Buying CPO without seeing the car
05-16-2012, 11:43 PM
#16
05-17-2012, 12:48 AM
#17
Nordschleife Master
bought my car without seeing it - luckily though it only had 2950 miles on it at the time and dealer said it was "as new"
05-17-2012, 01:08 AM
#18
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Bought mine without seeing it. 6900 miles CPO'd. Did have a couple scratches and small curb rash of one wheel. I would have still bought the car if I had seen it in person but might have tried to negotiate a lower price for these issues. That would have been offset by the time away from the office and family, travel, lodging, etc. I buffed out the scratches and got quote to fix wheel for $150.
In the end I have no regrets. Best of luck
In the end I have no regrets. Best of luck
05-17-2012, 07:21 AM
#19
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Bought my '10 CPO C2S with 2,945 mils on it without seeing it prior to the day I purchased it. I rented a car (one way) and drove 4 hours to pick it up. 5 years warranty (3 remaining factory and 2 CPO). One small paint scratch. Would do it again because I have no regrets.
05-17-2012, 09:43 AM
#20
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I would go and see it. Scratches are one problem, but......
I keep on thinking of the Seinfeld show where his car "got stunk up" with BO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pEhqiCD27E
I keep on thinking of the Seinfeld show where his car "got stunk up" with BO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pEhqiCD27E
05-17-2012, 10:16 AM
#21
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If you can spare the time I would go see it. The cost to see it is minimal, but time is another story.
As far as PPI, I personally would only have this done on a pre 2009 997 to check for RMS leaks. Still CPO covers any mechanical issues including RMS so either way you're covered.
As far as PPI, I personally would only have this done on a pre 2009 997 to check for RMS leaks. Still CPO covers any mechanical issues including RMS so either way you're covered.
05-17-2012, 11:48 AM
#22
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I would always have a PPI done. I was looking at a 2005 red CPO, clean carfax, during the PPI we noticed red overspray underneath the car and then noticed the runs and drips in the paint along the bottom front of the rear quarter panel. I ran away from that car.
05-17-2012, 12:30 PM
#23
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I would not buy a car without seeing it in person first. It will very rarely be in better condition than you are anticipating.
05-18-2012, 11:23 AM
#24
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I bought 3 Cars that way .. I have had them bring it to the dealer for a complete PPI and ask the Service Mgr to do a full review and even do usage report.. Confirm Sev 1 or 2 hits as well.. Im sure we can all trust a fellow rennlist'er .. but piece of mind.. best to know if the breaks are in great shape and overall the shape of the car.. and "how big is that ding or scratch" ? .. get a third party to tell you.. I seen some guys faint on a 1/8 "nic" .. others .. not !
if the car is in great shape and breaks and tires are fine and under CPO .. then perfect .. but..if some minor work is required.. that maybe the time to have a discussion with the seller..based on the facts you received.. not an eyeball..
or as SacTG says above.. for that kinda $$ .. worth flying on a Saturday and take a peek !
good luck.. !.. exciting stuff ..
if the car is in great shape and breaks and tires are fine and under CPO .. then perfect .. but..if some minor work is required.. that maybe the time to have a discussion with the seller..based on the facts you received.. not an eyeball..
or as SacTG says above.. for that kinda $$ .. worth flying on a Saturday and take a peek !
good luck.. !.. exciting stuff ..
05-18-2012, 02:59 PM
#25
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I have bought two cars that way... in both cases a CPO and a PPI done by a reputable shop. Had the PPI shop do a very **** review on condition of car and made my decisions based on that. I then took a flight to the dealerships to pick up the car, knowing that I always could walk away from it if I din't like it. Both cars were exactly as described by the dealer and the indy who did the PPI.
Would do it like that again in a heart beat
Would do it like that again in a heart beat
05-18-2012, 10:00 PM
#28
Just got my S from Isringhausen (CPO car). It is PERFECT. When I took it for my state inspection and emissions, the techs were amazed it was a 5-yr old car. I suppose I'd ordinarily insist on a PPI, but...
05-19-2012, 12:02 AM
#29
Drifting
At minimum get the PPI if you can't test drive the car in person. Wear and tear is not covered by the warranty or CPO. Bought my car from a p-dealer in SoCal last year. It had 1.5 yrs of original warranty left and 2 yrs of CPO afterwards so they tried to convince me that a PPI was not necessary. Glad I ignored them. My Indy PPI discovered a leaking RMS seal and broken tailpipe. Although the RMS replacement would have been covered by the car's warranty it was great to have it done upfront as condition of purchase. The tailpipe, however, would not have been covered if I had not caught it upfront. New tailpipe = $600. I was also able to negotiate another $1,000 off in additional discounts beyond the already agreed to price for my troubles. Ultimately the PPI peace of mind was priceless. It's only a few hundred for a good PPI and these cars cost $50k+, $100K+, or more. Would you ever buy a house w/o a home inspection... why a car that costs as much as a condo or house w/o a formal inspection.
05-19-2012, 09:28 AM
#30
Highly recommend PPI. I also bought my own cheap paint meter to verify paint as paint repairs are pretty good these days. Walk around the car with one and look underneath regardless of what anyone / CPO dealer says. I had two CPO cars ( luckily local) clearly fail the paint check.
I flew out and drove a CPO car I put a deposit on that has several problems that were not disclosed on the phone. It also drove different than others i tested. I got my deposit back and walked. I say this to say drive a few before you buy- maybe a newer 997 with low miles and then the one you want for comparison.
I flew out and drove a CPO car I put a deposit on that has several problems that were not disclosed on the phone. It also drove different than others i tested. I got my deposit back and walked. I say this to say drive a few before you buy- maybe a newer 997 with low miles and then the one you want for comparison.