Private 997 purchase.

[adrian996]

Hi 997 people! I'm hoping to change my MY 2003 996 C2 to a used 997/997S in the near future. My budget will only allow me to change to an S if it's a private deal though. I'd prefer an S and I'm sure that most of you would recommend that option too. I've only ever bought one car from a dealer - and that was my current 996 - all my other cars have been bought privately. This sort of purchase does worry me a bit when it comes to private deals - for obvious reasons. I'm hoping to get a car under two years old - so that it's still under warranty and this will also give me the option of extending it. I'm hoping to get an S in something darker than I have now (Seal Grey) - either Black/Atlas/Slate, etc.... and preferably with stone grey interior.
Here's the query; have any of you bought your cars privately? If so, did all go well? What cars are to be avoided? (I'm aware of the majors like damage, imports, high milers). Did any of you get the car checked by your OPC? I'd like to know more about this as it seems like a pretty safe bet (?). How much does the check at the OPC cost? Any opinions on the difference in owning a 997 to a 996?
I'd be grateful for any help that you might have. I'm going to sell the 996 privately and hope to be quite a bit better off than if trading against an OPC used 997/S. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Adrian.

 

[hg..]

Adrian,
Even if you buy from a dealer who isn't an OPC you can get into all sorts of bother as I know to my cost!

The three best things you can do are learn how to read the VIN, check that the car is a C16 by looking at the sticker in the service booklet (whilst looking at the service record just check when the date of delivery was and that it was delivered in the UK).
Also it may be worth spending £64 and get a Porsche letter of origin for the car which will tell you when it was manufactured etc. if any of the above things are dodgy!

Good luck [8|]

 

[Guest]

I bought my car privately, just do the usual checks and make sure the money side of things is to your liking and you shouldnt have any worries.

 

[adrian996]

Hi Jon. I'm assuming you mean a mix of cash and bankers draft? Adrian.

 

[Andyg400]

Get the car on a ramp, even from a Porsche dealer .. the 'true' history of a car can be seen from eye level and underneath

 

[Julio Geordio]

Ermmm......bit cheeky I know, but I have a 997S for sale right now in the members section (might be on page 2 now). And being a PCGB member, it is of course totally cherished......it's also probably the most competitively priced 997S for sale in the country right now!

 

[adrian996]

Hi Chris. I don't mind at all. Feel free to e-mail me some pics if you want. Where are you? Adrian.

 

[Julio Geordio]

Hi - apologies for slow reply, work got in the way. I've sent you an email but couldn't see how to upload a photo to it. You wouldn't believe I work for a technology company - I am a total luddite.

Anyway, ping me a reply directly and I'll email some photos.

Cheers

 

[Grant]

Sensible advice from the other guys...
Buying privately ok providing..

Full phone check over before visit to save trolling around the country looking at crap cars!

Check VIN & VIL numbers (ensure as said C16 Uk spec, ideally UK supplied)

Usual Experian accident/insurance check.

Full Porsche main dealer inspection, it is only about £150 & well worth it, even if the car is under warranty, if it isn't you will need the check anyway to qualify for a Porsche warranty which is good value at about £850 a year!

Usual service/log book check along with viewing at home address to verify & ensuring payment is only made on collection.

 

[alms]

Hi Adrian
If you have not yet gone ahead with your purchase I have an atlas grey/ stone grey int. "S" for sale .(not yet advertised).
13k miles,05 reg,ext warr. May 08.

 

[adrian996]

Hi Terry. I've e-mailed you. Adrian.