C4S Questions

I found a 2003 C4S on Ebay that I thought looked interesting, here's the link: <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10156&item=2416405725" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10156&item=2416405725</a> I looked up the Invoice pricing on the car and the options, and invoice comes to $76,925 with delivery and of course these guys have it on Ebay with a starting auction price of 78K with the reserve not being met. The MSRP is $88,115. With 2003 production stopped, aren't dealers at risk of no one wanting 2003's but rather waiting for 2004's now? If so, how close to Invoice do you think a dealer will deal on a C4S? At some point if that car sits on their lot I saw in another thread that once the 2004 models come out, expect to pay 5% BELOW invoice. Any thoughts as to a good price on this car? Another question, leasing. Does Porsche offer attractive leases or is it better to go through some third party leasing company and if so, who do you recommend? Track use - How many out there with 2002/2003 C4S's have tracked their car at a DE event? If so, any thoughts (or pics and video with thoughts) would be appreciated. In my Boxster S I never had any trouble keeping up with a couple of C4S's that were at the track, but that could have been their drivers and no so much the car. I can't spring for a turbo, but a C4S is looking attractive and I wanted to know what people thought of them in general, etc. Thanks in advance!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Ken2KS: <strong> &lt;snip&gt; Track use - How many out there with 2002/2003 C4S's have tracked their car at a DE event? If so, any thoughts (or pics and video with thoughts) would be appreciated. In my Boxster S I never had any trouble keeping up with a couple of C4S's that were at the track, but that could have been their drivers and no so much the car. I can't spring for a turbo, but a C4S is looking attractive and I wanted to know what people thought of them in general, etc. Thanks in advance!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I can't answer your other questions with any authority, but I can answer the last one. First, the pic. <img src="http://members.rennlist.com/palting/173D5044sm.JPG" alt=" - " /> Other pics at <a href="http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/album18" target="_blank">C4S</a> . I just finished a DE at Watkins and I have an in-car video. I'll post a link as soon as I can upload it. With regards to the Boxster, none have overtaken me at any of the DE's, and some have been driven by drivers definitely more experienced than me. In my last run at Mid-Ohio, there were two Boxster S's, both with track tires and track suspension set-ups. I would catch them, they would let me overtake at the back straight, but it is somewhat embarrassing because they then stuck to my behind around the next series of turns. I have to wait for the front straight to get away, and after that they don't catch up. If I catch them at the start of the series of turns starting at the end of the back straight, the C4S can keep up with them through the turns, and they have to let me pass at the front straight. And this is a bone stock C4S with street tires (P-Zero Assims). At Watkins, with the elevations and the relatively longer straights between the turns, the Boxsters there were no match for the 911's. So, in my relatively very short experience, a Boxster with track tires and track suspension can keep up with the stock C4S in flat corners, butwon't keep up for the whole track. The Boxster owners tell me it is a more fundamental car, and it forces you to drive the way you should. I can say the same thing when I talk to TT or GT3 owners .

I can't answer the leasing question or the track question. If you are strictly speaking of the C4S, as you probably already know, the new C4S will not be out for a while. At least not as a 2004 MY. Yes, when the new MY comes out...it will be a great time to buy. Compared to the 996 TT's, the C4S has done a little better holding its value. I hope they don't take a dive anytime soon. I just put my 2003 C4S w/ 2,250 mls. up for sale because I ordered a GT3. I hate to sell it, but no room for both. I think it is the best looking Porsche in the stable...IMHO.

Palting, Thanks for the input, nice looking car you have there. I should have been clear that my Boxster S was modified and had an additional 30HP at the rear wheels (headers, ecu, intake) so that certainly made the car more competitive, along with ROW 030 and some fine tuning. Sounds like the C4S is competitive right out the gate and fun to drive, I'll have to take a turn in one at the next DE and see for myself. I'm assuming this is a 320HP C4S and not the 345HP variety correct? Anything to be aware of with a C4S in terms of what to look for if shopping for one, etc?

TNGT3, When are you getting your GT3? Do you know if it is possible to get a lease through a 3rd party to buy a car from an individual like yourself vs. buying from a dealer? Where is your car advertised? I'd like to take a look. Thanks!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Ken2KS: <strong> Palting, I'm assuming this is a 320HP C4S and not the 345HP variety correct? Anything to be aware of with a C4S in terms of what to look for if shopping for one, etc?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Yes, this is the 320 variety. I do not believe the 25 horses with the same torque is worth the money. Not much more you can do with the current 996 engine for a worthwhile boost of power unless you get the GT3. Good luck on that quest. I assume you are shopping for a new C4S? For a good amount of track use as well as street use? Then get a stripper with sunroof delete. I would still recommend the Xenons for safety. Do not get any seat upgrade, since you will eventually swap out the seats for the factory Recaro's. Unfortunately, one cannot order the tecquipment roll bar and Recaros for US cars. These will have to be aftermarket if you so desire. The C4S suspension is awesome straight out of the box. It is lowered and stiffened relative to the std suspension. If you really want to get serious, there is an OEM option, not available from the factory for new US cars of course, that lowers the car 30 mm and stiffens it some more. For tires, make sure they come with the P-Zero Assims. These are awesome dry performance street tires. At least until you get track tires. That's it. Try the C4S. You won't want to go back to your Boxster for the track. I guarrantee it .

"Do you know if it is possible to get a lease through a 3rd party to buy a car from an individual like yourself vs. buying from a dealer?" Yes, Leasecompare.com and others can provide this service. No big deal.