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First Time Buyer - A Few Questions

nickd01

New member
Joined
20 Apr 2006
Messages
19
Hi,

I rented a 3.2 Boxster over the weekend, and never had as much fun in a car before. So, here I am looking to buy a Porsche. Requirements for me are:

- Convertible. I loved that!
- As fast as the Boxster, more in terms of that great sound and acceleration than outright top-speed.

I think the 996 is out of budget, I love the 993 and 964 shape.

So, my questions are:
- How do I get an impression if the car I look at is good value? It seems so hard e.g

911 Turbo Targa 1989 Red 41,000 miles FSH for £ 27k. 993 C2 with 100k miles for £20k.
Both from independents.

- Is high milage an issue?
- Buying from an independent, what should I do with warranties? Seems like a Porsche warranty is the only way forward?

I just seem to have so many questions; and need someone to guide me around.

Any advice at all is apprecitated.

Nick

Migration info. Legacy thread was 54843
 
Beware that the '89 Turbo is a VERY different animal compared to either the Boxster and the 993 (though less so). The 3.2 generation (including Turbo) is quite agricultural and the handling is a world apart from the neutral handling of the Boxster.

I'd recommend taking a few more test drives in the different kinds of 911s to compare it with the Boxster experience. Each generation of car offers a unique and different experience with varying amounts of enthusiasm required to keep the car in top condition.

Be aware that the Porsche Extended warranty is only available for cars upto 9 years old, and they need to pass an OPC inspection beforehand. This rules out almost all pre-996/Boxster generation cars.


Migration info. Legacy thread was 54855
 
Thanks, that makes sense as I've heard the Turbo is a bit more of a handful.

I've just learnt a friend has a 1990 964 C2 Convertible with 80k on it for sale, and he reckons it's worth £17k. I might have a look at that first.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 54859
 
Nick,

I don't know how much of an enthusiast you are when it comes to cars in general, but I suspect you'd probably find a Boxster the best bet based on what you've said so far. Top down motoring, brilliant handling, enough power, mod cons, regular dealer servicing, dealer warranty and peace of mind.

Any other Porker requires a certain degree of "enthusiasts maintenance" - especially the air-cooled cars and can cost big bucks to fix if you don't go in with your eyes wide and with a fair understanding of what to look out for. The 964 may cost £17k now, but it'll cost at least an extra £2k per year to keep it in top condition whilst it will not offer all the everyday convenience as the Boxster. At the end of the day, the 964 is fabulously engineered, but it is a 16 year old car and quite a few things will need seeing to.

If you are handy with a spanner and a real enthusiast looking for a classic aircooled 911, I think the 964 is a brilliant starting point... but £17k is definitely the top end for a '90 C2.

Adrien

Migration info. Legacy thread was 54892
 
Probably the best 993 cab on the market?

http://www.stirlings.co.uk/images/993%20Arena%20Cab.htm

You'll find it hard to get a air cooled car with a porsche warranty as the last day a porsche warranty can go on a car is its 9th birthday

Remember the best words of advice you'll get here is

before you buy it get it inspected by someone who knows what they're looking at, either a Porsche centre, Peter Morgan or a reputable specialist, if your unsure put a posting here

theres plenty of guys here that will help, and dont be afraid to ask


Migration info. Legacy thread was 54917
 
Nice motor, Mark!


Migration info. Legacy thread was 54918
 
Mark, looks stunning! That car will last forever!


Migration info. Legacy thread was 54922
 
Nick, You thought about LHD in a 993 ?

Dan


Migration info. Legacy thread was 54926
 
Adrien, wise words. Many thanks

Mark - I saw that advert, a lovely looking car I agree. I may go over and have a look at it when I can.

I realise that the Boxster is a superb car; I really like the new-shape (From an '05 onwards?) but they're quite expensive still in "S" guise. A dealer offered me an '05 plate S with Sat Nav, limited edition paint e.t.c for £45k. It's too much really for a "weekend car" that I can't justify.

This is why I've been looking at the older 911 cars. However, your point about maintanence is valid and I am certainly not a dab-hand at a spanner. I thought about forgoing a convertible so widening my choice a bit and found this:

http://www.cridfords.co.uk/cridfords/car_details.asp?id=1229

I thought that looked like a good price for a more modern and maybe more reliable entry in Porsche ownership?

One slightly tricky question; but how do people finance their cars? Dealer finance (Deposit + monthly payments + baloon) seems common at around 7%APR. Aside from having lots of cash in the bank (!) are there any schemes I should definately avoid? Another reason for me looking at around £25k means I would only have to finance a small amount.

Many thanks all.

postamble();

Migration info. Legacy thread was 54953
 
Nick. I would suggest a personal loan, depending on how much you can put down. When I bought mine, I borrowed £20k over 4 years @ £478/month. There's no baloon payment and if you want to sell before you've finished paying, there's no finance to settle and the interest rate is cheaper than Mr Porsche will charge.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 54957
 
There are a couple of nice cars at Camtune:

http://www.camtune.com/CarSalesList.aspx

I've dealt with Camtune for my car, and they are one of the top independents in the south. Good people and service. Well worth a call if you see anything you like. I have no affiliation with Camtune other than being a satisfied customer.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 54959
 

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