sfarooq

All -

I am fortunate enough to be at a stage in life to begin my search for my dream car. Specifically I'm looking for a 997.1 GT3 RS in Pumpkin. I have been visiting forums and auction sites (i.e. BAT, Cars/Bids, Pcarmarket, etc.) to track cars coming up for sale.

My preference is to own a no-story car that has been mechanically maintained and has relatively low miles (16-20K). However, with auctions, its hard to get total transparency and information, especially related to such a large and important transaction.

To take the guess work out of the situation, I'm thinking of using a broker to source and inspect a car, but wanted to get the thoughts of you guys regarding this matter. My preference is to use someone like Canepa, Merrit Partners, or Ryan F.). Can someone let me know if they've had positive/negative experiences and things I may not be contemplating?

Thanks again for your help.

RAudi Driver

I would try Doug @ Switchcars first and give him some time to do some legwork. It's already been discussed to death and the consensus is that you're going to get the most transparency going with his camp. I do have a 18k and change pumpkin and have thought about letting it go but don't think I'm ready yet. Who knows.

pirahna

Switch cars, Autokennel, and Columbia Valley Luxury Cars all have a good reputation and seem to get very nice cars. I would probably avoid Canepa unless you have a very thorough PPI done at a top tier shop.

ChrisF

Agree with recommendations above. All have long term sold reputations here. The others; not so much.

The other option is to post a wanted ad here. There are lots of cars that trade hands off market. You never kjnow when someone here is on the verge of selling. That way, you can directly interact with the seller and know WHO you're buying. There are lots of good referrals here for PPI's as well. Sound like though that you'd be willing to pay the premium to have someone else do it for you. Either way, good luck.

TrofeoCollection

Hi, we have a pumpkin that may fit your criteria. Will PM you now.

gerryros

+1 for Doug at Switchcars. I sold him my 7.1 and he sourced my 7.2 which I had a bit of a unique options wish list for (no FAL, 5-lug conversion, buckets, full leather, low miles, etc) and he hit everything with an off market car and fair deal before prices really started to run.

Ksdaoski

Curious on this

Bxstr

Switchcars is the most well known for sourcing high quality 997 GT products. They've also been doing it longer than most of the others.

pirahna

There have been a couple of cases were Canepa has been accused of hiding parts of the history of some cars they have sold. In one case they sold a PTS 94 964 turbo 3.6 and told the buyer that it was a pristine all original paint car. The buyer upon receiving it found that the car was a complete repaint. The buyer said that he was able to track down the previous owner and the owner claimed he told Canepa that it was repainted and then they chose to not disclose that information.

There was also a 993 turbo that went through Canepa that had a washed title. dealer sold me salvaged Turbo no disclosure - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

There are a few other stories I have heard that would make me think again before spending a Canepa premium. That being said, his shop is amazing and they do amazing work on very rare cars.

osu s2k

Switchcars switchcars switchcars…..avoid merit

Tombstone4478

yikes what is wrong with Merit? I thought they had a good reputation

jason95R

I'll add another vote for Switchcars. Doug found me my .1 with all the options I wanted in an off market deal. Easy transaction and worth the (in my mind) small premium I paid.

ranger22

Doug @ Switchcars is going to be by far the most popular on this board. Given that many forum members have had transactions with Doug and continue to advocate for doing business with him, that should carry some weight. If you're casting your net to see what you can get, NWEuro is great too.

blk rex wagon

Doug helped me get my 7.1 .. Nothing but great attention to detail and communication was on point.

650kid

Curious on this one too? Don't think I've ever heard anything negative on Merit.