My Quest for a 997 Turbo, Part 1: Disappointment
#1
04-07-2012, 09:42 PM
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 77
Rep Power: 16 
My Quest for a 997 Turbo, Part 1: Disappointment
The first time I saw a Porsche Turbo was when I was 17 years old. A neighbor had just purchased a new 993 and I instantly fell in love. I never cared for the jelly-bean headlights on the 996 but I am obsessed with the 997. Is there a more perfect car? Clearly the answer is no. My girlfriend (amazingly awesome as she is) disagrees; she wants me to buy “us” a Lambo LP560-4, but what does she know right? That is NOT a daily driver. I have worked hard, established criteria of options with a realistic timeline for purchase, a target price range of $70k to low $80ks, and saved for a substantial down payment. I had finally transitioned from dreaming of “one day” and stalking the internet (eBay, Porsche.com/USA, and of course @Schnell TT ‘s “My guide on how to buy a used 997tt”) to hunting my trophy.
I had found a Porsche that I wanted and could afford. It met almost all of my criteria – a manual coupe with adaptive sports seats, sport chrono package, relatively low miles (16k), silver exterior (I was looking for silver, grey, or black) and black interior all within my target range. The only thing it was missing was PCCBs and red stitching. It was at Monument BMW in Houston, Texas and listed on eBay with a starting bid of $65000 and no reserve. I contacted the dealerships point of contact Mr. Walter McNeal to get the ball rolling.
I asked Walter for the DME report, why the vehicle in question was not listed on their website while other 911s were, and inquired about pre-approval for financing through the dealership. I had explicitly stated that I preferred to be contacted via email since I was typically unavailable via phone during business hours. Walter quickly replied that he had requested the DME and sent me a questionnaire for pre-approval for financing. Later he left me a voicemail stating he received the DME and could not forward it to me. He then proceeded to send me pictures of the DME scan which he took a photo of with his cellular phone from his personal email address. He then requested a photo of my driver’s license from his business email account. I supplied the photo and again asked for the DME report, why he couldn’t supply the documentation, and why it wasn’t listed on the website. I did not hear back from him, never submitted a bid, and two days later he auction ended with a winner at $71,100. Two hours later Walters’ business manager called me to “run numbers.” I stated that the auction had ended and he pressed continuing with financing.
This morning I received an email notification stating there had been a hard inquiry on my credit report from Monument BMW. I sent an email to Walters’s business manager, the pre-owned sales manager, and Walter stating that I did not understand why they would press financing when clearly someone else had won the car. Walter called me and said that he had stopped the auction (which again had ended on schedule with a clear winner at $71,100) and that “as far as I am concerned you bought this car from me so we need to move forward.” I told him that if I were making a purchase from a private party the picture of the DME reading may be acceptable but not from a dealer. He then told me in a harsh tone “you need to calm down and listen to me.”
I thought this was exceptionally unprofessional and told him that I did not care to speak with him again. I contacted his manager who apologized for what he described as a misunderstanding and had assumed that a “bottom line” had been agreed upon. Lesson learned: if you MUST have a 997 turbo and the seller adamantly refuses to jump when you say to supply documentation there is only one course of action – walk.
I had found a Porsche that I wanted and could afford. It met almost all of my criteria – a manual coupe with adaptive sports seats, sport chrono package, relatively low miles (16k), silver exterior (I was looking for silver, grey, or black) and black interior all within my target range. The only thing it was missing was PCCBs and red stitching. It was at Monument BMW in Houston, Texas and listed on eBay with a starting bid of $65000 and no reserve. I contacted the dealerships point of contact Mr. Walter McNeal to get the ball rolling.
I asked Walter for the DME report, why the vehicle in question was not listed on their website while other 911s were, and inquired about pre-approval for financing through the dealership. I had explicitly stated that I preferred to be contacted via email since I was typically unavailable via phone during business hours. Walter quickly replied that he had requested the DME and sent me a questionnaire for pre-approval for financing. Later he left me a voicemail stating he received the DME and could not forward it to me. He then proceeded to send me pictures of the DME scan which he took a photo of with his cellular phone from his personal email address. He then requested a photo of my driver’s license from his business email account. I supplied the photo and again asked for the DME report, why he couldn’t supply the documentation, and why it wasn’t listed on the website. I did not hear back from him, never submitted a bid, and two days later he auction ended with a winner at $71,100. Two hours later Walters’ business manager called me to “run numbers.” I stated that the auction had ended and he pressed continuing with financing.
This morning I received an email notification stating there had been a hard inquiry on my credit report from Monument BMW. I sent an email to Walters’s business manager, the pre-owned sales manager, and Walter stating that I did not understand why they would press financing when clearly someone else had won the car. Walter called me and said that he had stopped the auction (which again had ended on schedule with a clear winner at $71,100) and that “as far as I am concerned you bought this car from me so we need to move forward.” I told him that if I were making a purchase from a private party the picture of the DME reading may be acceptable but not from a dealer. He then told me in a harsh tone “you need to calm down and listen to me.”
I thought this was exceptionally unprofessional and told him that I did not care to speak with him again. I contacted his manager who apologized for what he described as a misunderstanding and had assumed that a “bottom line” had been agreed upon. Lesson learned: if you MUST have a 997 turbo and the seller adamantly refuses to jump when you say to supply documentation there is only one course of action – walk.
#2
04-07-2012, 10:14 PM
I had an equally bad experience looking for my 997tt. What worse is that it was a well respected Porsche specialist in Dallas (maybe the most respected in the history of Porsche turbos). The sales guy was a young, impulsive ****** who has no idea how to treat people spending this kind of money on cars. The deal was on/off several times over 10days and handled very unprofessionally with aggressive behavior and threats to keep my deposit over issues on their end. Ultimately, I sent emails and history of the transaction to the sales manager and the service manager (2 out of three of the company owners) and they got the kid in line quickly. They threw in some freebies and delivered it on an enclosed trailer free of charge 4.5hrs away. I love the car.... it can still work out if they get it together. Living in a different state, you won't have to deal with them after the sale. Get a proper PPI!
The first time I saw a Porsche Turbo was when I was 17 years old. A neighbor had just purchased a new 993 and I instantly fell in love. I never cared for the jelly-bean headlights on the 996 but I am obsessed with the 997. Is there a more perfect car? Clearly the answer is no. My girlfriend (amazingly awesome as she is) disagrees; she wants me to buy “us” a Lambo LP560-4, but what does she know right? That is NOT a daily driver. I have worked hard, established criteria of options with a realistic timeline for purchase, a target price range of $70k to low $80ks, and saved for a substantial down payment. I had finally transitioned from dreaming of “one day” and stalking the internet (eBay, Porsche.com/USA, and of course @Schnell TT ‘s “My guide on how to buy a used 997tt”) to hunting my trophy.
I had found a Porsche that I wanted and could afford. It met almost all of my criteria – a manual coupe with adaptive sports seats, sport chrono package, relatively low miles (16k), silver exterior (I was looking for silver, grey, or black) and black interior all within my target range. The only thing it was missing was PCCBs and red stitching. It was at Monument BMW in Houston, Texas and listed on eBay with a starting bid of $65000 and no reserve. I contacted the dealerships point of contact Mr. Walter McNeal to get the ball rolling.
I asked Walter for the DME report, why the vehicle in question was not listed on their website while other 911s were, and inquired about pre-approval for financing through the dealership. I had explicitly stated that I preferred to be contacted via email since I was typically unavailable via phone during business hours. Walter quickly replied that he had requested the DME and sent me a questionnaire for pre-approval for financing. Later he left me a voicemail stating he received the DME and could not forward it to me. He then proceeded to send me pictures of the DME scan which he took a photo of with his cellular phone from his personal email address. He then requested a photo of my driver’s license from his business email account. I supplied the photo and again asked for the DME report, why he couldn’t supply the documentation, and why it wasn’t listed on the website. I did not hear back from him, never submitted a bid, and two days later he auction ended with a winner at $71,100. Two hours later Walters’ business manager called me to “run numbers.” I stated that the auction had ended and he pressed continuing with financing.
This morning I received an email notification stating there had been a hard inquiry on my credit report from Monument BMW. I sent an email to Walters’s business manager, the pre-owned sales manager, and Walter stating that I did not understand why they would press financing when clearly someone else had won the car. Walter called me and said that he had stopped the auction (which again had ended on schedule with a clear winner at $71,100) and that “as far as I am concerned you bought this car from me so we need to move forward.” I told him that if I were making a purchase from a private party the picture of the DME reading may be acceptable but not from a dealer. He then told me in a harsh tone “you need to calm down and listen to me.”
I thought this was exceptionally unprofessional and told him that I did not care to speak with him again. I contacted his manager who apologized for what he described as a misunderstanding and had assumed that a “bottom line” had been agreed upon. Lesson learned: if you MUST have a 997 turbo and the seller adamantly refuses to jump when you say to supply documentation there is only one course of action – walk.
I had found a Porsche that I wanted and could afford. It met almost all of my criteria – a manual coupe with adaptive sports seats, sport chrono package, relatively low miles (16k), silver exterior (I was looking for silver, grey, or black) and black interior all within my target range. The only thing it was missing was PCCBs and red stitching. It was at Monument BMW in Houston, Texas and listed on eBay with a starting bid of $65000 and no reserve. I contacted the dealerships point of contact Mr. Walter McNeal to get the ball rolling.
I asked Walter for the DME report, why the vehicle in question was not listed on their website while other 911s were, and inquired about pre-approval for financing through the dealership. I had explicitly stated that I preferred to be contacted via email since I was typically unavailable via phone during business hours. Walter quickly replied that he had requested the DME and sent me a questionnaire for pre-approval for financing. Later he left me a voicemail stating he received the DME and could not forward it to me. He then proceeded to send me pictures of the DME scan which he took a photo of with his cellular phone from his personal email address. He then requested a photo of my driver’s license from his business email account. I supplied the photo and again asked for the DME report, why he couldn’t supply the documentation, and why it wasn’t listed on the website. I did not hear back from him, never submitted a bid, and two days later he auction ended with a winner at $71,100. Two hours later Walters’ business manager called me to “run numbers.” I stated that the auction had ended and he pressed continuing with financing.
This morning I received an email notification stating there had been a hard inquiry on my credit report from Monument BMW. I sent an email to Walters’s business manager, the pre-owned sales manager, and Walter stating that I did not understand why they would press financing when clearly someone else had won the car. Walter called me and said that he had stopped the auction (which again had ended on schedule with a clear winner at $71,100) and that “as far as I am concerned you bought this car from me so we need to move forward.” I told him that if I were making a purchase from a private party the picture of the DME reading may be acceptable but not from a dealer. He then told me in a harsh tone “you need to calm down and listen to me.”
I thought this was exceptionally unprofessional and told him that I did not care to speak with him again. I contacted his manager who apologized for what he described as a misunderstanding and had assumed that a “bottom line” had been agreed upon. Lesson learned: if you MUST have a 997 turbo and the seller adamantly refuses to jump when you say to supply documentation there is only one course of action – walk.
#3
04-07-2012, 10:43 PM
I am in the market also and a silver or black 997.1TT with the options you want are all over the place. I want a white, uggg. Just be patient and get what you want. If something seems shady run and hide, not worth the hassel at all. On the PCCM look on the forum here. If I find one with them I am not paying more, pulling them off and puttong on the big stoptech kit fron and rear. People seem to be 10x happier with that setup. Good hunting.
#5
04-08-2012, 08:20 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,666
Rep Power: 235 
That is a rotten experience and shame on that dealership. Two years ago I was in a similar position - wanting to live the dream after years of daydreaming about a 911turbo. Every time I would look at a car it would be snapped up before I had a chance to buy it. But my day did come and I purchased a black 997tt with very low mileage for a fair price. It lived up to my expectations and I have no regrets. I have since upgraded to larger vtgs and this car is incredible. Good luck finding one, be patient and get the one you really want with the options that matter to you....
#6
04-08-2012, 08:28 AM
I am guessing this is momentum Porsche in Houston. The entire momentum brand has a bad reputation for screwing people over. They seem to only care about new car buyers and are well known to have a select group buy cars and turn them in, so the dealership can sell them above MSRP.
They also charge random "Momentum" fees that are $500 of worthless crap.
They also charge random "Momentum" fees that are $500 of worthless crap.
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#8
04-08-2012, 10:46 AM
+1!!!
I looked at a few Turbos at the Momentum dealerships in Houston before buying one from California. Sales staff is as arrogant and uneducated as they come. Even the receptionists are beyond description. Porsche West is a little bit better but still only a D- for them...
I looked at a few Turbos at the Momentum dealerships in Houston before buying one from California. Sales staff is as arrogant and uneducated as they come. Even the receptionists are beyond description. Porsche West is a little bit better but still only a D- for them...
#9
04-08-2012, 12:11 PM
I am guessing this is momentum Porsche in Houston. The entire momentum brand has a bad reputation for screwing people over. They seem to only care about new car buyers and are well known to have a select group buy cars and turn them in, so the dealership can sell them above MSRP.
They also charge random "Momentum" fees that are $500 of worthless crap.
They also charge random "Momentum" fees that are $500 of worthless crap.
Edwin
#10
04-09-2012, 12:05 AM
Keep looking and take your time, Took me 4 months to find the car I wanted exactly. GT Silver, Black INT , CPO , Manual, Low miles and all options but PCCB,s . Ended up finding a private seller and well worth it. That was last Sept and could not be happier.... Always remember you are the Buyer !!!!!!!
#12
04-09-2012, 08:24 AM
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South Beach, Miami
Age: 42
Posts: 338
Rep Power: 49
I spent about 5 months trying to find the right car - I had my heart set on speed yellow and they were rare at the time, usually only 1 a month that was close to my price range / mileage target.
Bought from Porsche of the Village in Cincinatti and everything went perfectly, even with a bank wire snafu on my part
Bought from Porsche of the Village in Cincinatti and everything went perfectly, even with a bank wire snafu on my part
#13
04-10-2012, 03:40 AM
Personally i would never buy a car online. US market is huge you will surely find what you are looking for. Personally i like every time i look to buy a car. And as economy getting worse, its the sellers that will be anxious, not the buyers with cash.
#15
04-10-2012, 04:19 PM
I looked for over a year... all over the country... and the exact one I wanted popped up locally... 3 miles away... and I got an incredible deal. I feel like it found me... it'll be the same for you if you are patient. Don't rush....