I did it!! I purchased a 2003 911(update 1-11)
12-21-2010, 10:38 PM
#48
Three Wheelin'
You're doing it exactly right. The Porsche delaer will do as good an assessment as they can but while they can find leaks and obvious signs of abuse or crash damage, we all know they can't diagnose an internal engine problem that hasn't happened yet.
The 3.6 litre cars were good cars, so chill the %$@ out or buy a new Toyota with a warranty. $23K is a great price, I paid $26.5K last year for a car with about the same mileage and I think I got a good deal (although mine had a new motor installed under warranty...service records indicate it was some problem other than IMS failure, it never ran right, maybe a cam timing issue?).
For $23K You get some cool wheels and a half aero kit, probably you will get the Bose stereo too, which I wish I had. Seal Grey is a really nice colour, and if you like tint, you got tint....I don't like tint myself, but hey, that's my problem.
Make sure you ask the Porsche dealership specifically about the engine condition, and have them do a download of the service history...who knows you might get lucky and have a fresh motor yourself. Some dealers will report extensively on the condition of the paint since that's all a lot of Porsche buyers are worried about. You're different though, and make sure they know it.
Also - a little known fact is that the factory reman motors did not have cosmoline smeared all over them, so have them check for bare aluminum...this would be good. Not that a stock motor is bad, but a reman motor is better right?
Lastly - if you still can't sleep at night after you buy it, then invest the $1K or so it takes to install the LN bearing upgrade. You got the car cheap enough that you shouldn't complain about spending a few thou to get it the way you want it.
As far as being afraid to drive it home.....that's just crazy
The 3.6 litre cars were good cars, so chill the %$@ out or buy a new Toyota with a warranty. $23K is a great price, I paid $26.5K last year for a car with about the same mileage and I think I got a good deal (although mine had a new motor installed under warranty...service records indicate it was some problem other than IMS failure, it never ran right, maybe a cam timing issue?).
For $23K You get some cool wheels and a half aero kit, probably you will get the Bose stereo too, which I wish I had. Seal Grey is a really nice colour, and if you like tint, you got tint....I don't like tint myself, but hey, that's my problem.
Make sure you ask the Porsche dealership specifically about the engine condition, and have them do a download of the service history...who knows you might get lucky and have a fresh motor yourself. Some dealers will report extensively on the condition of the paint since that's all a lot of Porsche buyers are worried about. You're different though, and make sure they know it.
Also - a little known fact is that the factory reman motors did not have cosmoline smeared all over them, so have them check for bare aluminum...this would be good. Not that a stock motor is bad, but a reman motor is better right?
Lastly - if you still can't sleep at night after you buy it, then invest the $1K or so it takes to install the LN bearing upgrade. You got the car cheap enough that you shouldn't complain about spending a few thou to get it the way you want it.
As far as being afraid to drive it home.....that's just crazy
12-22-2010, 11:10 AM
#50
Rennlist Member
Just to make you feel better - I know lots of folks who have bought Porsches at Straightline and have been very happy with the process and the cars. Park Place Porsche will do a good job on your PPI. If you find anything that needs fixed, have Straightline either fix it now or deduct the cost from the selling price. You'll be just fine - congrats!
12-22-2010, 11:25 AM
#51
Parts Specialist
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I would not let Park Place do anything to my car - sorry, I just dont trust those guys (here locally anyhow, I am sure some of their shops are fine.... like a good jiffy lube )
and if I buy another 996 I want a GREAT PPI not a good one - but I know you meant well with your comment
)and if I buy another 996 I want a GREAT PPI not a good one - but I know you meant well with your comment
12-22-2010, 10:08 PM
#54
Newbies Hospitality Director
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Dennis,
That is a nice looking car!
Oh yeah, just for the record....... pics from the seller or previous owner DO NOT count as having fulfilled your obligation to post pics of the car once you own it!
rder:
Ed... how did I do???
That is a nice looking car!
Oh yeah, just for the record....... pics from the seller or previous owner DO NOT count as having fulfilled your obligation to post pics of the car once you own it!
rder: Ed... how did I do???
12-23-2010, 11:38 AM
#56
Rennlist Member
I bought my '03 from SL some 45,000 miles ago. They are a solid Internet dealer and the owner Jeremy is a straight shooter. Would not hesitate to work with them again.
While I prefer Boardwalk Porsche here in the Dallas area, certainly nothing wrong with Park Place (the dealer SL uses). In fact it turned out that Park Place had sold and serviced my car from day 1 and they were able to give me it's full service records. Ask them, you may get lucky as well.
Relax, it's a good car and you are dealing with a couple of very reputable places. Congrats and enjoy the ride!
While I prefer Boardwalk Porsche here in the Dallas area, certainly nothing wrong with Park Place (the dealer SL uses). In fact it turned out that Park Place had sold and serviced my car from day 1 and they were able to give me it's full service records. Ask them, you may get lucky as well.
Relax, it's a good car and you are dealing with a couple of very reputable places. Congrats and enjoy the ride!
12-23-2010, 12:48 PM
#57
Instructor
I would go to pick it up or at the least see it / drive it and then ship it. Otherwise you will worry all during transit. There are some cheap fares to LUV on Southwest... And make sure to try Bone Daddys for GREAT BBQ and pretty servers.....
12-23-2010, 01:26 PM
#58
Update?
And I understand your concerns. I bought mine without seeing it in person last winter. Because of weather I had it shipped. Nerve-racking, But it all worked out great.
And I understand your concerns. I bought mine without seeing it in person last winter. Because of weather I had it shipped. Nerve-racking, But it all worked out great.
12-24-2010, 01:50 AM
#59
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This is so long a thread, that I don't remember if I wrote this already or not. Anyway, if this is a repeat, forgive me. I bought my 04 996 in Houston, while I was in Chicago. It passed an Indy's PPI. I flew down, drove it around the block, signed a few papers, and drove it back to Chicago. Not a single hiccup along the way. Don't be afraid to drive it. Geez, you're going to drive it when you get it home, aren't you?? If you're afraid to drive it, DON"T BUY IT!!! That's why you made the purchase - to flog that puppy. Drive it hard, and don't look back.
larry
larry