Zanzibar Red 996

Been watching posts about finding the lowest priced 996.
Any ideas what a C2 coupe
6sp, under 30,000 miles
Garage kept w/ records is worth ??

TexAg911

I just paid $23,000 this June.

NoGaBiker

So it's really a 911, not a Boxster you're after? Confusion with your two asks.

If it's a 986, I just sold a 43k mile 2004 986 S550 (Special Edition 550 Spyder), the highest trim level 986 there was, with two sets of wheels, tasteful aftermarket exhaust (and original), and no stories for $21,500 in July. I woulda thought a 996 in similar condition would bring a bit more than that.

rpm's S2

Year?

ATLDiver

Tagging for interest as I'm looking at a '04 Cab with 32K. Ideas anyone?

Hurdigurdiman

I paid 27 and a half grand for a 99 Cab, with matching hard top, 3 spoke steering wheel, and small shifter, Classic 2 sports 18 wheels. 45000 on the clock. 30 months ago. I would put yours no more than $30000. IMHO no matter what other mods are on the car. For you coupe drivers. When the top goes down, the price goes up by $5000.

rglbegl

In sunny Socal it looks like about $25,000 will get you a 1999. If you want an '02 it is going to set you back about $30,000

ATLDiver

Good to know, from what I can tell from photos it appears the car only has Bose, (car is not local to me.) The salesman is pulling the options codes so I should have them by tomorrow but I need to budge of their price given your estimate. Any tips for doing so, due to the miles they're holding it as a cherry and since they've serviced for most of its life, (Porsche dealer,) they seem pretty firm.

rglbegl

I can't believe I am gonna let this information out. . . .. but here goes;

I have worked in the Automotive industry for over 25 years now. I have held pretty much every position in a car dealership or body shop. If you have any questions about how to work with a dealer, let me know.
I am honest with everyone, but i still get labeled because I am in the industry.
So flame away, or ask questions . .. . . your choice

ATLDiver

It really comes down to how badly a dealership wants to sell the car. Am I to assume, trade in values at Porsche dealers are pretty static? Am I also safe to assume that most Porsche dealers don't like to stock older model cars and thus have an interest in moving them quickly?

rglbegl

Yes and no.
If a dealer has a VERY rare model, they will be less likely to negotiate on it. They will also advertise it globally instead of locally.

And almost any dealership will wholesale a car over 100,000 miles, or older than about 7 years. It is just too hard to get financing on anything older or higher mileage than that.

If you want to see a dealership work for you, go in as a serious looker who is willing to buy TODAY if you see the right vehicle. If someone walks in saying "I want to buy a car today" they never do. But someone who is a serious looker is looking to buy, but needs to find the car they want.

That's tip #1 from your good ol' Uncle Beagle

5CHN3LL

If it's on a dealer lot, and it's a 986 or a 996, they want to get rid of it. Hell, SD Porsche were desperate to unload my 986, and that was 4 YEARS ago.

ATLDiver

This will be my first Porsche but with other cars I research the car, options, etc. I use several online guides for pricing, (new cars are easy,) and generally have a low number and my won't go a penny more before I step foot in the dealer. I am prepared and have walked out, you HAVE to do that otherwise you're going to get tenderly loved by the salesman.

Kalashnikov

Dealers do not want to see older exotic cars on their lots. 996/986 is huge pain in the *** for any dealer.

Reasons for it:

1) Completely unrealistic expectation of the potential customers. Potential Porsche buyers come looking for a 10 year old car expecting it to be 100% showroom fresh. PPI, records BS, any scratches etc. Never once did I see so much hysteria about buying a used $20-25k car as I see in Porsche community. It may come as a shock to some, but PPI will only detect the most obvious faults with the car. PPI will not uncover failing head gasket that was stop leaked, failing engine due to low oil pressure (heavy weight oil+ Lucas Oil Additive used ON PURPOSE to fool the buyer), coolant loss (change and refill coolant before PPI), leaking transmissions (again stop leak), dying differentials ( can be quieted down with additives or saw dust for long enough to sell it). I worked in the dealerships long enough during college to know most tricks in the book. If dealer or skilled seller wants to **** you over, they will **** you over and no amount of PPI will help.
2) Cash buyer is almost always required. People with great credit can swing the loan on a 10 year old exotic car. Everyone else is FUBAR. But, most people who can drop $25k on the used Porsche, can afford to lease or finance a new one (most is key word).
3) Huge liability for states where implied warranties exist. Dealer takes a huge gamble on placing the used high value car on the lot. If anything major fails for the customer during the implied warranty period, they are on the hook for a lot of money.

So, haggle your butt off on the used Porsches. Low mileage 996 can be had from the dealer for $22-25k. However, low mileage cars come with their own headaches. 30k miles is barely broken in, so you will be experiencing ALL of the failures previous owner avoided by not driving it much.

rglbegl

I have let more people walk than you would believe, over smaller amount than you could imagine.
They think if they leave we will call back begging them to come back and offer a super low price. NOT TRUE. Most the time their offer was too low, so we could never make the deal.
It is always a good idea to be ready to walk, but not for money reasons. You should NEVER become too attached to a single car. If they see you are in love with it, you are gonna pay.


Simply put - If you find a car you like, and the price seems fair, buy it. (fair price, not some low ball never gonna buy a Porsche at that price number)
Do your research, know your models and prices, and buy a clean car at the correct price