993s - what are they REALLY worth?

[will stuart-jones]

Hi folks....

Big fan of the website - seems to make lunchtimes pass to quickly though!

I am considering purchasing a late plate 993. I've been perusing the various dealers' websites for a few months now and have a few (possibly daft) questions relating to prices:

1. Discounts? - are the prices advertised by most dealers the price you actually end up paying or, as when purchasing more mortal vehicles, are dealers open to negotiation. If so, what sort of discount should I be bartering for - a few hundred pounds, 5%, 10%?

2. Added incentives? - do many of the specialist dealerships include added incentives with their vehicles - i.e. warranties? Are these worth the paper they are written on (have seen some horrible stories involving TVRs and warranties).

3. When to buy? - is there a good / bad time of the year to purchase a 2nd hand 993 (apart from avoiding Spring / Summer if buying a Cab)? I was thinking o purchasing around Christmas time (well, you have to treat yourself don't you!?!?!).

Thanks in advance - WSJ.


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[sutchy]

You might get a better deal at xmas time.

The demand for second hand 911's (all models) appears to still be reasonably strong. If you check out any specialist Porsche websites over a period of three to four months you will generally see quite a high turnover of stock. Also dont forget that they independent dealers all network with each other so that although they give the impression of being exclusively regional or local dealers, their actual reach is more national in scope.

If you do your research well enough you will immediately know when cars are well priced or expensive (you will never see a dealer offering a 'cheap' 911, if you do be very suspicious) All dealers will try and get the best price they can but if your offer is reasonable and you stick to your guns they should do a deal with you. Its important that you know what the reasonable price is.

From personal experience and from those who I know to have bought 911's (mostly 993's) you will not get much off the quoted price (as long as its realistically offered) but you shoud get MOT's, tax, servicing, bargained into the deal.

You are right to be concerned about warranties. (but always ask for a 12 month warranty anyway) You are far better off getting a pre purchase inspection done by an independent expert to see if there are any issues with the car (you MUST do this with any Porsche you buy) If so you can then use this to negotiate with the dealer. If the dealer refuses to allow you to have a PPI carried out then walk away.

good luck


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[manek]

Having bought a 993 for the first time in May, I agree with Sutchy's comments. From a well-known independent (Autobahn) I got a 12-month warranty, MoT, short service, and all the niggles I could find sorted out -- but no discount. I've only just recently stopped scanning the ads every day to see whether or not I got a bargain: I paid what seems to be a reasonably fair price for the car so I'm happy-ish (everyone wants a bargain, don't they?).


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[Dunc]

I bought my 993 in December last year and would've got a great discount from the garage (Autobahn) but ended up paying the full amount due to trading in (just couldn't wait long enough to sell previous car!). Still got 12 mnths warranty and service, mot, etc.

Think that 993s have taken a recent hit in values as mine ain't worth what is was, certainly not on my recent investigations.

Late 993s are heading down towards the £30k mark imminently as are early 996s with ave. specs.

Dunc


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[APP]

I am about to take delivery on a late P-reg Targa which I purchased last weekend from an Official Porsche Dealership. I spent a long time looking and the best advice i was given was to buy on condition, first and foremost and then if the car had a couple of owners too many or a few too many miles on the clock then these were your leverage points for a discount.

I got a small discount on the car, partly because good condition Targa's seem to be snapped up very quickly. I undoubtedly paid slightly over the odds for buying from a dealership but feel safer knowing that throughout its history it has remained within the official dealer network and ensured it was taxed, serviced and MOT'd before I took delivery-and don't forget to have look in that accessories cabinet if you are buying off a main dealer-token gesture though compared to the amount of money you are handing over.

A lot of the unofficial dealerships use the same warranty scheme that allows your car to have the work done at an official porsche workshop if needs be. Worth checking the address on the scheme and compare it to the one that Porsche offer-different name but same P.O. Box number apparently-draw your own conclusions from that! As the car has come from an official dealership, I've not decided to have an inspection before buying but will be using one to look at the car soon (having read above) to iron out any niggles while I have the warranty.


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[manek]

Quote: Originally posted by Dunc on 02 September 2003



I bought my 993 in December last year and would've got a great discount from the garage (Autobahn) but ended up paying the full amount due to trading in (just couldn't wait long enough to sell previous car!). Still got 12 mnths warranty and service, mot, etc.

Think that 993s have taken a recent hit in values as mine ain't worth what is was, certainly not on my recent investigations.

Late 993s are heading down towards the £30k mark imminently as are early 996s with ave. specs.

Dunc

postamble();
Good point: I had a trade-in too, which is where I also took a hit...

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[andyphilpott]

APP

Join the club - also have a Targa on a P plate, and paid a bit more than I would have liked but then it only had 24,000 miles which will help, I hope, in later life. As its not used as a daily driver that also helps, but whatever, you have to go with you heart as the best deal could also be the worst once the warranty has run out. Do the usual checks and hope for a load of luck as well. Mine has just needed rear brakes, discs and calipers (fair enough) but also needs front wishbones redone which is another £550. That hurts....

A


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[JamesM]

I bought mine at an OPC in Northen Ireland, and I reckon that it was about 3-4K less than a mainland OPC. They even paid for my boat back, tank of petrol, years tax, massive bouquet of flowers for my wife, leather wallet, leather key pouch and picked me up from the airport!!

Well chuffed with the service, and all the re-assurance of buying directly from Porsche.


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[Gatekeeper]

APP & Andy

It's a small world, I have also just bought a P-reg 993 Targa. Bought it from a dealers and managed to negotiate them down on the price including reconditioning the alloys to remove the scuffing. It could do with new discs and pads all round and I'm going to sort the handbrake shoes at the same time since it feels awful. Luckily I know a thing or two about cars so I'm quite looking forward to it.

Anyone have any recommendations for suppliers of Porsche Parts. Strasse, seem the best priced at the moment.

Love the car though, its in excellent condition and although I work in the city and therefore use the train to commute, I can't wait to get her out at the weekend.


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