Buying from Porsche Dealer in Germany: Advice need - Page 1 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Just get it in writing that you can give the car back within 30 days from collection and get a full refund if not fully satisfied - a faxed letter on dealership headed paper should be fine. If it is an OPC they are unlikely to fcuk you over as it would be easy for you to kick up a stink in Stuttgart.

txs Dom, this is what i will try to get (a written doc). I am just wondering about the legal value of such a fax? Regards, Eric.

Legally, any verbal or written communication can form part of a contract. However, something written is easier to prove. Fax will be fine. Just make sure it is on their headed paper, dated, and signed by someone important. This will be damning evidence if they ever try to renege on their agreement. Only thing I would watch out for is their standard conditions of sale... which will all be in German and bound to have all sorts of arse-covering sections. Therefore, it may be worth asking them to put in: 'We confirm that this agreement will be legally binding and will overrule any conflicting terms or conditions in the standard sales contract or any other bill of sale.' Remember to put a time limit on it, so it is not too onerous for them. Cheers Dom (rusty law degree, so any advice taken at your own risk )

Or just post it, and some German-languaged readers can have a look at the paragraph which affects your purchase

I bought my RS from an OPC in Dusseldorf. Transferred money into their account in advance upon written confirmation I'd get it back if I didn't like the car. Needless to say the car was superb and I bought it. OPCs in Germany seem even more fastidious about the cars than UK ones so it seems. Ensure you get them to register the car on "export plates" or whatever they're called - I had to drive mine back on their trade plates.

They're called ''zoll" plates. If they don't arrange them before collection, make sure you arrive when the town hall is open (normally during the week, maybe Saturday morning) to go through the process then and there. Dealers don't like you using their trade plates as I think you are on their insurance until the border. Scottster and I have done all sorts of stuff in our dim past when we didn't know better, like tow cars to the border and make up cardboard plates with the VIN number on

Dom, likewise - I made my own "german" plates - pink (sorry, Rubystone) letters and all and ran the car round for yonks on them...had to change them when it rained as the pink lettering ran They only released me their plates when I told them I was going to drive the car home regardless

Dom, we extensively discussed the subject off-line... txs for all your info! I thought i was a car encyclopedia (that' s what my family/friends say...).. ...so you may be the Universalis! Rubystone, txs for the advice. The dealer mentionned special temporary plates to put on the car & that it would cost me another EU-300 (together with 3rd Party insurance??). Regards, Eric. PS: i had the dealer to write the letter & i have it now.

Are there any lawyers around? I am about to buy a car in Germany to an official dealer. I have actually never seen the car but it is a 2002 with 4000 miles & very unlikely to be faulty. However, before wiring him the totality of the money, i' d like to cover myself against any potential issue that could occur between now & the time when i will pick-up the car. The dealer (the sales-man) told me that he would fully reimburse me if i am not happy with the car the day when i pick it up. But these are only words! 1/ How can i do to commit him to such a thing? 2/ In writing?? 3/ Is a fax or an email enough for me to claim my money back if i am not happy with the car the day when i take it? 4/ What should this letter contain? 5/ Are there any key-sentences &/or key-words to use when writing it? Help or similar experiences would be much appreciated on this issue. Txs in advance, Eric.