There is a lot of chatter in threads here about PPIs which is where I got most of my knowledge from. I did help an out-of-town friend arrange a PPI here and discovered that the local dealer doesn't do them, but they did have a recommendation for a reputable shop in the area that did a great job for him. You can either call the Porsche dealer in that area and asked the used-department folks for a recommendation or you can post the question as a new thread here with the city name in the title and you will normally get a response from someone in the area.

The car you are referencing is pretty well outfitted with the Turbo wheels, full leather, and PSE sport exhaust. Maybe that is why they think they hold out for more. I'm not going to suggest that the price is good or bad, it is just unusual for a dealer not to have left substantial negotiating room on the order of what I mentioned earlier.

Just out of curiosity, I looked at my local dealer's site to see if they had something comparable. While I know you aren't looking for cabriolet, here is a comparison: A 2009 with full leather listed as a CPO at $58,000. While it is a year older, cabriolets typically cost quit a bit more (around 10k more new) and a CPO is worth money good money too, both for the warranty and for the fact that they typically take care of any near-term service items (which isn't cheap), repairs, and often tires as part of the CPO prep process. I got them to show me the bill for the CPO prep on my car and it added up to around $2800, not counting the reportedly three grand or so for the warranty itself.

Ultimately I guess you'll just need to comparison shop around and see if the prices so similarly equipped cars is in line with what they are asking. If they included near-term service and new tires that would help. If you can talk-the-talk with them and sound knowledgeable about the things people discuss on this forum - the PPI, CPO advantages, service costs, tire wear/age (no more than 3 years old I'd suggest) - then I think you'll have better leverage. You'll also want to go ahead and discuss shipping costs if you need it.

I'm sure others here who have faced similar long-distance purchase challenges will speak up with more advice. As a final note, be sure to research and understand the ongoing maintenance costs for these cars, it is considerably more than most cars other than the truly exotics.

 

SammyD! You almost lost me somewhere around E=mc^2
Just kidding. I think your thought process makes alot of sense, and I'll go ahead and emphasize I think. Your numbers resulted closely to what I offered ($56K is close to your $56.9K). I like how you quantify the profit margin and your choice to place the "fair" purchase price giving half the profit to the seller. I will keep this in mind!!

 

Hi SotrmRune, Thanks again for this additional bit of good advice. I will certainly do a PPI before any purchase now (CPO or not). I'll probably use the internet for my choice of mechanic shop (which includes posting the question here.)

As for a cabriolet, I wouldn't be interested. My intentions are to get the most sports performance. The cabriolet would add weight, reduce structural rigidity, probably hinder other aspects of the drive..

I'm in no rush, however am prepared to buy as of Now. At my age, to quote the Eagles, "I've got a peaceful easy feeling.". I know what I want, I but I'm not gonna sweat it if I don't immediately get it. I won't violate my principal budget too much (around $55K-$57K).

I test drove a local black 911S yesterday here in Raleigh, NC. It did not have the performance exhaust, nor the Sport PASM, nor Sports Chrono.. and it was a bit worn out inside. The outside was a bit scratched up too. It was a 997.2 2009 911S with about 45K miles. They are asking 47K for it here in Raleigh, NC. The test drive was a blast! I was very satisfied with the car's handling but wish it were ... sharper and perhaps a bit louder. For those reasons..I'm sure that I will need the Sports Exhaust and Sports PASM options. Another thing that stood out was the Bose stereo system. It was very impressive. Extremely loud and crystal clean spectrum. Unfortunately, the interior of that car was kind of dirty/worn out.. I found that did affect the experience significantly. It gave the impression that not only the interior was sloppy..but perhaps so was the drive. I will want to experience a 997.2 that is in much better shape to see if the experience is improved in those regards. For my tastes, I may end up preferring the full leather too as I've heard that this option adds to a higher quality Feel inside the cabin.

So it looks like I've learned I'll want a 997.2 with full leather, sports exhaust, sport pasm, and Bose.. for sure (I think I'm willing to live without full leather though)

Over the past week, I've asked several dealers about the approximate costs of scheduled maintenance. An oil change can go from $200 to $350 fine. Also a maintenance interval could run between $800 and $1300 and I get the feeling it'll most likely be closer if not higher than the latter. I'm fine with that. I realize that the tires on this car probably run close to $1600 for the set +-200? fine. I hope my expectations are not too far off.

Thank You again Storm. The quest goes on.

 

All the advice you are getting is great. Here is my 2 cents on the right price:

We all want a geeat deal, its human nature. But, if you find "The" car you want and it checks out mechanically, don't lose it over a grand or two. It's a Porsche 911! The smile it puts on your face every time you start the engine will wipe all memories of a couple grand savings or spent away in milliseconds!

Good luck!

 

I feel you on that advice. Believe me, it isn't difficult to just offer what they want and be done with it and trust me I Would do that if we were talking about my ideally optioned car in blue or white with CPO.

The second car I've listed above comes closest to my ideal..but the dealer won't budge. He wants $61.9K for that 2010 C2S, I offered $56K cash which I thought was respectable. He didn't want to counter, so I ended the discussion. Had the car been white and CPO for example,..I would have offered a lot closer. We're not talking a $2K discrepancy here..the gap is more like $6K. My asking price is based upon my budget, what I believe the car is worth, and taking into account it isn't a CPO. Had he been willing to compromise, the deal would have been done by now. He could have moved on to selling another car and I would be driving a 911 . That's the way it goes.


By the way, I'm Fully aware that not only competitive buyers are out there that could out bid me, and also that the sellers themselves could be reading this. I don't feel that hinders my leverage for a couple reasons. First, I have the cash..will pay on the spot. Second, I want the sellers to know exactly what I'm thinking..so they know not to let the deal fall unnecessarily. .. and if it does.. so be it.

 

I don't know that pricing cars will ever be the exact science some try to turn it into. Too many variables. First off, there's no way of knowing how much the dealer has in the car. Sometimes they do great, other times they leave some $$ on the table to get a deal done. And the profit the dealer makes is really irrelevant in the big scheme of things. The only thing that matters is what other buyers are willing to pay for the same or similar cars. That's your competition, not the dealer.

 

Spot on. Also, if you do find the car you want, don't assume the seller knows better than you. Sometimes you need to be the salesman on the buying side. Be straight, let them know why the car is worth what you think it is, let them know the car value is not going up (maybe it will in the future . Also if at a dealer, don't allow a sales guy to get in the way of a deal. Give the sales person a shot at making a deal, but remember everyone has a different motivation for selling that car. The sales guy wants as much commission as possible and there could be bonus money if he sells at a certain margin. The dealership manager or even better the owner wants to move a certain number of cars (of course profit is important to them too, but they need turnover). Space on their property is money to them, not to the sales person. If the car is going down in value at the end of the year (buyer perception) because it is now a year older the owner will want to sell it sooner, rather than take the risk. The sales person on the other hand has little to no risk on that car! Good luck!

 

E=mc2,, I knew you understood!! ���� Looks like you got things under control. Know what you want.. Know what Your willing to pay. Take emotion out of it, well at least until your driving it home. May your sweet ride fall into your lap.
SammyD

 

Just saw that, too funny!

 

well, there goes my principals and budget restraint will be posting pictures soon lol..

I'd appreciate for advice on insurance. I've tried AAA, and several others..non provide insurance for a 2010 911S.. What's the best insurance provider out there? (adequate coverage with good premiums)?? Thanks to all!

 

Congrats. You won't be looking back. After handing over the check for my 4S, a bit of panic momentarily set in - it was a big check after all and much more than i have paid for any vehicle in the past. But it was momentary. I still smile every day .

Regarding insurance - I have State Farm, but I also have a house and an umbrella policy with them so their are some discount benefits. I have been with them for 20 plus years overall. A lot of insurance is regional and depends on losses in your area, age, your history, etc. Some companies treat a past claim or two differently than others. Also, some companies have been known to "buy" new policy holders with a cheap initial premium and then rolling the premium up as renewals come due - not sure how rampant this is these days. I shop for a new company every couple years, but i have not found a better overall package for my circumstances and needs. I am sure you will get a few different recommendations here, but i think you should shop around on your own to see how different carriers view you and your situation/details.

 

Aaaah, a car budget is generally just a guide that we put in our head that somehow sounds reasonable to us when buying a luxury item. My wife once asked me how I came to the number and I did not have a very scientific answer. She then went shopping and I am sure she validated her purchases by her items being on sale.

I have not personally looked at them yet, but I think PCA likes Leland or it could be they just advertise in PCA. I am sure others on here can fill us in on them.

Congratulations and Enjoy!!,

 

Here's what I got. Fly out to sign papers tomorrow.

 

beauty! need to set up a san diego Porsche mini-meet over the holidays.

 

Congratulations!