Hi, i'm new to this area...been looking around to buy my first Porsche, and got my eyes on the 04 C4S. Can someone tell me the price range on a 2004 C4S? Should i go with private seller or CPO'ed from dealerships? Your thoughts are welcomed.
Thanks,
John

 

I would search autotrader.com for actual market prices in your area and then also compare with www.nada.com - do not go off of KBB - its used so dealers can make it look like they are giving you a deal, when in fact you are not.

 

+1

 

2004 C4S with low mileage, decent options, and no cosmetic issues will run $55k-$65k at dealers in southern CA. Private party knock off $5k-$10k. That's what I saw when I was searching, and I purchased on March 1 so this should be pretty current.

I spent a lot of time at dealers, confirming my opinion that the vast majority of car salesmen are scum of the earth. While I looked at their product, I tried not to buy any of their BS. Also, don't be afraid to negotiate hard with them, if they don't accept an offer that's pretty much the only downside.

After a couple solid months of looking, I bought private party. But you do not get any CPO with a private party sale, unless it is already on the car and transfers. Dealers cannot sell you a CPO afterwards, either. With a 2004, you should still be in original warranty, which means you will only have ~1 year left, and no CPO options.

I solved the CPO 'problem' by buying an extended warranty. Ask me in 5 years how that worked out. Opinions here regarding warranties vary greatly, and I personally fall on the side of being able to sleep better knowing that any major problem is going to be someone else's problem.

Enjoy the purchasing process, it's almost as much fun as ownership!

 

My C4S is the best is the best in the world, why look any further?

 

Thanks, Irksome
that was very helpful. i'm thinking about going with a private seller too, and buying an extended warranty. i know this question has come up numerous times, but where did you buy your warranty and what to look for??
thx, john

 

Well, many here on rennlist seem to like Warranty Direct, but they do not offer coverage in California. I purchased from a Porsche dealer, one of the few places you can still get one in CA. Mine is a 5 year, 60,000 mile 'exclusion' warranty, $0 deductible, covers everything but wear items, and cost me $3884 (I had 9,500 miles on my '03 996 C2 at time of purchase). The warranty is from Universal, from a parent company named Zurich (insurance company).

If you are in CA, hit up all the dealers that are nearby, the two dealers here had different options and pricing. I liked the exclusion type, reduces the questions about what is covered. I got a number of positive recommendations for Universal. I haven't filed a claim yet, but I might be about to (car goes in to the shop tomorrow morning, we'll see!).

Also, for what it's worth, get your warranty lined up before purchasing. I bought a garage queen, under 8,000 miles after 4 years. 13 days after I bought it, I had put on close to 1,000 miles, and my Rear Main Seal (the dreaded RMS) failed. $950 out of my pocket, right after all the costs of purchasing. Not exactly what I had planned on. But the car is a dream to drive, I'm loving every stupid little errand (as long as it is driving distance!).

 

Hi Irksome,
I just noticed you're from the great SD too! Which 2 dealerships were you referring to? i know there's one on Miramar road. which is the other one? From your explanation, I assume I should NOT be worried about getting an extended warranty until sometimes next year, bec. any porsche comes with a factory warranty of 4yr/50k mi, whichever is first, unless it's CPO'ed. Even if I bought the car used, that warranty would transfer over to me...so theoretically, I could just buy the car from a private seller, enjoy the car unitl next year, and start looking for an insurance company like Universal...
Correct me if I'm wrong. John

 

Warranties.
Warranty Direct and Continental Warranty (Great American Insurance) seems to be as close to Apples/Apples as companies go. Look at them both and review them side by side.
Coverage of things like internal lubricated parts and labor costs is key.

I bought my car from a dealer that was more of a broker than the large fancy dealer. Less overhead and none of the fluff and lights that are found at standard dealers. Try and locate some of these kinds of places that only serve up the higher end machines. They may only have 20-30 units but will be easier to work with than the arrogant large shops.

 

Livefree, I wouldn't be too sure about that Last time I looked, I had 2000 miles on mine.

 

Phil, I like your color better too! Now get rid of those heavy wheels and get the Ipod interface from Bumperplugs.com
Steve

 

You've got it exactly correct. I got quotes from Hoehn in Carlsbad and Pioneer in Miramar. Pioneer is the one I settled on, and is the most convenient for me (it's just about halfway between work and home).

I ALMOST bought a car from AJ USA, in Mira Mesa. They always have a handful of cars (usually around 6 total), and always very nice ones. They can sell you a warranty if you buy a car from them, so I assume that is true of all of the dealers that aren't official Porsche dealers. However, they could not sell me a warranty unless I bought from them (not really sure if it was 'couldn't' or 'wouldn't', but the didn't). I know I recommended avoiding dealers, but I had very good experiences at Hoehn and AJ USA. They just didn't have the car I wanted at a price I would pay.

 

Steve, I really like the OEM Turbo Twist 18"s on the C4S. As to the Ipod interface, I'm happy with my CDs and with the engine music. Plus, you may have noticed, I don't drive her that much