bigmatt - welcome to California! I'm not sure whether LA dealers are more aggressive than those from other regions - at least I haven't observed it. Also, in my experience, the only seasonality that materially affects pricing down here in sunny SoCal is the annual new model year introduction, which tends to correspond to a build-up of clean, 2, 3 & 4 yr old models. With ten dealers nearby, however, we definitely benefit from a broader inventory of new & slightlly used P-cars.

You might want to broaden your search a bit to include the Bay Area, particularly around Silicon Valley. With the re-inflation of the internet bubble, there always seems to be a healthy pipeline of clean, well-spec'ed P-cars coming off lease there.

Good luck!

 

9thanks tsammann.
(dont mean to hijack this thread)...but expanding my search to the bay area/San Jose is a good idea. I can catch a cheap 1 hour flight up there (i've done it many times).
So I am looking to spend $50k flat, I am looking for a mint (or as close to mint as possible) 2007 997 (not turbo, not S, not awd, not cab), just a 2007 carrera 911. Looking to get one with less than 30k miles. Thru my research, I see plenty for sale around my price target, but not sure that thier final sellnig prices are. I am hoping to get one for $50k with tax out the door, that'd mean i would have to negotiate or find one closer to $45k, + (high) CA state tax, would put me around $50k. I have cash, which i am expecting to help when i walk into the dealer. Do you think this is realistic? I;ve seen plenty under $50k, however they have higher miles, which i dont want. I also dont want a Cayman. Thought?

 

I've bought my last 2 Porsches from dealers at least a few hundred miles away. I get as many photos as possible from seller, then negotiate the price via email, then make the trip and view the car in person before closing the deal. In the first case, I adjusted the negotiated price down based on my personal inspection. I was ready to fly home if unable to fully satisfy myself it was the right car each time. The cost of a trip is somewhat insignificant compared to the investment value.

 

I used to think that cash made a difference...but it doesn't. They make money on financing for you so as long as you have good credit you'll get the same deal as a cash buyer.

 

bigmatt - I bought my current P-car in June of this year from an LA dealer with a number of similar cars on hand. It was immaculate, low-mileage and very well spec'ed. Nonetheless, with a little market intel and finesse I was able to negotiate the price down roughly 8% from their ask (the other dealers I was in dialog with were willing to move a similar amount). I could probably have done better, but I was willing to leave a few pennies on the table to get the car I wanted. Your target should be achievable if you have a little flexibility wrt color & specs.

 

great,thanks for the help. 8% is what i am hoping for. that would compensate for the state sales tax, which would put me exactly where i want to be.
thx!

 

Just bought mine 1000 mis away from home and only seen the car on pics. Bought a 2008 C2S 12T miles CPO.

YOu need to ask very specific questions and the dealer need to answer them, otherwise walk away. Very happy with my purchase

I bought my last 3 cars out of state, 1 new and 2 used. Had no problems. One advice, stay away from a dealer near san francisco. If you are in NoCal and the car is in Socal, just drive down there. Not worth the hassle