Buying 997.2 Sight-Unseen
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Instructor
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Buying 997.2 Sight-Unseen
I am considering a 997.2 in NJ, but live several hours away by plane. I was initially going to base the purchase on the results of a PPI, but have read a few posts suggesting that this is not a good idea (e.g., https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...fail-long.html). Is this a one-off or is it crazy to purchase sight-unseen? People must do this all the time, no?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
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I would say yes if it's exactly the spec you want, and two your buying a warranty along with it. Otherwise I would slow down and find a car you can see and test drive, while the market might be smaller in NY for good cars, it's worth your time to see it in person. If your a PCA member you might be able to see other similar cars through their classifieds.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Arlington, Texas
I think buying cars unseen is the exception, not common. I've owned a total of 36 cars, with only one bought unseen. How about telling us more about this car, like mileage, how you found it, maintenance history, etc.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
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If you feel satisfied, you should talk to the owner, if they are evasive or don't know when repairs or maintenance was done I would say that is a red flag. If you have a good mechanic, you will probably want them to go over the car anyways if you buy it. One thing you can't see from pictures is light wear and tear on both interior and exterior surfaces, especially in lower light. Trim bits can get scratched/scuffed easily, and don't always show, even in high resolution images. Usually wear will be heavier on the drivers side.
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Thanks. He said that he did most if not all of the maintenance since he bought the car and that it wasn't anything more than routine oil changes, etc. In other words, no paperwork (unless he has receipts for the oil, etc.).
He sent me a video as well as additional pictures of the exterior and interior, which (perhaps not surprisingly) show little wear (possibly a slight crease on the driver's side seat).
He sent me a video as well as additional pictures of the exterior and interior, which (perhaps not surprisingly) show little wear (possibly a slight crease on the driver's side seat).
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Detroit
I live 600 miles from the car I bought. Use your ppi to verify that everything is perfect or to list all flaws. I still flew with a check in my pocket and drove it for a mile before I bought it and drove it home.How far from the car are you?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
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I'm about 900 miles. I've thought about doing the same, but my wife would probably divorce me if I left her alone with the kids for a couple days to buy a car that she already thinks is impractical :-)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,190
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From: Menomonee Falls, WI.
I know the feeling! My wife hates my car (2009 C2S cab). I had to buy it sight unseen and have it shipped. I never saw it until it got here. It worked out fine thanks to the company that did the PPI and a good dealer. Wife thinks I should have bought a Lexus or something else big and slow.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
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I live in ATL and I bought my 997.2 from rural PA, (830 miles away) and drove it back. I did this despite talking to the SA at the Porsche dealership where it was serviced.
I would not recommend buying a car like this sight-unseen... what if the steering feels looser than you expect? or one tail pipe is sootier than the other? or smells awful?
Getting that extended test drive really gave me peace of mind before handing over the check.
Take your kid with you and enjoy the ride back! I don't recall having more than a 30 second discussion with my wife about it
I would not recommend buying a car like this sight-unseen... what if the steering feels looser than you expect? or one tail pipe is sootier than the other? or smells awful?
Getting that extended test drive really gave me peace of mind before handing over the check.Take your kid with you and enjoy the ride back! I don't recall having more than a 30 second discussion with my wife about it
Pro
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 563
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From: Detroit
It's an easy 2 day drive or a one way ticket back home if the car flunks your inspection. It will be memorable either way. The only way to be sure you'll like it is to see it.
You could always do a one day round trip to inspect and buy if you like it and then still ship it.
You could always do a one day round trip to inspect and buy if you like it and then still ship it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
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I know the feeling! My wife hates my car (2009 C2S cab). I had to buy it sight unseen and have it shipped. I never saw it until it got here. It worked out fine thanks to the company that did the PPI and a good dealer. Wife thinks I should have bought a Lexus or something else big and slow.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 114
Likes: 3
I live in ATL and I bought my 997.2 from rural PA, (830 miles away) and drove it back. I did this despite talking to the SA at the Porsche dealership where it was serviced.
I would not recommend buying a car like this sight-unseen... what if the steering feels looser than you expect? or one tail pipe is sootier than the other? or smells awful? Getting that extended test drive really gave me peace of mind before handing over the check.
Take your kid with you and enjoy the ride back! I don't recall having more than a 30 second discussion with my wife about it
I would not recommend buying a car like this sight-unseen... what if the steering feels looser than you expect? or one tail pipe is sootier than the other? or smells awful?
Getting that extended test drive really gave me peace of mind before handing over the check.Take your kid with you and enjoy the ride back! I don't recall having more than a 30 second discussion with my wife about it
Unfortunately, I can't afford to lose a day of work due to driving. Otherwise it would be a blast. I still remember making a similar trip with my dad when I was younger.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
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Good luck whatever you choose, a well sorted 997.2 is a fantastic car! I've had my higher mileage one for about three years now, and it never gets old.