Phil68 said:
Let us know how it goes, Phil. Definitely worth searching around and good luck!
Purchasing a C4S
- Thread starter Phil68
- Start date
Let us know how it goes, Phil. Definitely worth searching around and good luck!
Drove a 5 1/2 hour round trip yesterday....
On arrival we discovered that the front bumper, both doors, rear wings and rear bumper, together with the cills had all been resprayed. We were a little concerned but not overly until we noticed (after our test drive and as we were just contemplating purchasing it) that the passenger side wasn't done very well at all, you could see an unevenness in it, a sort of ripple effect, and a lack of deep shine. Also, all 4 alloys were not in a good state, although to be fair they did say they'd sort these. All of the paperwork (except for the service book) was still with the previous owner apparently. The interior was in excellent condition though and it drove very nice. Originally we had been a little put off by the fact it had had 8 previous owners, but we thought that if it was spot on in every other way it could be the one. We did love the overall look of it though and my wife was a lot happier with the C4S after driving it, however we couldn't really be comfortable with the poor respray job. Do you think we are being too fussy, or are there any C4S's out there still that haven't had nearly all the bodywork resprayed?
We are quite down about it all once again. If we aren't going to be able to find a decent one then we'll have to think about something else, or nothing at all. Having had new or nearly new cars for the last few years, it's difficult trying to buy an old one. Maybe one will turn up that will change our minds, but I'm not that confident.
On arrival we discovered that the front bumper, both doors, rear wings and rear bumper, together with the cills had all been resprayed. We were a little concerned but not overly until we noticed (after our test drive and as we were just contemplating purchasing it) that the passenger side wasn't done very well at all, you could see an unevenness in it, a sort of ripple effect, and a lack of deep shine. Also, all 4 alloys were not in a good state, although to be fair they did say they'd sort these. All of the paperwork (except for the service book) was still with the previous owner apparently. The interior was in excellent condition though and it drove very nice. Originally we had been a little put off by the fact it had had 8 previous owners, but we thought that if it was spot on in every other way it could be the one. We did love the overall look of it though and my wife was a lot happier with the C4S after driving it, however we couldn't really be comfortable with the poor respray job. Do you think we are being too fussy, or are there any C4S's out there still that haven't had nearly all the bodywork resprayed?
We are quite down about it all once again. If we aren't going to be able to find a decent one then we'll have to think about something else, or nothing at all. Having had new or nearly new cars for the last few years, it's difficult trying to buy an old one. Maybe one will turn up that will change our minds, but I'm not that confident.
Pieman7
New member
Sorry to here that Phil I always go by my gut feeling and if there's any doubt leave well alone. You could always give uber get a call that's where I purchased mine from. Ask for nick once I bought mine I had the geometry checked and it was out a country mile so I contacted them and they paid for the geometry by sending me the money. They might be able to help there on the net if you can't find them I'll dig out there number.
If you have doubt then walk away. The car was not obviously prepared by the dealer and missing documents. Whilst it is not uncommon for the PUs to be re-sprayed, the rest of the car sounds dubious at the sacrifice of poor workmanship. To be honest with you, these are the sort of cars that come through the auctions as p/ex and so you would save a few £K as trade price (if you are prepared get the car sorted).
You are right to be fussy and there are some extremely good cars out there...
You are right to be fussy and there are some extremely good cars out there...
You are not being too fussy. I would walk away, as there must be a reason for all that respraying of the bodywork. The lack of any papers other than a service book may also indicate a history that the dealer doesn't want you to see.
You want a car to be proud of and that makes you feel good every time you see it, rather than buying one where you see its faults which would be soul destroying. Better to wait and get a good one.
You want a car to be proud of and that makes you feel good every time you see it, rather than buying one where you see its faults which would be soul destroying. Better to wait and get a good one.
Hi
Anyone that's had paint done for a genuine reason would have the Porsche approved repair details or a set of photo's/history detailing the work if it was perhaps an older car
I wouldn't be put off by a car thats had paint if the history supported it openly & it's been done by a reputable paint shop, there are too many genuine cars out there to take a punt on unknown history.
Karl
Anyone that's had paint done for a genuine reason would have the Porsche approved repair details or a set of photo's/history detailing the work if it was perhaps an older car
I wouldn't be put off by a car thats had paint if the history supported it openly & it's been done by a reputable paint shop, there are too many genuine cars out there to take a punt on unknown history.
Karl
Pieman7
New member
Phil68 said:
Keep looking the right car will turn up. i spent 18 months finding mine. Stick to your main requirements and look for history. A few scrapes and stone chips are inevitable of a car of this age but still some good examples to be had
The hunt for a C4S is over...
We've just bought a 997 C2S from Zuffenhaus who have been a breath of fresh air compared to some of the dealers we've been to. We are really pleased as all we really wanted was a nice 911 at our price point, it's just that the 996 C4S seemed the best buy, but it was difficult finding one.
The 997 is a 2004 with 60k, it's had a Hartech rebuild in 2011 so that provides us with some comfort. It's in great condition but Zuffenhaus are still going to get the alloys refurbished and put a new clutch and RMS in. The spec ticks most of our boxes too, including the all important (for me at least!) PSE, PCM/Sat Nav, sports seats, heated seats, park sensors, sunroof, Bose, short shifter, PCCB brakes, 19" Sport Design alloys, and it's Seal Grey which we love.
Thanks to you all for your help and guidance. I would also like to thank Tom at 911Virgin and Steve and Greig at RPM Technik who were extremely helpful and very professional. They both let me know when they got a vehicle in that I would be interested in, but the Zuffenhaus car was the one for us ultimately. I would not hesitate to recommend or use any of these specialists in the future.
We've just bought a 997 C2S from Zuffenhaus who have been a breath of fresh air compared to some of the dealers we've been to. We are really pleased as all we really wanted was a nice 911 at our price point, it's just that the 996 C4S seemed the best buy, but it was difficult finding one.
The 997 is a 2004 with 60k, it's had a Hartech rebuild in 2011 so that provides us with some comfort. It's in great condition but Zuffenhaus are still going to get the alloys refurbished and put a new clutch and RMS in. The spec ticks most of our boxes too, including the all important (for me at least!) PSE, PCM/Sat Nav, sports seats, heated seats, park sensors, sunroof, Bose, short shifter, PCCB brakes, 19" Sport Design alloys, and it's Seal Grey which we love.
Thanks to you all for your help and guidance. I would also like to thank Tom at 911Virgin and Steve and Greig at RPM Technik who were extremely helpful and very professional. They both let me know when they got a vehicle in that I would be interested in, but the Zuffenhaus car was the one for us ultimately. I would not hesitate to recommend or use any of these specialists in the future.
].... hope to see you at SC if you're there on the Sunday!
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