Looking for my first Porsche 911

I am internet shopping for a used 911 and could use some help. My preference is black on black with black rag top. I live in Toronto, Canada and want to get one from a southern state (no road salt) and take a long detour route home. With that in mind, I would be interested in hearing comments/stories about driving 12 hours at a time in a 911? I have focused on 2000 to 2002 911's with up to 80K miles. I am thinking that part of any purchase would be to have the IMS bearing changed prior to driving it home (at time/part of purchase aggreement). Because of my remote location, I have to rely on pictures, carfax and email correspondence. Is there anyone out there that can help? Also, I do not want to register the car in the US. I will pay duty (6%) and Provincial taxes (13%) when I get back home. Basically my budget is to stay in the low 20's before I get back and face the Canadian 20% tax/fees. Thanks to all that respond.

A car with less than 80,000 miles is still relatively young. If the car is in decent shape it should make the trip without any problems.

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Any suggestions on questions to ask the seller considering that I won't be able to test drive until after the deal is done?

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How could you do that? I would never consider buying a car unless: 1. I drove it first. 2. A PPI was done and everything was to my satisfaction. Before you get serious why don't you get a Pelican member check it out first who lives in the local area?

I have bought a few cars without seeing or driving them - the key is to hire a company to perform a full pre-purchase inspection for you in the city where the car is located. The PPI tech will fully inspect the car, take it for a test drive, and provide you a very detailed written report. It takes a little extra coordination with the seller to do this but most will understand. Make your purchase decision based on the report.

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I bought my 930 with out driving it and I used the sellers PPI, he only had the car for about 3 months, I know its not the best way to do things but in my case it worked, I got a good car. +1 on having a local Pelican check the car and give you there opinion.

I wouldn't rule out Canadian cars. The prices in the States sure look attractive but you will have to buck up at the border and they keep the car for 3 days. Toronto isn't really a remote location. How many rag tops do you see in the winter, most people store them in the winter so salt isn't an issue. I always get a better feeling buying from a private seller as opposed to a dealer.

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This is the first time I am hearing that Canada Boarder services impounds imported cars for 3 days? Can anyone confirm this? I am aware that you must submit appropriate documentation to the boarder crossing at least 3 business days before you try to cross the boarder.

I am a new Carrera owner as well - just brought a 2009 997 back from North Carolina 5 weeks ago- bought it at Hendrick Porsche (great dealer btw). I too live in Toronto - my son (he's 12) and I flew down and drove it back - it was an AWESOME trip for both of us and I can confirm 14 hours in a Porsche 911 is no problemo. I can also confirm Customs does not impound the car - in fact, if you are crossing at Niagara (careful cause US Customs here is only open 8-4 M-F) then you simply send them an e-mail 3 days ahead of time with VIN, make, model and date you plan to cross - that's it - no ownership or bill of sale req'd (all the posts I head read said ownership was req'd and it is not at Niagara - just call and listen to the directions on their voicemail message as they are very clear and thorough. When we arrived at the border, spent about 15 mins at US Customs (they were GREAT and very friendly) and 20 mins at Canada (they just collected cash)... and were on our way home. RIV, safety and emissions at Cdn Tire was simple (apparently Cdn Tire did more than 100,000 RIV inspections last year - they are very organized). Ontario license office was the longest part of the process as it was approx a 1 hour line-up and 20 minutes of processing (first clerk didn't know what to do with the North Carolina ownership, etc) The steps to import are documented many places and I can help if you like, but I will say it was way easier than I anticipated/feared/read. And the car is everything and more I'd hoped it would be. Dreamed about a 911 since I was 12, and it has NOT disappointed me. Love this car. Should have done it sooner.

Greetings fellow Canadian, I have been dealing in Porsches for going on 32 years, I have imported many cars from the US sight unseen until they arrive at my US facility. Regarding purchasing a car without opportunity to inspect yourself, this should not be an issue with all the resources available to you. First thing is a PPI from a qualified outfit of your choosing. When you identify a car you are serious about be sure to ask as many questions to identify the car you want to send for a PPI, or it could get expensive. I have what I call my Pre-Purchase Questionairre, if you would like to discuss feel free to PM me for my number. Also, there are many Pelicans out there who will be glad to assist you with a visual inspection and many have fantastic knowledge of these cars and will provide you with excellent feedback. Regarding the importation process, as stated above by yourself and jcsomerv, simply email the required documents to US Customs at least 72 hours prior to anticipated date of importation, let them know which day you intend to import, however, if you are delayed it isn't a problem. US Customs are friendly and helpful, just follow the proper protocol for this and you are fine. The only thing I can add to what jcsomerv said is that in all my transactions with US Customs they have always required a copy of the original title of the vehicle being imported, they will stamp this original copy which you will bring with you to the MTO licensing office when you register your car here in Ontario. Best wishes in your search, Mike

Yes, I agree with BROCK... for clarity, I did have to produce the original ownership to US Customs at time of crossing. US Customs stamped it when I arrived at the border. I did not have to e-mail or fax US Customs a copy of the ownership 72 hours beforehand. Hope that helps. BTW, this also means, you do not have to "buy" the car sight un-seen... to explain.. my transaction was.(I'm skipping some steps).. (1) I emailed 72 hours prior, to Customs at Niagara VIN, make, model and day I was crossing the border... (2) I rec'd a PPI from the dealer + 66 high definition pictures, Carfax, etc... (3) then I wired the $ to the dealer the day I got on the plane - they had the money by the time I landed... (4) I went to the dealership and drove the car... then I signed the documents (note, I signed after I test drove - though getting my $ back might have been interesting had I decided to back out)... (5) I drove to the border where I presented the original North Carolina title which US Customs stamped (as BROCK rightly points out)... (6) I presented this title to MTO which they 'traded' for an Ontario ownership (I was a little surprised when they kept my NC ownership but it made sense once I thought about it). I clearly had a risk in that I wired $ before driving the car. However it was a Porsche dealer and I was comfortable that had the car not been as advertised and I did not close the transaction, I could have got my cash back. You might be smarter to insist on a certified cheque, which you would turn over to the seller at the time of signing - my dealership wanted wire xfer vs. certified cheque so I compromised. I agree with BROCK, with enough detailed high resolution pictures, a PPI, Carfax, your own knowledge to ask the right questions, and a little bit of trust in what the seller is telling you, buying a car in USA can be low risk. Not no risk. But if you want no risk and much less hassle, you can always pay higher prices at your local Canadian Porsche dealer. Anyways, hope that clears it up.

More good points jcsomerv, if you are not buying from a dealer but can have a local Porsche dealer handle the PPI you may be able to request the dealership to act as an intermediary and if the seller agrees the dealership can hold the car until the transaction (wire transfer of funds) is complete. The car remains in their possession until you pick it up. There are many tells that would tip you off if there was something amiss about a transaction. Keep in touch with the Pelican community they really are a good bunch of enthusiats willing to help out. Enjoy your weekend, Mike