Buying unseen? - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi... Just wondered how many out there would(or have ) bought unseen?. Is it price based or something you would do anyway? Depends on the marque or only after a PPI.? Declaring an interest ,i am looking at Boxsters some considerable distance away and bearing in mind current restrictions wondered if doing it that way is a complete no no or just part of the normal buying and selling game...( personally woukd get a PPI esp as intend to spend £20000 to £30000) Cheers..

Depends who you’re buying it from. From an OPC i’d buy unseen - and have. From a dealer - maybe Privately - no

Buying unseen is a difficult one as everyone has their own view of condition . Opc should be perfect ( not always though) Some dealers say excellent condition and when seen isnt and its age related. At least with distance selling you have more rights than actually going to the dealership and picking it up yourself? Private you have to see. Its the test drive situation which is frustrating, i want to drive a car before i buy . Which you cant do at the moment, but private you could

I replaced the windscreen on a 993 a chap bought via an online auction (not the bay). He was over the moon with the concept and was waxing lyrical about the process; it was easy. Nice car. Good price, although I didn't have the heart to tell him it will definitely need a semi restoration to deal with the rust bubbling under the paintwork in all the areas they're know for when not cared for properly.

I bought my current 911 unseen from Roman’s International. Wouldn’t hesitate to do it again - description was detailed with great pics and the car was prepared perfectly for collection.

I am surprised about how many people do this especially buying from private sellers e.g. on Collecting Cars. I have been interested in one car on CC....car was in Europe so I couldn’t see it self and paid for a PPI. Didn’t buy the car but don’t regret paying for the PPI. Car was very good condition but there were a couple of things that the seller should have declared but didn’t.

Depends how much money - I bought a fashion-victim car during the first wave of madness last April, but it was cheap, I looked carefully at the photos and asked a large number of questions - buying the owner, not the car - but I still missed stuff that I wouldn't have if I'd gone to look - lesson learned, but as I say it was under market value. Cheib said: I am surprised about how many people do this especially buying from private sellers e.g. on Collecting Cars. I have been interested in one car on CC....car was in Europe so I couldn’t see it self and paid for a PPI. Didn’t buy the car but don’t regret paying for the PPI. Car was very good condition but there were a couple of things that the seller should have declared but didn’t. ...which is why I really do not understand all of this enthusiasm for CC. It's a great model if the seller is honest and objective - which let's face it will not be everyone and this will get worse as the word gets out that CC is a great place to sell with no fees. Absolutely no come back on CC and your 6% is theirs no matter what.

Yeah i am leaning towards definitely having a PPI if dealer and even OPC ..would not do it private even with a PPI... Romans do look good,did look at one of their cars a few years ago and they seemed genuine.. Looking at 981’s so test drive isn’t so important as i already have a 986 and love that. Guess my concern would mainly be paintwork as pictures don’t always show exact condition. Has anyone had a PPI on a Boxster? what did it cover? and what didn’t it?

I've bought 2 cars unseen and thought 'my god, that was a bit mad' afterwards, but both were from reputable people (black GT3 from RPM and a yellow GT4 from an OPC). Still over £160k spent without seeing either, which has me in a sweat writing this...............................

esuuv said: Depends who you’re buying it from. From an OPC i’d buy unseen - and have. From a dealer - maybe Privately - no Spot on.

I suppose there's also the factor of your attitude to money. It must be far easier to accept failure if you're loaded. Elsewhere on a Macan forum someone has just introduced themselves after ordering a brand new, personally specced Turbo having never even sat in one, never mind driven one! Bought purely on reading reviews. How brave/stupid/blasé can you get? I get sweaty palms ordering some tat from China worth a few quid.

Bought my 13 month, 1200 mile old 981 Boxster Black Edition from an OPC unseen...car had damage to the leather on the drivers seat which I didn't pick up on collection (due to underground storage location of car), a damaged wind deflector and a damaged trunk battery cover. The car was presented with the usual wonderful 105 point check and Porsche used car warranty. The issues were sorted but I felt the original OPC knew the issues were there. It was just an inconvenience having to get the jobs done 240 miles away from the selling dealership, and I was just so pleased I didn't have to foot the bill of £600 plus labour for the leather cover on the seat base. Bought a mint Mercedes SLK55 unseen from a Subaru dealership in Scotland, the car was in perfect condition and totally as described.... So I would say buying a car unseen is very much luck, and don't believe all the hype around some of the statements and guarantees that franchised dealerships give they will all try and get away with as much as they possible can.

anonymous said: [redacted] Same for me, I spent over £50k on a 997 Turbo last year from a private seller. I reassured myself in two ways - speaking to the seller and having him send me loads of pics of the car and the paperwork, and then having him drive it for an independent PPI (ay my cost). We were 300 miles apart so I couldn't get to see the car that easily in advance. Like the chap above, it was worth it for me for what I think was one of the best examples i'd ever find, and the PPI report said the same thing. If you know what you're looking for, and the seller gives you confidence, buying private is not necessarily a huge risk.

I've bought 2 cars unseen this year. In hindsight had I been able to view and drive them in advance i'm not sure I would have bought either. One (an Elise) because of certain cosmetic issues that weren't obvious despite the many ultra-hi-res photos I was sent. The other (a Leon Cupra) because I'm not bonding 100% with how it drives, although I have driven one before. That said, the Elise was sold for a small profit and the Leon was also well under the usual market price, and the latter involved px-ing two cars from my side which were collected without comment and I was paid exactly as promised. So overall it has been a relatively stress-free experience and I would do it again if circumstances really dictated. With a Porsche, however, I wouldn't buy a manual without having at least sat in the driver's seat and checked the pedal weight. In fact, i've just exactly this with a 986, even though I was unable to take it for a test drive. Thankfully it has proven to be a good one in all other regards. Edited by KPB1973 on Thursday 4th March 12:53

I've bought unseen from OPC and from well-known independents. And of course with the GT/low numbers models with allocation scrambles often the first time you sit in a car of that type is when you're driving yours away from the dealership.

Bought all the cars I own unseen and also all without a PPI coming to think of it. Only ever did a PPI on one car, a 355 - then spent thoousands and thousands a few k miles later on recitfying one issue after another, so the PPI did not exactly do much good

I've bought cars and motorbikes unseen, the last ones being my 997 from Paragon last year and my Ducati Panigale from a private seller. Ask the right questions, get the pics / videos you need, appraise and decide.

anonymous said: [redacted] I see you and raise you haha! I bought a 2015 981, one owner, only used in the dry with 14k on the clock. It was so clean the underbody stickers were still clean! And yes, sight unseen other than some pics and a really well done walkaround.

I bought a 3 yr old 991 from an independent dealer last week, first car I’d bought unseen and the most expensive car I’ve ever bought. Dealer had mixture of good and bad reviews on line, but just make sure you ask the right questions and trust your judgement. They also bought my part exchange unseen my so I figured it works both ways. The car was exactly as described, no issues on handover, all very simple. Having said that, for an older car, with higher mileage, I would probably want to view first.

I’ve previously purchased a Sagaris, a Morgan 3-Wheeler, two Maseratis, a T350T, a Griffith, a Tuscan, a Lotus Elan and others, all unseen! Crazy really when I write it down but it has served me well. The only car that really stung was the Elan which turned out to be a lemon. I could have blown the best part of 3k just having the cars above PPI’d.

Bought my 7.2 RS unseen from an OPC. It came with the usual inspection and warranty. Buying unseen from a private seller would be a nogo for me though

ClaphamBoxS said: Hi... Just wondered how many out there would(or have ) bought unseen?. Is it price based or something you would do anyway? Depends on the marque or only after a PPI.? Declaring an interest ,i am looking at Boxsters some considerable distance away and bearing in mind current restrictions wondered if doing it that way is a complete no no or just part of the normal buying and selling game...( personally woukd get a PPI esp as intend to spend £20000 to £30000) Cheers.. Personally, I would rather pay a Recognized Professional Porsche Inspector to give the car a thorough look over and test drive, before making such a purchase - could save thousands in the long term!

citizen smith said: ClaphamBoxS said: Hi... Just wondered how many out there would(or have ) bought unseen?. Is it price based or something you would do anyway? Depends on the marque or only after a PPI.? Declaring an interest ,i am looking at Boxsters some considerable distance away and bearing in mind current restrictions wondered if doing it that way is a complete no no or just part of the normal buying and selling game...( personally woukd get a PPI esp as intend to spend £20000 to £30000) Cheers.. Personally, I would rather pay a Recognized Professional Porsche Inspector to give the car a thorough look over and test drive, before making such a purchase - could save thousands in the long term! Yes TBH unless it’s an OPC i intend to get a PPI....any idea what the cost would be?

Unseen from blue chip indy's like 911 Virgin? Yes (no affiliation btw). Unseen from other dealers (inc OPC), yes in some cases. Unseen from private seller? No.

citizen smith said: Personally, I would rather pay a Recognized Professional Porsche Inspector to give the car a thorough look over and test drive, before making such a purchase - could save thousands in the long term! Never used one of these to buy, but have sold two 911s that underwent them, one of which missed serious corrosion that I didn't know about but was later picked up by specialist garage.

ClaphamBoxS said: Yes TBH unless it’s an OPC i intend to get a PPI....any idea what the cost would be? The two I got done at well-regarded specialists in Yorkshire were both £180 (150+VAT).

ClaphamBoxS said: Yes TBH unless it’s an OPC i intend to get a PPI....any idea what the cost would be? Sorry, no idea about Porches but my last TVR inspection cost me £300.00

Thanks for the info ....guess another factor from an OPC would be a (hopefully) 2 year warranty...

anonymous said: [redacted] Touché and likewise! We’re lucky people to own such lovely examples.

Anyone bought from Optima in Manchester? Thank You...

I’ve put down deposits on two cars unseen: a 997.2 Turbo and recently a Boxster S. Both fabulous condition. Buy from a reputable source as they’ll buy the best to maintain their reputation. Also use Porsche Inspections to do the checking.

Bought a Cayman from OPC in December unseen. OPC were more than aware of my distance selling rights which focused the mind on proper prepping because I had 14 days to return return the car without any need for a reason. TBF the car came as described. Done the same on various VWs and AMGs.....even a new car from Poland.

A friend in Lancashire has just purchased - unseen - a 997S from Paragon. He traded in a BMW 2 series. A deal was struck over the 'phone, he drove down, looked at the 997, they looked at the BMW, metaphorically shook hands, and drove home in what appears to be a very nicely presented Carrera. Suppose it depends on the car and the vendor...

FarQue said: A friend in Lancashire has just purchased - unseen - a 997S from Paragon. He traded in a BMW 2 series. A deal was struck over the 'phone, he drove down, looked at the 997, they looked at the BMW, metaphorically shook hands, and drove home in what appears to be a very nicely presented Carrera. Suppose it depends on the car and the vendor... Absolutely. I’d be more than happy buying unseen off an OPC (warrantied) or a reputable specialist like Paragon/RPM etc with those protections, and their hard-earned reputations which they know take longer to make than to break. If it was private or a run of the mill trader, I’d still want a PPI or some remaining OPC warranty. It may not catch everything, but it’s some piece of mind for a low price, all things considered.

What about buying at auction? Is it possible to get a car PPI'd before and, even if it is, who would spend the money when there's no guarantee you will win?

My rule of thumb is if anyone refuses an inspection I walk away immediately. I phoned a lesser known dealer a few weeks ago about a Boxster he had for sale. We chatted for a few minutes about the car and then I asked if he’d be happy me getting an inspection carried out. There was a brief pause and then he replied that he felt insulted that I should want one. I said goodbye immediately and hung up. If any vendor doesn’t have faith in their stock then I go elsewhere.

Andym3 said: What about buying at auction? Is it possible to get a car PPI'd before and, even if it is, who would spend the money when there's no guarantee you will win? Auctions car nearly always come with both an inspection report, which grades the condition and lists the all the problems likes scratches and dents with detailed pictures and an “assured” report which is a mechanical health check. It’s very good actually, you still carry the risk of hidden issues but it’s relatively well done and covers most things you’d pay somebody to inspect.

FarQue said: A friend in Lancashire has just purchased - unseen - a 997S from Paragon. He traded in a BMW 2 series. A deal was struck over the 'phone, he drove down, looked at the 997, they looked at the BMW, metaphorically shook hands, and drove home in what appears to be a very nicely presented Carrera. Suppose it depends on the car and the vendor... Hmmm

OPOGTS said: Andym3 said: What about buying at auction? Is it possible to get a car PPI'd before and, even if it is, who would spend the money when there's no guarantee you will win? Auctions car nearly always come with both an inspection report, which grades the condition and lists the all the problems likes scratches and dents with detailed pictures and an “assured” report which is a mechanical health check. It’s very good actually, you still carry the risk of hidden issues but it’s relatively well done and covers most things you’d pay somebody to inspect. Not sure that is the case for all auctions. It certainly isn't when buying via Collecting Cars, and I was looking at Silverstone Auctions and, I could be wrong, they don't appear to provide any inspection reports either. They currently only seem to have virtual viewings or allow you to arrange for someone (an 'Automotive Specialist') to inspect the car on your behalf. So you are either buying unseen or paying for an inspection for a car you might not even win.

I bought a GT3 RS unseen from an OPC. On full inspection I realised the car had been resprayed (badly) and had a chipped ceramic disc. I had been assured by the OPC that the car was 'mint' and had never had paint work to their knowledge. It was bloody obvious so they were lying.

DMC2 said: I bought a GT3 RS unseen from an OPC. On full inspection I realised the car had been resprayed (badly) and had a chipped ceramic disc. I had been assured by the OPC that the car was 'mint' and had never had paint work to their knowledge. It was bloody obvious so they were lying. What was the outcome?

DMC2 said: I bought a GT3 RS unseen from an OPC. On full inspection I realised the car had been resprayed (badly) and had a chipped ceramic disc. I had been assured by the OPC that the car was 'mint' and had never had paint work to their knowledge. It was bloody obvious so they were lying. Shocking, for a car of that nature. If I owned that OPC and had even a modicum of conscience, then i'd be sacking people over that.

Andym3 said: OPOGTS said: Andym3 said: What about buying at auction? Is it possible to get a car PPI'd before and, even if it is, who would spend the money when there's no guarantee you will win? Auctions car nearly always come with both an inspection report, which grades the condition and lists the all the problems likes scratches and dents with detailed pictures and an “assured” report which is a mechanical health check. It’s very good actually, you still carry the risk of hidden issues but it’s relatively well done and covers most things you’d pay somebody to inspect. Not sure that is the case for all auctions. It certainly isn't when buying via Collecting Cars, and I was looking at Silverstone Auctions and, I could be wrong, they don't appear to provide any inspection reports either. They currently only seem to have virtual viewings or allow you to arrange for someone (an 'Automotive Specialist') to inspect the car on your behalf. So you are either buying unseen or paying for an inspection for a car you might not even win. Sorry yes, to clarify i was referring to BCA cars.