Seriously considering an 06 C4S...
Usually for the options, most preowned Porsches will have the original window sticker or a copy of it--powerkit is very easiy to spot. Pop the engine cover and look--if you see a carbon fiber air box with two inlets, that's X51. There's also an options sticker under the front trunk lid--if it's missing that may mean the car had some collision work done that required a new hood; although I've read of a few reports where dealers remove it, they shouldn't.
For me, my checklist would include making sure the car comes with three keys (two remote keys and the plastic wallet keys), all it's books/owner's manuals, and whatever service records the dealer has on it, a close visual inspection, a good test drive and no stories- paintwork/accidents/prior owner's complaints (I would want to know why the car was traded in).
Most things will be covered by warranty--a clutch or brakes won't. That said, I wouldn't buy if it had anything that needs fixing unless it's fixed before I own it. Squeaks, rattles, whatever.
Carfax is notoriously inaccurate, so don't be lulled into any false sense of security by a "clean report".
Amazing car. I would be proud to own it. I just need to figure out if it would make me as happy as I want to imagine it would.
The power and handling were almost shocking. In a good way. The interior was really nice. It lacked a few creature comforts (full leather, NAV, etc.), but it was plenty nice and comfortable. The look of the car was really awesome. And it clearly screams "this is special". Perhaps a little louder than I am comfortable with, even.
As predicted, the dealer wasn't very enthusiastic about running a DME report for me. If I decide I really want to buy the car, I will insist, obviously.
The backstory on it is that the guy who owned it bought three Carrera Ss (two C2s and a C4) for himself and other members of the family. This car was his and he decided to trade it in to get a new Turbo. While the story has a slight car dealer BS sound to it, it isn't implausible. This is California and there are plenty of people with money to burn on very expensive (and cool!) toys.
Now I just have to decide if it is really right for me. I love the performance and really like the way it looks, but my practical side is wondering if it is really what I should buy.
What happens when I want to take my golf clubs somewhere other than my country club? I am sure I could put them in the back seat. But would I want to do that?
And while I love the look of the car, there is no doubting that it is pretty flashy. I am not sure I would really want to drive around in something people stare at. And I am pretty sure I don't want to deal with all sorts of people commenting on my car (positive or negative) and asking questions.
The yellow seat belts would also have to go. I don't mind the gauges so much, in fact...I think they are kind of cool. But the yellow belts are obnoxious.
What can y'all tell me about the realities of day to day life with a Porsche?
I received an IM with the link to the car. The car has X51. There is a shot of the engine lid open confirming it. I think the car is a pretty good deal at $100K and you probably can get another few off on top of that. I had considered a similar car with similar options and with about 2K miles in the fall (in addition, this car had full leather, NAV and PCCBs) although with a standard color and the asking price was something like $113K from a list of about $133K.
Amazing car. I would be proud to own it. I just need to figure out if it would make me as happy as I want to imagine it would.
The power and handling were almost shocking. In a good way. The interior was really nice. It lacked a few creature comforts (full leather, NAV, etc.), but it was plenty nice and comfortable. The look of the car was really awesome. And it clearly screams "this is special". Perhaps a little louder than I am comfortable with, even.
As predicted, the dealer wasn't very enthusiastic about running a DME report for me. If I decide I really want to buy the car, I will insist, obviously.
The backstory on it is that the guy who owned it bought three Carrera Ss (two C2s and a C4) for himself and other members of the family. This car was his and he decided to trade it in to get a new Turbo. While the story has a slight car dealer BS sound to it, it isn't implausible. This is California and there are plenty of people with money to burn on very expensive (and cool!) toys.
Now I just have to decide if it is really right for me. I love the performance and really like the way it looks, but my practical side is wondering if it is really what I should buy.
What happens when I want to take my golf clubs somewhere other than my country club? I am sure I could put them in the back seat. But would I want to do that?
And while I love the look of the car, there is no doubting that it is pretty flashy. I am not sure I would really want to drive around in something people stare at. And I am pretty sure I don't want to deal with all sorts of people commenting on my car (positive or negative) and asking questions.
The yellow seat belts would also have to go. I don't mind the gauges so much, in fact...I think they are kind of cool. But the yellow belts are obnoxious.
What can y'all tell me about the realities of day to day life with a Porsche?
There is a compromise... Not for the golf clubs but for the rest. Those will have to go in the back seats.
Get a 911, just get one that doesnt scream. Pretend that the black or midnight blue color is not as loud, and attracts less attention.. After all when you sit inside the car, you cant really see the outside color!
You see how much bs you can pull over your head if you really want to justify the purchase? You got a glimpse of the possibilities. Everything else is excuses, and whatever YOU feel comfortable with. But trust me a dark colored car, that is not shined spotless attracts significantly less attention..
I could really see myself owning any of four cars that I am considering: AMG E63, S6, M6, or this Porsche. Each has its positives and negatives. But they do bring radically different things to the table.
part 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4PTxOv4JFY
part 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kSwxqMA160
Don't know if you have seen this from TOP GEAR, tests 3 cars....M6, C2 and Aston. If you have 20mins watch it. It is a great segment!
You might want to watch it after you drive all 3 cars, so as their opinions not to influence your thinking.
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Personally, I think the 911 is much better 'drivers' car- one that will continually reward you as you gain skill driving it. The others are great, but they 'make' you feel like a better driver then you are- complimenting those who shouldn't be complimented on their drivers ability. and with more of a 'detached' feeling from the road as compared to the 911.
But admittedly, it's a tough call.
ps. Navi can be added at any time.
Given the purpose of my 997's existence - occasional street outings but mostly track time - I couldn't deal with the automatics in the E63 and S6. The M6's sheer girth is too much for me and its SMG isn't my interest.
You have to consider exactly what you're going to be using this car for. If golf clubs are that much of a concern, it might be best to get something with a substantial trunk. Me, I don't like multi-purpose cars; I pretty much only like sports cars and trucks. The only sports car I see in that list is the Porsche; the other three are sedans and a GT.
This will be my "daily driver". I put it in quotes because I simply don't put that many miles on my cars. My Audi is a 2001 and has approximately 33,000 miles on it.
I am out of town most of the week, every week.
If I was in the market for a third car to just drive for pure pleasure, I have no question that this would be it. But right now we have too much stuff in our third garage bay.
-- M




