Number of Previous Owners

[veearrsix]

So, I'm still looking for a C4S...

I've just spoken to a dealer about a particular car, and the first thing he mentioned before getting into too detail about the car was that it was an 8 owner car.

Now, this wouldn't normally worry me, but he did say it up front, mentioning he didn't want to "waste anyones time", which has me wondering why a dealer would make a big deal about it.

Is a high number of previous owners something to be concerned about?

 

[quattrosteph]

No. As long you have good service maintenance and invoices.......etc PPI is a must on this one.

 

[kas750]

So, I'm still looking for a C4S...

I've just spoken to a dealer about a particular car, and the first thing he mentioned before getting into too detail about the car was that it was an 8 owner car.

Now, this wouldn't normally worry me, but he did say it up front, mentioning he didn't want to "waste anyones time", which has me wondering why a dealer would make a big deal about it.

Is a high number of previous owners something to be concerned about?

These are bucket list cars so I think sometimes people just like to tick the "owned one" box and move on.
A positive to multi owner cars is that the first thing people usually do when they get a new motor is lavish some money on it.So they can definitely be a good bet.
A PPI and bore check is absolutely imperative in my opinion.

 

[Jethro]

I wouldn't worry too much about it but research it further. My car shows up as more but when I got it it had just had a private plate removed, I had to register it on its original plate before I could put yet another private plate on it, so that was 2 changes of ownership in my time plus 2 changes of ownership in the previous owners time as well.
It all adds up

 

[RJG18]

I'm the 8th owner of my 1999 C2. I didn't know this when I bought it and was a bit shocked when I first saw this on the V5C. However, its not caused any specific problems. Mine is also on its 7th different registration plate!

 

[RJG18]

I'm the 8th owner of my 1999 C2. I didn't know this when I bought it and was a bit shocked when I first saw this on the V5C. However, its not caused any specific problems. Mine is also on its 7th different registration plate!

:?:

I just saw Jethros post and put 2 and 2 together! Is the high number of owners recorded on my car just actually all the different number plates?

 

[whoareya]

My C2 Cab had a private plate on it before i bought it and I subsequently put one on it. It had no impact on the number of previous owners recorded on the V5C; its just a change of vehicle details, not keeper/ownership. If a car says 8 previous owners then it has had 8 owners.

 

[Lamb]

My C2 Cab had a private plate on it before i bought it and I subsequently put one on it. It had no impact on the number of previous owners recorded on the V5C; its just a change of vehicle details, not keeper/ownership. If a car says 8 previous owners then it has had 8 owners.

I was about to say this......

 

[JayEmm]

As all others have said, I would pay more attention to the usual thing than owners.

Some cars, especially cabriolets, boxsters, etc... get owned for a summer and sold in a winter. Not unusual. Also things can happen, for example my 993 a guy bought it, and registered it in his wife's name. Then, for whatever reason, registered it in his.

Or, people die and cars change "owners" - this can happen several times with very old cars. Also, company car drivers sometimes buy their company car (eg. my BMW).

I did also see a 17-owner (yes, SEVENTEEN) SC and it was the tidiest SC I'd ever seen - fantastic.

 

[Fox Terrier]

Number of owners

Just remember the three "c"s

Condition
Condition
Condition.

 

[cheshire911]

Don't worry about the number of owners. Focus instead on:

1. Verifying the service history - see the receipts and invoices - and verify the MOT history. Servicing shoiuld have been done to Porsche recommendations either by an OPC or a good indy specialist - on-time every time. Check for brake fluid changes, spark plug changes. Satisfy yourself on its condition.

2. Find a good reliable specialist who can carry out a full PPI and ask for a borescope examination. PPI + Borescope absolute must.

3. Be prepared for the PPI to show up some areas of work (expense) and use it to negotiate the final sale price.

4. Remember the golden rule: "He who has the gold makes the rules."
Meaning? If you have any doubts about the car, sewrvice history, the dealer looks ropey, anyhting at all that doesn't sit comfortably with you, then WALK AWAY. There are loads of cars out there to choose from - don't waste your time trying to convince yourself it will be OK. Only move when it feels right instinctively.

My personal approach for what it's worth. I just don't bu*%er about and simply walk away. Not worth expending energy on a non-purchase and with the choice out there.

 

[GT4]

Re: Number of owners

Just remember the three "c"s

Condition
Condition
Condition.

I thought you meant James Hunt

 

[eca02apc]

A positive to multi owner cars is that the first thing people usually do when they get a new motor is lavish some money on it.So they can definitely be a good bet.

I definitely agree with this. When is the period of spend on maintenance the highest? Usually when you've just bought it and are getting it to the standard you want it.

Some people see it as synonymous with the car being a troublesome pup, but an inspection should rule that out.

 

[Winny911]

The reason new owners of a second hand car usually spend money on it is to bring it up to standard because the previous owners usually cut corners just befor they sell.

Compare this 8 owner car to a 1 owner car... Like for like car which would you buy? I would need it to be a lot cheaper than if it only had 1 or 2 owners

You pays your money and takes you chances but the simple fact is a high number of owners is a differentiator and many people just don't want high owner cars so they take longer to sell

Winny

 

[eca02apc]

I disagree. I think each time the car changes hands the new owner is most in love with it and wants their "new baby" to be perfect, splashing the cash to make it so. Over time, the owner grows accustomed to the car and the will to spend may decline, sticking instead to just the routine maintenance. This may not always be the case, but nor is it correct that a 1 or 2 owner car is always better kept than one that's had 7 or 8 owners.

For me, the number of owners is of no regard to how much it's worth. It's all down to the condition; and the number of owners may or may not have any bearing on that.