Hello, newbie here.

Hello all. I've recently joined this forum after deciding it was time to buy a Porsche, and was after any information on a 996 for sale on eBay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203505646715?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 As it's on the other side of the country from me any advice would be grateful before I make the 3 1/2 hour trip. Many thanks

:welcome: to 911uk From the advert it seems like a well presented car at a reasonable price. It would be handy to know the Reg No so that previous MOT results could be analysed and some actual detail of the service history (dates, mileage, garage) would help further. From the photo things look promising. If the paperwork stacks up it would be worth viewing but if you're then hooked an independent pre-purchase inspection is always advisable before parting with your cash. Good Luck :thumb:

That looks a good car for the money, even more so in the current market. I'm not sure you can go far wrong with that one. All the major work seems to have been done.

Thanks for the replies. The vendor doesn't seem to be very helpful, says 'he just wants a clean sale" when asked for more information. Not sure what that means, but I would want a bit more detail before travelling to view.

From that he means that he just wants someone to take his advert as gospel and pay the money he's asking for the car. In the current market, at that price, he'll probably get his wish. If you don't want to miss out on what could be good car I'd start by asking more about who's serviced the car. If it's been done by a reputable outfit it would be worth the trip. If you can take somebody with you, even as just a second pair of eyes, it would be handy.

Looks like a nice car. At a minimum, I'd ask for him to scan and send over the invoices that itemise the work done, particularly the costly 2016 refresh. Then, if that checked out, I'd jump into my car and get over there fast! Good luck!

Welcome to the forum, and I suspect better joining before buying, than joining in the hope of an answer to resolve a problem buy..! I guess much can come down to the way you value your time in traveling against the difference in price/availability relative to Porsches which may be available closer to home..? As for the seller from that which you type, I wonder how he would handle you saying that you want to have his Porsche inspected by a specialist... Any ideas of the average cost of a good quality inspection these days guys..? I guess if buying without the aid of a specialist inspection, one would have to be confident of one`s own judgement, or happy to take a bit of a gamble with the amount of money involved.. ? Whatever you decide I hope it works out well for you. :thumb:

The seller probably can't be bothered with endless questions or someone wanting a 3rd party to take up time inspecting the car just to find a list of faults to try and haggle the price on. Selling cars can be a nightmare. The thing is with the market as it is he will get that price quite easily I would have thought. I would say sod it and just drive there and if it looks anything like then buy it. Unfortunately on fairly low value cars (sub 20k) people are reluctant to go through a long drawn out sales procedure of inspections and endless questions. I am NOT saying you are doing all of the above. Just trying to explain why the seller MIGHT be a bit "unhelpful" so to speak. Oh and :welcome:

Thanks I've spoken to the vendor and he's had lots of messers and people wanting to px against the car. He seems genuine enough and is going to let me have more info later today. I've pulled up theMOT history as well, and there's no horrors other than slightly corroded brake pipes. I think I may have to be prepared to take a day off and a tank of diesel to go and view the car. Unless there's anybody near Benfleet who can have a quick look for me, I'll cover your expenses if required.

If you want my advice don't get anyone to look at it but yourself!!! Been there, didn't end well on either occasion. I'm not surprised he's had lots of Messer's, it looks a nice thing. Bit of tidying and a wheel refurb and will look amazing. Get in your car and get it viewed and purchased :grin: :thumbs:

Echoing the comments above.....I think you need to see the car with your own eyes.....Treat is as a day-trip/treat! I hate selling cars and can imagine how the vendor might get tired of questions (its bad enough on average cars, can only imagine what it will be like when I come to sell the 996). I wouldnt let that put you off the car. The vendor may also be wary of adding further detail in writing, that may come back to haunt them later. It looks very sensibly priced in what seems to be a rising market - so suspect it wont be for sale for long. So if you think its the car for you, I would move quickly. Having said that, dont let that cloud your judgement when viewing it, if it isnt the one for you, just walk away. Either way, welcome to the forum!

:yeah:

Thanks all. I think I need to tell the wife I'm off to Essex in the morning.

Good call :thumb: Obviously let us know how you get on and good luck.

Hi all. Just to let you know it's all gone quiet. No response to any message from the vendor, and the listing has ended. So the search continues. https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1361262 https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1359585 Any views on a Targa? https://www.gumtree.com/p/porsche/porsche-996-targa-manual-full-history./1410661459