C16 cars from non opc dealers

baxster · Apr 14, 2008

There is a dealer (bramley) who are selling c16 cars unregistered with a saving on new. What exactly does c16 mean. I assume its a uk spec car but imported direct by said independant dealer.
What are the pros and cons of these cars? will opcs service and take them in pex? any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

Grant · Apr 15, 2008

C16 is the factory code that tells you/us the car was built by Porsche Germany for the UK market.
This usually also means it is produced to full UK specification, but (this is Porsche after all) there can still be the odd variance in final spec!
Although it is pretty certain the "non-OPC" C16 will be full UK spec, you are best seeking confirmation in writing that the car was imported brand new/undriven & unregistered direct to the UK & matches the full PCGB standard UK spec! This is just a safety net, but fully advisable for best peace of mind & re-sale!
Most OPC's will buy C16 cars imported from unofficial sources, but not all will! They will all service & warrant them, although I believe you don't get the RAC breakdown cover, or the same goodwill!
If the saving is decent enough it is probably worth the bit of extra hassle!
Best of luck!

adrian996 · Apr 15, 2008

Which places will the C16 be printed on?

baxster · Apr 15, 2008

Thanks for the reply.
Has anyone dealt with Bramley?
I assume that opcs will instantly know if a c16 car came from a franchised dealer or not and would instead of the normal stealing wife, kids and home come resale time they would physically abuse me in the process as well?

Mark Elder · Apr 15, 2008

Yes, they will look for any excuse they can, but, ultimately, they either want your car or they don't (or want to help you trade in to buy your next new one) - and there are other OPCs who may want your business more.... I think that, if it's C16, they are not going to be too bothered - it will not affect what price the pitch it at to the next buyer. There are OPCs who buy non-C16s.

What sort of saving are Bramley offering?

Mark_Bennett · Apr 15, 2008

Be aware they sometimes don't come with the full Porsche warranty.
There was an owner that posted here a couple of years ago who bought a C98 (Cyprus I think) car "new" from a dealer. The car had actually gone to a Cyprus Official Porsche dealer, who sold on to the UK independant. The car was actually sold according to Porsche when the Cyprus dealer sold it to the UK dealer. The car was then sold 2 or 3 months later to the UK owner, who thought they were getting a new car at that point - in fact it was now "pre-owned" and did not have the full Porsche 2 year warranty. The dealer did I believe say they would honour the difference, but I hate to think what would have happened if the car had needed a new engine just after the factory warranty was up.

Grant · Apr 15, 2008

ORIGINAL: adrian996
Which places will the C16 be printed on?

On the 996, its on the VIL sticker under the front bootlid & the VIL sticker in your service book, its the first option code.
On the 997 its only in the service book (no sticker under bonnet)!

ORIGINAL: baxster
Thanks for the reply.
Has anyone dealt with Bramley?
I assume that opcs will instantly know if a c16 car came from a franchised dealer or not and would instead of the normal stealing wife, kids and home come resale time they would physically abuse me in the process as well?

In honesty OPC's buyers are usually a decent bunch of straight talking guys, ok they want their profit but they generally give the best prices come trade in. I have always found them great to deal with, most will also buy a non PCGB car as long as its C16.
What Mark say's backs up my point in my first post about getting written confirmation from the dealer about import & spec! Bramley have been prestige car dealers for many years, but they did recently change hands, don't know any more!

barrysmith · Apr 15, 2008

Gentlemen, C98 is the build number for the rest of the world , RHD spec , where Porsche have not allocated a build number to the pacific country, example C23 rhd car = australian code, C08/C18 rhd car = japan code

C16 UK spec rhd Gt Britain.

Ian Gilmour · Apr 15, 2008

I bought my 2004 997 Carrera S from Bramley in 2006. Their service was superb and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

MarcBC · Apr 15, 2008

ORIGINAL: baxster

Thanks for the reply.
Has anyone dealt with Bramley?
I assume that opcs will instantly know if a c16 car came from a franchised dealer or not and would instead of the normal stealing wife, kids and home come resale time they would physically abuse me in the process as well?

I used them for my new 997 and have any work done by an OPC. I have had a couple of warranty jobs done without problem and was offered an "official" px on a Turbo. Quote from the OPC "It is C16 and we have no problem with that"

I am having an early service done later this week and the OPC has even offered me a loaner.

There could be issues in a crowded market i.e if there are several C16s for sale with one "import" (they all are really), I guess a buyer will not choose the "import" over the "official" car.