent results. They ship lots of high-end cars, and are very careful.
Their Porsche dealership is one of the larger ones, with a large service area that has all the latest flat-screen displays and computerized equipment. Most of the techs are younger guys, who don't have much experience on the air-cooled cars.
If you can get Walter's to agree to an independent shop PPI, Precision Motion is close by, and they know the air-cooled cars well. You can reach them at 951-784-0425--ask for Donny Kravig, the owner.
I've used Intercity to ship Porsches with excellent results. They ship lots of high-end cars, and are very careful.