1999 Cab - pls check

Hello Porsche enthusiasts, I have been in the mkt for a 996 carrera and my search has led me to Dallas At Bent tree imports in Dallas, there is a 1999 Carrera 2 cab for sale http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...531304908&rd=1 that seems to be a good find. I would really appreciate it if a local porsche owner might be able to examine the car for me as I am in Kansas City; or suggest a reputable local porsche shop/dealer. Secondly, has anyone had any negative experience in dealing with Bent tree? Any input would greatly help my decision. If the car passes inspection, I would travel down to p/u the car and I would be happy to treat you to lunch or drinks for your time. Thanks in advance Michael K.

Watch out, it's an early-build '99 (amber in head and tail lights). Some of these were prone to coolant leaking into the engine. Under warranty those motors were replaced with rebuilt. That could hurt if it matters to you; or the next buyer. Check the history on the VIN with any Porsche dealer.

May I give you a tip how I did it. Find a dealer whom you trust and who trusts you. Let him auction a car for you at one of the car auctions where Porsche NA Leasing auction off their leasing inventory. That's where the best deals are and the cars are all looked through and serviced. Give him a few thousand bucks and both of you will be very happy. Good luck. I have sold and bought a lot (inc. cars) on ebay. My feedback is over 100 and still 100 %. Believe me, I would not buy a car on ebay again. And If..., not without seing it and having a PPI done.

Why would you not buy a car on EBAY again? What kind of problems have you run into?

Cars always look nicer in pictures, people don't disclose problems. It's also a human thing, potential buyer don't want to hear the negative things, so many sellers don't mention them. Then there is the pressure, you buy a car on ebay, drive/fly for a long time and then when you see the car in person you may buy it even if you are disapointed, just because you went through all of this.

I agree, although I would still rate my experience in purchasing my 01 C2 on Ebay a postive one, there were some disappointments. 2-3 trips to the dealership later and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all of the "glitches" in the "TROUBLE FREE, PERFECT, MINT, ETC. ETC" car are fixed..

Thanks for everyone's input... I accessed the carfax for the vehicle, but did not tell me any specific details, however, I found that there was a serious mileage discrepancy!! Approx. 20000 miles!! I will call the dealer tomorrow to see what is going on... The reason for my interest in the car was the low mileage but now I am not so sure. Could anyone explain further regarding a PPI? Thanks, Michael

Can't speak to the car itself, but I bought from Bent Tree in December ... a 2000 996 Cab. The entire process went smoothly, and I was very pleased with the way Jeremy at Bent Tree treated me. I flew into Dallas on other business. The car was taken to a local Porsche dealer the day before at the request of another potential buyer. (he had 2 put through the Porsche Pre-Purchase inspection .... both were fine ... he took the red one). Bent Tree gave me the inspection report that he had paid for, and I called the dealer to verify it. There were several items noted (brakes, hood latch adjustment, mismatched tires), and Jeremy had all taken care of prior to purchase. Carfax was paid for by Bent Tree and available through their website when I first spotted the car. I flew back out a week later, was met by them at DFW, taken to the dealership, quick paperwork, and off to Georgia with full tank and hard top installed. Title arrived less than 2 weeks later, along with cig lighter that Jeremy had forgotten to order prior to my arrival. Car is great (been 3 months, now). Experience was very nice.

FYI - not to knock Carfax but it's a sellers tool that provides little good or accurate information on accidents. It really is necessary when buying from any aftermarket dealer but it will only tell you if the title is clear while most of the other info is not as dependable. Also, I've heard to be VERY careful of Texas aftermarket especially from 3rd party dealers buying at auctions because it's a easy state to sell refurb titled cars since Texas is somewhat anti-lemon law or pro-dealer versus consumer. Just passing along some info I was told a few years back from a very reputable source.