Buying a car online - My Experience (Long)

Gang, I recently ventured into the world of buying a car online and I thought I�d share the experience here. This was my first time buying a Porsche this way and it was pretty interesting. I�ll post specifics and photos of the car in another thread so let�s try to keep this one focused. Anyway, I had been looking around for a while for something to replace my MY03 C2. Wonderful car but I just wanted something different. I looked around at the local dealerships and they did not have anything that really interested me. Sure, they had some Turbos and some GT3s but they were either the wrong color or had the wrong options. I know there are a lot of Black/Grey/Silver fans here but I�m just not anymore. I don�t find those colors exciting and there are WAY too many late model Porsches around in those colors. Initially I was searching Porche�s website and Ebay for MY03 or MY04 turbo anywhere in the Continental US. There must have been 8 pages of cars and the vast majority of them were Black/Grey/Silver. One Guards Red. No Speed Yellow. A couple in Dark Blue. I just wanted something a little more rare. Something you don�t see so often. I widened my search to other sites and finally found a couple of cars that were very interesting. One was in Arkansas and the other was in Houston. The dealer in Houston is an independent that specializes in somewhat rare and unusual exotics. I spoke with the owner and learned more about who and what they were. I did a LOT of Google searches to verify the information. I called two of their local Porsche dealerships to verify again. I found an association of independent automobile dealers and called them to verify. So then we�re on to the negotiation part of the process. I really, really hate this part. Why we still have to haggle over car prices in 2007 is totally beyond me. But that�s the game so we all have to play it. His prices were actually pretty reasonable and it wasn�t long before we agreed. At that point, I posted a note here on Rennlist looking for someone in Houston that would be willing to go have a look for me. Dayle Pugh responded right away and was more than willing to go over there. Having another Rennlister evaluate the car was invaluable. I don�t think I would have gone forward without that input. As much checking and verifying as I did, I still had this nagging worry that the whole thing was some elaborate Internet scam that was going to clean me out. (It wasn�t, by the way). Dayle was just terrific. He took part of his Saturday to drive over and take the car out for a drive. He went through the car with a fine-tooth comb and called me back that afternoon with a very detailed report. He went far and above anything I could have asked. His feedback made all the difference in the world. Because of my work schedule I just couldn�t fly down and drive it back. That would have been ideal but I just couldn�t make it work. I tried to find a way but it was going to be several months before I could do it that way. So I made a leap of faith and Fed-Exed a cashier�s check to Texas. They have a good relationship with a transport company that specializes in exotics so it left Houston this past Sunday and arrived at my house yesterday afternoon. Now I have to deal with all of the registration stuff. In North Carolina this means I need the title signed and notarized over to me, a damage disclosure statement signed by the seller, and a title application signed and notarized. Then I can go to the DMV, wait in line, and get the title and license plate transfer done. THEN, I can go to a local inspection station and get a NC inspection. Yea, it�s a pain. If you buy local, they do all of this for you. The entire process is nerve wracking, scary, long, and at least a bit painful. So I�m asking myself here, �Would I do it again?� Well, yea, I probably would. Despite all of the issues, the reality of it is I am unlikely to find exactly what I�m looking for at a local dealer unless I order new or get really, really lucky. I like the more rare versions and to find that I�m going to have to be willing to look most anywhere in the country. Overall I found the dealership there in Houston very easy to work with and they delivered exactly what they promised. I have some more footwork to do here with the DMV but that�s about it. -Charles

Charles: I am still excited for you. As for me helping out, I would have done it no matter what, but getting to sample a GT3 was special. I owe you a thanks for that. And I promise, I didn't hurt it. Charles was clever enough not to mention what type of car he was asking someone to go eyeball. Had he mentioned it was a GT3, there probably would have been a line. As it was, I was not the only Houston member to volunteer. Have fun with the car Charles! Actually, I really don't know how you can avoid it. Dayle

You're right, Dayle, I would've gone down and put a hurtin' on that GT3 had I known! So what's the special color?

Charles. You are incorrect on the DMV requirements. I have registered 4 cars in the last 6 months I have lived here in NC and can say that what they have posted on the website as far as requiremetns is not correct. All you need is the title signed over to you (no notary needed just the owner of the car) as well as a copy of your insurance car showing the new car is insured. That's it! They will then enter ALL the info for you at the DMV and then ask you for a HEFTY check to pay up the 3% HUT. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Cheers,

Dell, I'm not going to take a chance on that and not have one of the documents they list on the website. It's much, much easier to just fill out the document and have it ready than go over there, stand in line, find out I'm missing something and have to come back AGAIN. Anywhoo, does anybody else have some online purchasing stories to share? -Charles

Trust me on this one Charles. I have done it 4 times in 6 months and recently did it with my GT3 just 3 weeks ago. They ONLY thing they want is the title signed over to you and your insurance card......and of course your checkbook. Just trying to save you time. I did exactly what you are doing and filling out EVERYTHING you see listed on the website and EVERYTIME they said, "I don't need that" just the title and your insurance. Feel free to give them a call.

I bought both my Porsches on Ebay - in each case, I flew out there sight unseen, and both cases were more than pleased with the results. My 964 was from a broker in Dallas, and my 996 was from a private party. I drove the 964 back to California, and the 996 was shipped back. I don't think I would buy a 65k car without seeing it - I don't care where it is, I'll go to it before they get my money, but I have no problem with the concept of the online purchase. When I sold my 964, that was the best. I put it up on ebay with a buy it now of $25k, and a guy bought it within a couple of days, FedEx'd me a cashiers check, and had the shipper come by to pick it up. Now, that's what I'm talkin' about.

I found my car online too through Auto Trader. First time I had bought a car online. Also the first time I dealt with a high end used car dealer. The internet is a wonderful tool. You can find a car, get pictures, check out the seller, and find a local mechanic for a PPI, all in about two hours. It was nerve wracking, but it turned out very well indeed. We have two dealers in Houston. They are both owned by the same megadealer, so price competition is nearly non-existent. I ended up with a much nicer car for my budget than I would have otherwise. There were a few surpises, like no floormats, but that did not sour my impression that buying this way can work very well. Now, if I could just figure out how I could get into the GT3 budget category. That is an addictive ride.

I would think the seller would be more than happy to not have to haggle, so why is the buyer complaining about having to haggle? Needless to say, skipping the haggle process is as simple as paying what the seller is asking....

Hey Rick, Yea that pretty much echos my experience. I did buy sight unseen, however! You can tell a lot about the car from pictures and talking to the sales guy. I found one car that I liked and he said it had never been tracked. That didn't sound quite right by the look and options on the car and when I really pressed the issue he called the previous owner and confirmed that it HAD been tracked. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing but it's information you want before you go. I always buy used and after looking at a lot of cars you kind of get a good sense of the previous owner. You can really spot the "Never driven in the rain garage queens." There are a lot of Porsche owners out there that are VERY proud of their cars and consequently, there are a lot of really good used cars out there. -Charles

I need a publisher to tell my story!

Haha

yeah, but your story didn't end with the bad guy getting caught and serving time. He got away with the mis-deed and probably pawned the car off on someone else. I would love to know who that VIN number is registered to nowadays.

I also bought a car on line. I was amazed at how well the whole deal worked out. I had been watching a particular dealer on Ebay for about 6 months (goldbergbarry). I was looking for a lge German sedan 2 or 3 years old. Barry's feedback scores were great and he only sold 9 or 10 cars a month. His presentation was very professional. Last year he put up an 02 Targa. I couldn't stop looking at the car. I called him and agreed upon a price subject to a Porsche inpection. He sent the car over to Champion in Pompano. The car was still under warranty, but only needed a bulb replaced. I wired funds and flew down with my daughter to see Penn State in last years Orange Bowl. Barry picked me up at the airport. We drove to the dealer signed the papers and went in different directions. The drive home was awesome. Plus look at all the money I saved by not having to rent a car while I was in Fla. for the game.

It's still there. http://globalmotorcars.com/detail.as...tockNumber=167

I'm shock. I figured that it would be long gone by now. Well, I guess that's good news.

Charles, Congrats on the GT3! Hey, did your mom get around to buying a 996 Cab? She was interested in them during BRBS this year. And, now that Dell lives in NC, maybe we should get him to attend BRBS next year........

BRBS? Please do tell

BRBS = Blue Ridge Boxster Summit, annual gathering of about 180 folks with Pcars, mostly Boxsters, but always some 996's, 996Turbo's, some 3.2 Carreras, a 964 or two, occasionally an Fcar. Three days and nights of driving, eating, and partying in and around Blowing Rock, NC. (We reserve an entire motel complex in downtown Blowing Rock.) This past year a 928 gathering was stationed in Banner Elk, meeting at Grandfather Mountain. At least 200 928's in one grass field. Awesome. Just a great bunch of Pcar enthusiasts. I've attended the past 5 years.

Hey Kevin, I've tried SO hard to get more people from NC to attend BRBS. I think it's pretty sad that it's in Blowing Rock and there are more cars from MICHIGAN than NC. It doesn't matter what kind of car you have. Just come to BRBS! It's always a great time. I wouldn't miss it. -Charles

So Charles, maybe you want twist my arm

There are a lot of shady dealers in Houston. Highline flood cars are their specialty. Watch out for ecarlink in Dallas too. They like to claim they're the best and don't peddle crap but watch out, they do!!! They then claim they had no idea the car was full of rust had been repainted on all panels except one, etc etc. The car even had paint peeling from the bumper. This all after a swearing of "no paintwork anywhere, I promise". Another in Houston, claimed a car was perfect. Right before my viewing it was declared the car was originally another factory color but was repainted "right". Most of these guys use ebay as their main source of income. Not saying you can't get a good deal, just beware....................... Anyways, glad it all worked out in your case and enjoy your new car!!!!!

I think Ebay is a pretty safe way to go, actually. If you have a guy with 50+ positive feedback, chances are pretty good that your transaction will be solid. I'd stay away from the guy with 3 or 4 positives, he could have sold some low dollar stuff to setup your sale. When I bought my 996, I flew into Philly and drove down to Charlotte - what a great introduction.

Rick....it is VERY EASY to create a 100% positive feedback using fake (duplicate IDs) to buy $.01 items from yourself and have them ALL private transactions so you can't see what they are and then claim that all transactions are private to protect the bidders. eBay is full of tricksters. NOt saying that it is full of them. Just saying that feedback isn't always the best idicator.

Just bought one from ISIMPORTS in San Luis Obisbo CA which was not what they described, Bent wheel,corded tires,no mats,broken turn signal,blown speaker,no wind stop,one key, Do not deal with them. Also own the local Volvo store

Get a wife who also likes to track P-cars!

... and a snorkel !

cheap shot!

Yeah, it was a cheap shot, but it WAS funny! Actually, I'm jealous/envious!

Hey Gregg, I'm sorry to hear about that. This is exactly what was keeping me up at night during this deal. I was really worried about it for a while there. I had some time one afternoon and started doing Google searches on the owner's name and company name. I also followed up on his claims of having good friends at the local Porsche dealerships. I looked up the dealership phone numbers and called them myself! They both just gushed over the guy. Even though they knew I was buying a car from him and not going to do business with the dealership they still backed up his claims and supported his reputation. I also found him on an assocation for independent automobile dealers and called the organization's owner. He also validated the owner's reputation and company. I gotta tell you, that plus having Dayle go over and see the car made me feel a LOT better about this. -Charles

Charles, just so we know who you were dealing with for future reference, who did you buy the car from? Sounds like you found a good place and it's always good to know that you're dealing with a trustworthy dealer.

Hey Gregg, I was dealing with these guys: http://www.autodynamicscars.com The owner is Sanjay Varma. I'm always a little reluctant to post names on forums because some butthead will always come back with "Oh, you work for them" or "You got paid to post that here." I assure you that is not the case. I found the dealer via eBay and then worked with them directly since this particular car was not listed on eBay. Thanks! -Charles

Cool. I understand your reluctance. We have a lot of dealings wiht dealers on Houston on this forum, so it's good to hear a good recommendation for a change.