So, I've posted the delima of ultra low milage vs higher milage with ims replacement.

Today I visited the 2002 996 with 7,500 mi. The exterior looked clean with a few scrapes and scratches. . . all from crap falling on it or being removed from the narrow garage it has lived in for the past 9 years. The interior looks as if it hasen't been cleaned sice the owner has taken delivery. Not filthy but dirty. All original paperwork was present. Not heavily optioned- heated sport seats, roof rack, isignia delete from transom, leather seats. Some time and interior would clean up nicely . . . not sure how easily all scratches could be removed externally.

Owner generally reluctant to ppi because "too busy" although agreed it may be time for general service and maybe he could get it in for that in conjunction with ppi.
He said "why would you need a ppi with such low miles?" Can see some oil spots on the garage floor and oil/dirt on the case from underneath.

He says he starts it every couple of weeks, but not driven much.

He is pretty firm on $33k but may be persuaded by ppi.

No pics but blk/blk and looks pretty sweet.

Comments?

 

He's full of ****, get a PPI or walk. Oil on floor, "too busy", trying to disway you from a PPI by a subtle "why would you need one?, all signs of hidden problems.

Never understood someone owning something middle of the road exotic, never drive it, and at the same time not give a **** about it.

For what it's worth, when I sold mine I continued to point out issues I that needed pointing out because nothing sucks more than feeling you've been taken.

 

Wow, I was expecting someone to have a 'mint' low miles car. Lots of red flags IMO

 

This car would most likely clean up very nicely. Any scratches that aren't thru the clear coat may buff out nicely. With a good detail the car may look mint. Sometimes cars that aren't driven for a while will develop seaps which in time will accumulate oil on the exterior of the motor/trans and collect dirt, possibly a drip or two on the garage floor, also possible a coolant cap leak. I wouldn't be too concerned at this point but would recommend an indy or dealer have a look at it. A drive to a shop should disclose any active fluid leaks. The price is in the area it should be for the mileage. If it's in good shape could be a very nice car. Buying from an individual has its pluses, no add on fees of hundreds of dollars, you see the car at its worst, rather than having it detailed to hide or mask any flaws. In this case, a one owner, no story car. Work with the guy, go for a drive, get an inspection. If it checks out and you like it, make an offer to buy. Heated sports seats are a very nice and very rare option, dirty interior can be easily cleaned, a heavily worn one cannot be made unworn. GL!

 

doesn't matter what the mileage or age is, a PPI is absolutely necessary. You will hate yourself for not doing due diligence.

Would you buy a home without an inspection?

 

This is a useful and thoughtfully written response. Makes me glad I visit Rennlist. Well done!

 

red flags - ANYONE who knows their car would have NO PROBLEM having you pay for a PPI - in fact I would let you do it to my car right now!
If I was the owner and interested in selling it I would not have any issue getting a buyer to do a PPI - hell it shows commitment and a willingness to buy the car... dont have time is B.S. - total B.S. selling a car takes some amount of time and YES - you want a PPI, esp if he throws all sorts of comments at the mere suggestion

maybe a great car, maybe excellent....

car = dirty, OK - but lets look at it closely, is it used, or neglected.... my car is filthy, seriously...but look closer and you see things that point to a well cared for car, the talk and the list of items being worked on, been worked on and planned is huge/non-stop... I am not neglecting it, its dirty....big differance.

a quick run by a detail shop would give you a huge insight into what will "rub out" - there are many in this area, I can recommend a couple if you need...the BEST is Metropolitan Detail, but very pricey, the best bang for the buck is a guy here in Bellevue, I have his card somewhere, let me know

Is the car local or a drive....where is it?
I highly reccomend my shop to you.....you will leave with a complete understanding of what you have (no affiliation, just a very happy and loyal customer)

 

Sounds like he parked it because there was a problem. A good owner would have at least driven it and kept it clean.

 

Is it registered? Did he drive it recently,not just start it up?

I smell a rat!

 

yea, I dont like starting it, but not driving it....(if I read that right)

these cars dont like to just sit and idle to a warm temp.... they require some miles to warm ALL systems... plus its a great way to fill the oil with water vapor...and if he wasnt changing the oil on a regular time basis rather than miles - as he agrees it may be time a service... he doesnt know? he doesnt come out and say....

I have the oil changed every (interval) and its not due to (or is due) for a regular check up... we can set up the PPI at the same time and kill two bird...yadda yadda...

 

I wouldn't buy it without the PPI.

Mine was sound mechanically, but had some small issues. I was given a list of everything that needed some attention.

 

I think the car should be confiscated from the owner, like animal control seizing dogs that have been maltreated.

 

Car is in Portland.
I don't think the owner is trying to hide anything. just busy. I tend to agree with Nick49 and think it would most likely clean up nicely. Other issues would need to be determined through a ppi which I think he would agree to.

 

sketchy owner.... I usually walk away from, sometimes its not the car that I look at but the owner.

 

there is a dealer in Portland... that should be easy for him to drop it off... you might want to run down and have a look while they do it... if you dont want a dealer but rather an indy, let me know... I will get a recommendation for a local shop for ya

I am sure it will clean up....it doesnt have any use... should be fine