I recently purchased a 2003 C4 Cab ($29.5k, 36,000miles). This looks like a nice car but if everything checks out I would be starting the negotiation in the 24,000 range.

 

Also recently purchased an 03 C4S; dealer price is clearly higher, but if you're willing to pay it and it's the exact car you want, then go for it. As you've already heard, there are too many cars to settle on something you don't like (year, color, etc), and it very quickly becomes a part of you, so make it a reflection of who you are.

 

Don't let your wife talk to mine. She was all for it until she realized how much time I was going to spend in the garage tinkering with it. LOL!

When I was shopping, I found that NADA was spot on with regard to pricing. Especially with the dealers. I would check the NADA wholesale. That will tell you within a couple of hundred what that dealer has in it if they took it on trade. If they got it at auction they probably paid less. Negotiate for the mid point between NADA wholesale and retail and you will have a good deal.

 

So went to the dealer at 5 PM yesterday to see the 200 911 from my last post. Met with the salesman who took me out for a drive. I noticed some curb rash on the wheels, (my investigation tells me about $200 a wheel to get fixed), otherwise some scratches on the silver/aluminum interior panels. Drove fine from what I could tell, but no history was available. With my inexperience, I may be missing some key areas but that's what the PPI is for. They are trying to get records for me from the P Dealer across the road where it seems to have been regularly serviced. I did notice an upgraded sound system controls, which seemed cool, although have not done any research on this. Dealer wanted me to commit to something, I said get the records, then we can chat about price and if that works out, then we can do the PPI based on the agreement...but I understand they are there to do business. He gave me the "What can I do to get u to buy?, I said slash the price by 50% and I'll take it as is". I hope he know I was joking...did not get a response from him
Then chatted again to the owner of the Red 02. Still trying to get my head around the red, don;t know if I can do it still......Decisions, decisions...
OK, so I did another search and thought, well if I am looking at a MK1, regardless of year, why don't I check out a few 99s. In then end, I should buy something I am totally comfortable with, and I have seen some impressive 99s here on RL. I may save a few $$ and keep it for any future upgrades or mods. And maybe I'll score something with a good history and well cared for by the PO.

I did like Peter 642's comment about " it very quickly becomes a part of you, so make it a reflection of who you are. ". Good thing to keep in mind.

I also checked out NADA values. Thanks, this does give me some more to consider.


The search continues..

 

Definitely, go with at least an 02 or newer. Lots of features added in that year.

 

When i was searching for mine in september and october i literally couldn't sleep or function, all i could thing about was Porsche..lol..i even flew to LA once on a whim to look at one and wasted $500 on that stupid trip! i was going nuts...

Someone said "Think of how many people get to complain about shopping for a Porsche" lol..so true..

a month later i found the one i wanted COLOR is so important YOU HAVE TO GET THE COLOR YOU WANT EXTERIOR & INTERIOR or you will never feel the "love"

Records you gotta have them- serious PPI- Negotiate Negotiate Negotiate

 

babylonboots: I do feel the 02 plus is my best bet, but I wont miss what I never had, so being the first 911, even with a Mk1, I think I will be in heaven regardless.

Takek: I am glad u understand what I am going through, as I am sure may Porsche owners have been through this. I am breathing Porsche for the last few months. Records, that's going to be something I will be a stickler for, no doubt. As for color, yes, I will definitely most of them, Red just does not seem to do it for me.

Thanks again to all for the support. Hopefully I can post some pics real soon.

 

sounds like your approach is pretty good... I love the "what can I do to get you to buy the car right now" line

let's see, a full PPI from an INDEPENDANT place other than yours... fix everything that comes up on the PPI, offer me a CPO and lower the price.... oh and free tires for life.... that would do it for me

 

Ferraris are RED, Lambos are YELLOW Porsches are SILVER

 

Hey wait a minute, I resemble that remark...

 

get the vin, and call suncoast to get the options on the car.... that will give you an idea what the car has. GL, it seems like you know what youre getting into, just be patient.... its a good problem to have.

 

Here is a decoder..http://www.autoatlanta.com/life/vin/vin.php?

 

I agree MKII cabs are prettier than MK1s. OEM Aerokit is a different matter..

 

I love my MkII cab, but I am bias.
Black is hard to keep clean, but dam it looks good when it is.

 

The silver ones have more engine problems.