Today's Craigslist Finds...
02-24-2017, 04:00 PM
#2581
I think the Arena Red one for $13.5k is a much better deal even though it clearly has a few items (motor mounts) that need to be addressed.
Personally the 100k mark doesn't scare me (quite the opposite actually for these cars) so I think 18.5k is actually a good number if it's a solid car, but the market says that it should probably be somewhere between 15 and 17.
This car specifically, however, I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole due to the appearance of "replace & dump" for the bearing.
Personally the 100k mark doesn't scare me (quite the opposite actually for these cars) so I think 18.5k is actually a good number if it's a solid car, but the market says that it should probably be somewhere between 15 and 17.
This car specifically, however, I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole due to the appearance of "replace & dump" for the bearing.
02-24-2017, 05:07 PM
#2582
I think getting a car without the IMS done, verifying the oil filter is clean with a good PPI and then price adjusting to do the IMS yourself is a much better idea. But I can see why some sellers do it because of the stigmatism.
02-24-2017, 05:21 PM
#2583
Sadly we also know that some do it to hide a failing motor and make people feel good that they are getting a "good" one 
I think it should be legal to track such d-bags down and castrate them with rusty nail clippers covered in a mix of salt, vinegar, and lemon juice...
My recommendation is that if the car hasn't seen 5k since the change, walk away. If it's seen less than 15k, be skeptical. Up to 50k, be cautiously optimistic. Over 50k and it's time to be thinking about a new one anyway.
Of course an LN bearing (Solution or Retrofit) done by certified installer with appropriate documentation negates all of that.
I think it should be legal to track such d-bags down and castrate them with rusty nail clippers covered in a mix of salt, vinegar, and lemon juice...
My recommendation is that if the car hasn't seen 5k since the change, walk away. If it's seen less than 15k, be skeptical. Up to 50k, be cautiously optimistic. Over 50k and it's time to be thinking about a new one anyway.
Of course an LN bearing (Solution or Retrofit) done by certified installer with appropriate documentation negates all of that.
02-24-2017, 07:14 PM
#2584
Rennlist Member
I think the stigmatization associated with the 996 causes sellers to pad their asking price's know they may get a low ball offer. Clearly OBO leaves wiggle room. Looks to be a good car from the outside. Just a thought...$16-$17K car?
I do agree about the scary part, slap a new bearing in and unload it.
I do agree about the scary part, slap a new bearing in and unload it.
02-24-2017, 07:26 PM
#2585
Race Director
Question: Is "IMS stigmatism" a deep shame that is only visible when you're wearing glasses?
02-24-2017, 08:14 PM
#2587
Rennlist Member
02-24-2017, 08:16 PM
#2588
But then I took the same approach to her 01 figuring it had the single row...
02-24-2017, 09:04 PM
#2589
Rennlist Member
02-25-2017, 06:43 AM
#2590
Rennlist Member
Appears to be a decent 6 speed cab on ebay with $12,900 buy it now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-Porsche...m=282365620243
Concur on that Arena Red coupe in Costa Mesa - looks like a deal at under $14k.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-Porsche...m=282365620243
Concur on that Arena Red coupe in Costa Mesa - looks like a deal at under $14k.
Last edited by FRUNKenstein; 02-26-2017 at 12:36 PM.
02-25-2017, 09:19 AM
#2591
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
02-25-2017, 04:40 PM
#2592
Just checked out the Arena Red car. Typical side of the road used car dealer experience. The two salesmen were talking over each other the whole time about how this was the best deal in the country. Here are some notes, some probably more helpful than others, but i figured i would post whatever I could remember. Keeping in mind it's a $14k car:
1. The paint on the hood and front bumper is pretty
chipped up.
2. Scratches around the car but pretty reasonable for a 17 year old car.
3. Driver's seat would move back and adjust the seat angle but the seat would not move forward again. Passenger seat seemed to work fine. Interior is pretty clean otherwise. Didn't test any other electricals - more on that in a minute.
4. Motor mounts need to be replaced.
5. Dealer claims to have bought it from Carmax and that the car was serviced locally - I have not verified this.
6. Mismatched tires between the front and rear. The fronts are Coopers and have good tread, the rears are Bridgestone and will need to be replaced.
7. They wouldn't let me drive the car. The salesman started the car and let it run for a couple minutes, then took the key out and hung onto it. This seemed unusual as typically the dealer would just give me the key to start the car and poke around. They claimed it was because they only let "serious buyers" drive the car even though I told them I was thinking about a trade-in. I wasn't driving my car at the time - take that for what you will.
8. Asked about typical 996 service and they claimed they tried to get service records for the car but that Porsche Newport would only release them to the registered owner...?
Besides that there was some kinda shady whispers between the two guys, but again take that for what you will.
I'll try to answer any other questions anyone has, but these are the notes I took down. Going to attempt to post some pics from my phone shortly.
1. The paint on the hood and front bumper is pretty
chipped up.
2. Scratches around the car but pretty reasonable for a 17 year old car.
3. Driver's seat would move back and adjust the seat angle but the seat would not move forward again. Passenger seat seemed to work fine. Interior is pretty clean otherwise. Didn't test any other electricals - more on that in a minute.
4. Motor mounts need to be replaced.
5. Dealer claims to have bought it from Carmax and that the car was serviced locally - I have not verified this.
6. Mismatched tires between the front and rear. The fronts are Coopers and have good tread, the rears are Bridgestone and will need to be replaced.
7. They wouldn't let me drive the car. The salesman started the car and let it run for a couple minutes, then took the key out and hung onto it. This seemed unusual as typically the dealer would just give me the key to start the car and poke around. They claimed it was because they only let "serious buyers" drive the car even though I told them I was thinking about a trade-in. I wasn't driving my car at the time - take that for what you will.
8. Asked about typical 996 service and they claimed they tried to get service records for the car but that Porsche Newport would only release them to the registered owner...?
Besides that there was some kinda shady whispers between the two guys, but again take that for what you will.
I'll try to answer any other questions anyone has, but these are the notes I took down. Going to attempt to post some pics from my phone shortly.
02-25-2017, 04:48 PM
#2593
02-25-2017, 07:51 PM
#2594
You sir are an example of what makes this a great thread in a great forum. Thank you 
Just checked out the Arena Red car. Typical side of the road used car dealer experience. The two salesmen were talking over each other the whole time about how this was the best deal in the country. Here are some notes, some probably more helpful than others, but i figured i would post whatever I could remember. Keeping in mind it's a $14k car:
1. The paint on the hood and front bumper is pretty
chipped up.
2. Scratches around the car but pretty reasonable for a 17 year old car.
3. Driver's seat would move back and adjust the seat angle but the seat would not move forward again. Passenger seat seemed to work fine. Interior is pretty clean otherwise. Didn't test any other electricals - more on that in a minute.
4. Motor mounts need to be replaced.
5. Dealer claims to have bought it from Carmax and that the car was serviced locally - I have not verified this.
6. Mismatched tires between the front and rear. The fronts are Coopers and have good tread, the rears are Bridgestone and will need to be replaced.
7. They wouldn't let me drive the car. The salesman started the car and let it run for a couple minutes, then took the key out and hung onto it. This seemed unusual as typically the dealer would just give me the key to start the car and poke around. They claimed it was because they only let "serious buyers" drive the car even though I told them I was thinking about a trade-in. I wasn't driving my car at the time - take that for what you will.
8. Asked about typical 996 service and they claimed they tried to get service records for the car but that Porsche Newport would only release them to the registered owner...?
Besides that there was some kinda shady whispers between the two guys, but again take that for what you will.
I'll try to answer any other questions anyone has, but these are the notes I took down. Going to attempt to post some pics from my phone shortly.
1. The paint on the hood and front bumper is pretty
chipped up.
2. Scratches around the car but pretty reasonable for a 17 year old car.
3. Driver's seat would move back and adjust the seat angle but the seat would not move forward again. Passenger seat seemed to work fine. Interior is pretty clean otherwise. Didn't test any other electricals - more on that in a minute.
4. Motor mounts need to be replaced.
5. Dealer claims to have bought it from Carmax and that the car was serviced locally - I have not verified this.
6. Mismatched tires between the front and rear. The fronts are Coopers and have good tread, the rears are Bridgestone and will need to be replaced.
7. They wouldn't let me drive the car. The salesman started the car and let it run for a couple minutes, then took the key out and hung onto it. This seemed unusual as typically the dealer would just give me the key to start the car and poke around. They claimed it was because they only let "serious buyers" drive the car even though I told them I was thinking about a trade-in. I wasn't driving my car at the time - take that for what you will.
8. Asked about typical 996 service and they claimed they tried to get service records for the car but that Porsche Newport would only release them to the registered owner...?
Besides that there was some kinda shady whispers between the two guys, but again take that for what you will.
I'll try to answer any other questions anyone has, but these are the notes I took down. Going to attempt to post some pics from my phone shortly.
02-25-2017, 09:18 PM
#2595
Nordschleife Master
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Zuffenhausen, Georgia
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[QUOTE=dciraolo;13985979]
You sir, are really doing your homework! Good job.
1. The paint on the hood and front bumper is pretty
chipped up.
2. Scratches around the car but pretty reasonable for a 17 year old car.
Response:
I'd factor at least a couple grand for a good respray from a respected body shop. Doesn't look like you need a full paint job, but the main area of course on the front would need to be taken care of... but don't go stupid and send the car to MAACO or we'll disown you on Rennlist! haha!
3. Driver's seat would move back and adjust the seat angle but the seat would not move forward again. Passenger seat seemed to work fine. Interior is pretty clean otherwise. Didn't test any other electricals - more on that in a minute.
RESPONSE:
Easy fix! But depending on what level of seat you have... is it full power or manual forward and back? Mine is manual, and was stuck because the PO didn't move the seat much at all. After moving it a few times, it loosened up.
4. Motor mounts need to be replaced.
RESPONSE:
It does look low, but again, it's an easy DIY fix. Wouldn't be a deal breaker.
5. Dealer claims to have bought it from Carmax and that the car was serviced locally - I have not verified this.
At least he didn't claim it was personally owned by Butzi Porsche and shipped over in a gold plated crate. But honestly, this may be a red flag. You have to ask yourself, why in the world would someone dump a car at Carmax? Carmax doesn't give great trade-in prices and are usually below book value, but they have a reputation for accepting just about anything. Therefore, lots of people dump *problem* Porsche cars at Carmax because of this. Buyer beware!
6. Mismatched tires between the front and rear. The fronts are Coopers and have good tread, the rears are Bridgestone and will need to be replaced.
RESPONSE: Again, not a biggie, but just annoying why someone would mismatch tire on a performance car like the 996. Ugh! If take the next steps, you definitely need to drive the car to make sure it handles properly.
7. They wouldn't let me drive the car. The salesman started the car and let it run for a couple minutes, then took the key out and hung onto it. This seemed unusual as typically the dealer would just give me the key to start the car and poke around. They claimed it was because they only let "serious buyers" drive the car even though I told them I was thinking about a trade-in. I wasn't driving my car at the time - take that for what you will.
RESPONSE:
This is not completely unusual. Many dealerships that sell high-end sports cars don't quickly allow test drives unless you can prove that you are a serious buyer. You can imagine the trouble if they'd let just anyone jump in these cars. Performance cars bring our the worst in some drivers which is a risk for the dealership. I've heard some that sell high end sports cars, require a deposit before any test drive is allowed.
But this is not like it's a new 2017 GT3, but I'd imagine if you come back and are serious about making a deal, they'll arrange a test drive.
8. Asked about typical 996 service and they claimed they tried to get service records for the car but that Porsche Newport would only release them to the registered owner...?
I've experienced this before and some dealerships require ID and the actual title to the car.
Hope it all works out!
You sir, are really doing your homework! Good job.
1. The paint on the hood and front bumper is pretty
chipped up.
2. Scratches around the car but pretty reasonable for a 17 year old car.
Response:
I'd factor at least a couple grand for a good respray from a respected body shop. Doesn't look like you need a full paint job, but the main area of course on the front would need to be taken care of... but don't go stupid and send the car to MAACO or we'll disown you on Rennlist! haha!
3. Driver's seat would move back and adjust the seat angle but the seat would not move forward again. Passenger seat seemed to work fine. Interior is pretty clean otherwise. Didn't test any other electricals - more on that in a minute.
RESPONSE:
Easy fix! But depending on what level of seat you have... is it full power or manual forward and back? Mine is manual, and was stuck because the PO didn't move the seat much at all. After moving it a few times, it loosened up.
4. Motor mounts need to be replaced.
RESPONSE:
It does look low, but again, it's an easy DIY fix. Wouldn't be a deal breaker.
5. Dealer claims to have bought it from Carmax and that the car was serviced locally - I have not verified this.
At least he didn't claim it was personally owned by Butzi Porsche and shipped over in a gold plated crate. But honestly, this may be a red flag. You have to ask yourself, why in the world would someone dump a car at Carmax? Carmax doesn't give great trade-in prices and are usually below book value, but they have a reputation for accepting just about anything. Therefore, lots of people dump *problem* Porsche cars at Carmax because of this. Buyer beware!
6. Mismatched tires between the front and rear. The fronts are Coopers and have good tread, the rears are Bridgestone and will need to be replaced.
RESPONSE: Again, not a biggie, but just annoying why someone would mismatch tire on a performance car like the 996. Ugh! If take the next steps, you definitely need to drive the car to make sure it handles properly.
7. They wouldn't let me drive the car. The salesman started the car and let it run for a couple minutes, then took the key out and hung onto it. This seemed unusual as typically the dealer would just give me the key to start the car and poke around. They claimed it was because they only let "serious buyers" drive the car even though I told them I was thinking about a trade-in. I wasn't driving my car at the time - take that for what you will.
RESPONSE:
This is not completely unusual. Many dealerships that sell high-end sports cars don't quickly allow test drives unless you can prove that you are a serious buyer. You can imagine the trouble if they'd let just anyone jump in these cars. Performance cars bring our the worst in some drivers which is a risk for the dealership. I've heard some that sell high end sports cars, require a deposit before any test drive is allowed.
But this is not like it's a new 2017 GT3, but I'd imagine if you come back and are serious about making a deal, they'll arrange a test drive.
8. Asked about typical 996 service and they claimed they tried to get service records for the car but that Porsche Newport would only release them to the registered owner...?
I've experienced this before and some dealerships require ID and the actual title to the car.
Hope it all works out!