Personal Import

[Julio Geordio]

Evening all.

Does anybody have any experience of personally importing a 997 (from Germany for example)? I don't need the pro's and con's or practicalities of doing it as I've imported a couple of Beemers before, but any idea on savings, helpful dealers etc are most welcome. And yes, I know it's got to be a C16 and I'll get a shorter warranty [8|] I'm thinking a facelift 997S may the answer to my ongoing motoring dilemma.

Thank you in anticipation.

 

[Rotorhead]

Plenty of people do it and many are perfectly happy.

However, to be worthwhile, you really do need to make a worthwhile saving because:
- Even if it is C16 it won't be an official OPC/PCGB supplied vehicle
- The market values unofficial imports below officially supplied Porsches
- Some OPCs don't like unofficial imports and won't re-retail them
- PCGB don't like them (check out the Contract of Co-operation with the Club)
- Although the standard and extended warranty are available, the 'goodwill matrix' may not be
- If any legal/sale of goods issues arise, they may need to be dealt with through the original sales channel in Germany, or wherever.

 

[daro911]

A cousin imported his 997 C2 this year via Eclass London and saved just over 12.5% and the dealer still had some profit out of the transaction

He said the service was excellent, car arrived on time, correct spec and they even called him a few days later to make sure he was enjoying his new Porsche.

www.eclasslondon.com

 

[Alex L]

Have a read: http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=997&Number=292118&PHPSESSID=&fpart=1#Post292118

 

[MarcBC]

ORIGINAL: oliver

Plenty of people do it and many are perfectly happy.

However, to be worthwhile, you really do need to make a worthwhile saving because:
- Even if it is C16 it won't be an official OPC/PCGB supplied vehicle
- The market values unofficial imports below officially supplied Porsches
- Some OPCs don't like unofficial imports and won't re-retail them
- PCGB don't like them (check out the Contract of Co-operation with the Club)
- Although the standard and extended warranty are available, the 'goodwill matrix' may not be
- If any legal/sale of goods issues arise, they may need to be dealt with through the original sales channel in Germany, or wherever.

Why does the club allow people like me join then? My car is an "unofficial" import by a UK dealer at list price (I saved waiting and got precisely the spec I was after). Have I had my membership fee taken by fowl means?

Further the Porsche Post only makes reference to non C16 spec cars. Where can I get a copy of the CoC?

I look forward to the resale in a couple of years when I px for another new one.

 

[Rotorhead]

I meant PCGB as in Porsche Cars Great Britain.

Obviously, from a commercial perspective, they don't profit on cars that are not imported through the official channels. They can't do anything about it because it is each person's prerogative where they buy their cars, but their first loyalty and legal obligation is to those people who bought through the official network.

There are aspects of the CoC that date back to an incident at Brands Hatch in 2004 involving the 997.

 

[garyw]

Marc, the CoC is online, I seem to remember it being put on the main clubs page or in the Member FAQ..

I think Oliver was stating the clubs official line and as such this thread should not be allowed on the "official clubs forum", but hey a little reality doesn't harm once in a while []

garyw

 

[MarcBC]

ORIGINAL: oliver

I meant PCGB as in Porsche Cars Great Britain.

Obviously, from a commercial perspective, they don't profit on cars that are not imported through the official channels. They can't do anything about it because it is each person's prerogative where they buy their cars, but their first loyalty and legal obligation is to those people who bought through the official network.

There are aspects of the CoC that date back to an incident at Brands Hatch in 2004 involving the 997.

My missunderstanding, I took PCGB to be the club. I can see their point (I don't agree with it in a supposed free market economy, but can see it!).

Thank you Gary, I have now seen the relevant part of the CoC.

 

[Julio Geordio]

ORIGINAL: Alex L

Have a read: http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=997&Number=292118&PHPSESSID=&fpart=1#Post292118

Thanks Alex, had a good read, a very interesting article. Easy has included so much detail it reads like it is quite painful, but in actual fact it's quite straightforward. The good news is that it appears I'd still get a 2yr warranty so as far as I'm concerned no downsides at all. And of course if I buy direct from a German OPC, it's still an OPC!

And the only reason that PCGB and some dealers "don't like" personal imports, may not re-retail them and "value them lower" is because they are trying to deter people from doing it to protect their business. The OPC's rely on people like you and I as being (relatively) cash rich and time poor and they are the easy option. Quite frankly, I can find a few hours to save myself a few grand. Also, I expect that my local OPC won't be so picky about where my car has come from when it comes to service time!

But on the whole, I think dealers are becoming more enlightened and accept that they are competing in a wider market now. I imported one Beemer, drove it for 2 years and then sold it to an official BMW dealer for £300 less than I paid for it!! Ok, so that is a great example but I still reckon I can save the first year's depreciation on a 997, and that is the biggest single hit.

I have colleagues in Holland and Germany - I think I'll get them doing a bit of digging for me! Many thanks all.

 

[Dylan1]

really interested to see how you get on-i have trawled thru a few opc used 997`s on the germany web site and they look good value too-just one snag-steering wheel position[]
speccing a new one and going over to collect would be far more attractive!

 

[berty987]

I've travelled this route importing my 987 Boxster S from Germany as a USED car. The OPC's and Porsche GB have been helpful in resolving issues (both with the supplying dealer and UK dealers) and have never wained in goodwill gestures on my car. The C16 spec is important mainly from an insurance perspective as Uk cars have uprated alarm specs compared to cars from Europe. In my case I have now added the required items to bring my car up to UK spec and a covering letter from Porsche to support this. As to savings , I estimate I saved close on 7k buying my car from a German OPC rather than the equivalent spec from a UK one. The import process is relatively straight forward if you buy a used car with more than 10K miles or over a certain age. I use two local OPC's and though they were a little apprehensive about a LHD car to start with , they are now comfortable with servicing and assisting me with problems. So long as you don't try to suggest you beat the system and that you have a genuine reason for importing , they seem comfortable with helping you out. The current 997's don't need any mods other than the rear fog to be legal in the UK. The headlights have a switch to blank off the beam pattern to the right side , and the digital display for mph is suitable for the DVLA. Ideally its best to ensure you get the CoC (certificate of European Conformance) with the car , as it helps when registering with the DVLA over here. Obviously having the wheel on the opposite side can make overtaking or joining a motorway more difficult so as an everyday car LHD may not be worth the extra frustration. I drive my car over to europe at least once a year and mainly use it weekends , so LHD is something I can live with.

 

[garyw]

Berty, with the headlights do you not find that the switch does not infact switch the headlamp but just prevents the kickup of the pattern on the left hand side.

Whilst driving abroad yes the lights work fine, but without the kickup the cannot see the kerb and hedges coming at you so easily !!

I'm OK with this during a holiday but for everyday use ?

garyw

 

[berty987]

The Bi Xenon lights i have on my car give much improved near vision over the standard lights , therefore the "kick up" does not become an issue. I live out in the countryside and have never had a concern with night driving, the front fog lights work very well at giving additional vision on country roads too. Obviously i'm not going as quick as you may be ...probably due to the fact you have a turbo.