KrazyK

Hi all. After reading some of the n00b posts and the responses, let me state for the record:
I am not a Dr., I am not rich, I did not have a trust fund, I do not own a classic car collection.

Now seriously, I found a 2004 40th at one of the Houston Porsche dealers. Car is 2 owner, dealer service records, passed Porsche Tech inspection, etc. with 30,000 miles. Asking price was $40K. Was told car was in great condition with no issues. I made a tentative deal over phone pending my inspection in person. Had insurance and financing arranged in advance then proceeded to dealer with cashiers check in hand.

As soon as I saw the car I could see that paint work had been done on the right side. I don't mean obvious flaws but there were signs of paint losing adhesion at rocker panel, rubber molding being taped off and some over spray in hidden areas. I have had professional training in looking for altered vehicles for my Police job (investigations and criminal interdiction) so maybe that's why it was obvious to me.

I showed salesman who agreed that something had been done. He apologized and acted surprised that it got by their tech. Long story short, I walked off disappointed. Today salesman assured me via email the car will be sent to Porsche approved paint shop to resolve issues.

You guys think I should not bother and keep looking or realize that no 2004 is going to be perfect? Heres the link to the car.

http://www.porscheofnorthhouston.com...ition_id=10426

Steve2112

I have a 40th AE myself and love it. There are a lot of them for sale over the US - I would pass on one that has had work done if given the choice.

I think my 04 was perfect - not a scratch on it, and the interior still smelled new. I do have a small scratch that I caused myself and just used some touch up paint on it.

Mine had 12K miles on it, with 2 year CPO from the Porsche dealer - this was 2 years ago.

Good luck - you will love the car. Hold out for the "perfect" one.

ivangene

$40k seems like a lot to me - i guess I am more of a "bottom feeder"

what is it about the 40th that you like and what do you plan to do with the car... the 40ths are "special" and altering them or having things dont incorrectly de-values them a lot in my book...you pretty much need to keep them stock

there are a ton of choices out there for that same money....and if you are picky, (which you should be) that little stuff will haunt you and drive you crazy - get a clean one

vange_c4s

that is too bad, but you made the correct choice. keep looking. there are quite a number of examples on the marked today. and if according to you "I am not a Dr., I am not rich, I did not have a trust fund, I do not own a classic car collection." do your homework and you will be rewarded. are you really in a hurry? $0.02

Steve2112

You wouldn't believe the prices that come up on nada.com, edmunds.com, etc. - when I enter my car information, mileage & options it values it at something crazy like $49K retail. I recently refinanced my loan to 2.99% and they have to check the value of the car before making the loan, and they use nada.com.

Barn996

Yes, buy a 40th, but maybe not that one. Don't mean to be critical, but there are plenty to choose from. GL

jdjones2010

+1, I agree with ivangene especially about altering the look of it. And to me it needs some altering unless you like the stock look! But like most of the guys have said, you should probably wait until you're sure. When you see the ONE you'll know it. jmo

philooo

if you prefer the 996 over the 997 (which you can buy at $40 now). then go for the 40th anniversary.
It has all the gizmo and more power, but beware of the very sporty/harsh suspension (x73) on that model. I have to say that most 996 owner in the forum have actually upgraded their suspension to a firmer ride..

I think if we had the opportunity to pay for it, we all would have taken a 40th anniversary, it is the last of the 996 and certainly the best one.

When I looked for my car i test drove two 40th anniversary but they wanted $10k more than other regular 996. I could not justify the price difference and decided to go for the base 996. I am slowly adding that money into my car with upgrades but I am glad I did it that way as I love to mod


Phil

MiamiC70

Yes, buy it. However, $40k is too much.

Steve2112

What do you think of this one? - It's in your part of the country too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item3f0f2d44b3

Another option...looks very nice - almost perfect! 6 hours to get a best offer in - 33-36K.

2004 Porsche 911 40th Anniv Carrera

Welcome to Straight Line Automotive Group, one of the nation's premier marketers of high-line and luxury automobiles on eBay Motors. The lucky winner of this auction will have the opportunity to own this beautiful 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera. The paint is in excellent condition and it is apparent that this car was garaged and meticulously-maintained. The interior is virtually flawless and it is equipped with all the right options. With only 34746 miles, you can't go wrong with this fabulous vehicle!

We welcome any pre-buy inspections before purchase and can help facilitate door to door shipping to anywhere in the world at an affordable price. If you prefer to visit our showroom for a viewing, we are pleased to offer free airport pick-up from either Dallas Love Field or DFW International Airport.

In an effort to better service our clients, it is appreciated if you can please schedule an appointment if you wish to visit Straight Line Automotive Group's physical location. By doing so, it allows us to devote 100% of our time to your individual needs.

KrazyK

Thank you for all the replys. I didn't mention the agreed on purchase price was for less. The sale price was $36,500 +TTL. The NADA was @$48,000 retail and @$40,000 trade-in. I too was surprised at how high the 40th 911 booked for but I also realize no one is going to pay that in this economy.

Would it be appropriate to post the e-mail communication between myself and the dealer concerning the issue with the car so that you guys could render more informed opinions? I'm still not convinced that they did not know about the issue.

ivangene

I think the thing is YOU know about the issue...and if YOU can live with repairs (heck maybe its all better now) then move forward....

but I will tell you if there are any flaws in that painted area, every single time you wash it, wax it..dry it, polish it take a picture of it you will see the blemish and it will bug the heck out of you -

UNLESS it is repaired so well you cannot tell

and FWIW I spend over $5k fixing the front paint area on my 996 because it was repainted and drove me nuts...when done it was perfect (except the roof!)

Beaglehusky

The 40 AE is a special car IMO but like many have said, there are quite a few of them available. Patience will pay off in this case.

Good luck finding the right car for you!

Sax Maniac

My 40th AE is my first 911 so I don't have anything to compare to but I absolutely love her. I got her at the end of June when she had just under 13,000 miles on the clock with a 2 year CPO warranty. No regrets at all, I really recommend it.

I'm probably in the same boat as you. Not a doctor or independently wealthy. I've wanted a 911 since I was 12 so I have been working my way up slowly. As has been said, just be patient, the right deal for you will appear! :-)

Detoxx

Same boat as you and Sax Maniac. First 911 and not doc or independently wealthy as well. Wanted one since my dad had a 914 when I was young and fell love with porches then. Got my AE for a little more than 36K back in June from a private party. Had 15K miles on the clock with a new engine (ims failure) about 3-4K on it. The engine is still covered under p warranty for a bit and I love that car. Took about month till I found the one I wanted. Be patient, do your due diligence and one will turn up.