Why do sellers insist their car is mint and they have no clue?

I went to look at another 996 last night. I was told there was a lot of maintenance done in the past few years and it needed nothing. When i get there, there are scratches all over the car. There is a rust spot on the hood. The wheels are curbed and faded badly. There are multiple oil leaks, the window doesn't work properly, it needs two new front tires and an alignment, oil change, inspection and the interior was dirty. The rear plastic window needed to be replaced since it was yellow and very hardened on the corners. There was approx $2k in work that needed to be done to get it clean, and that was only what i saw. I didn't even take it for a test drive b/c of the condition. I have run into a few people who claim their cars are so clean and all maintenance is done but when you get there, it's nothing but a crapbox. I sold the boxster last year and i think i want to get into a 996. At least i have Hershey coming up in a couple weeks. I am sure i might find something there. I am looking at about 18k max and i know there might be some work to be done at that price, but there are some out there that were taken care of.

996 DD in the rust belt is likely to show some rust and certainly some scratches seller calling it mint, but depending on the amount of miles on the car, should have painted a picture of sorts all of the things you've mentioned though, would have had me pissed too, adn I would have walked away as soon as I got within several feet - saying nothing - would have been statement enough to that loser

I have been there too (unfortunately). What I usually try to do 1st is ask for lots of pics if drive is too far. Then I talk to owner and ask specific questions. You can tell (most of the time) if the owner is sincere or just BS'ing you. If they cannot provide docs, pics and more details then you walk.

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You get what you pay for huh?

I think your question actually answered itself...

You might try looking for cars on "The Mart" on the PCA website if you are a member. There's certainly no guarantee that you'll find anything better there, but I think that PCA members tend to be Porsche enthusiasts, and there is a better chance that the vehicles listed there have been properly maintained and cared for. My 996 is a DD, and I bought it from a guy who used it as a DD. As a result, it had normal wear and tear, some chips, scratches, etc. I'm okay with that, because it was priced accordingly.

Some people truly have a different interpretation of what "mint" or "clean" really means. I have a rental house where one of the tenants moved out and told me it had been cleaned up. I got there and was so grossed out I by the amount of filth on the walls and dog hair. But in their eyes it was still clean. The neighbors told me they were nice people but the house was always dirty. So to some if it still is in running condition it is probably considered mint. Plus think about the condition of most other vehicles after being on the road for ten years and in all likelihood this seller thinks his car is in superior conditions to those.

"There's a sucker born every minute"

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Why would anybody with a truly 'mint' 996 sell it for a 'max' of $18K? That's where bluebook is for a "rough trade in" on a stripped 1999 coupe. At <$20K, I'd temper my expectations a bit...

LOL I am looking at an 02 with a Techart front bumper and an aftermarket GT3 tail. When I ask what other mods the car has other than the body he told me that the body was stock. When I gently corrected him he still insisted that it came from the factory that way and it was stock. I threw the P-card at him and we will see what he says. It turns me off on the car because he has no clue what he is talking about.... There are plenty of 996's out there, you just got to be patience (and stay away from the blue 02's )

I'd be careful trying to find a 996 for < $18,000. They might be out there, but they will likely be high mileage, with its share of bumps, scratches and scrapes. The seats will be worn, as will the carpeting. My cautionary note is to just - Be Careful. You could end up buying a lot of headaches and nightmares. larry

I know there are a few examples people have loved and for some reason or another have to sell their baby. going in i knew to expect a 12 year old car with some things that needed to be tended to. I may end up buying a boxster until after we buy the next house to get a good one for the money i want to spend.

D: Just keep your eyes open. There are always those cars that come up for sale because someone hit the bad times financially, and need to cash out quickly. Just be prepared for the cheats on the internet. There are a lot of scams selling cars over the internet. Many of them use "google checkout." Do a search on the internet for "Google Checkout Scam." Some not so light reading of people who lost a bundle on those scams. When I was buying my Turbo, I had at least three people contact me, trying to sell me a car using that approach. Buyer beware!! larry

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Never mind. I wrote a long post selling you on the merits of a clean Boxster at that price, and then I realized you already had one. That makes me the jackass of the day. Cheers, -- Mike

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lol, no hard feelings! I can def get a clean 986 for that price! Larry, you are correct. In this market and economy, there will be someone, or a scorned divorcing wife who wants to unload her husbands' lovely new 997.

you answered your own question... Becasue they "have no clue"

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Mike, I don't think you're allowed to admit that you made a mistake on RL. At least, it doesn't seem to ever have happened before. We may have disagreed once or twice already on OT, but you're a welcome addition here.

It the garage looks like this you know its mint….

I would buy it sight unseen if it were in that garage.

Not mint, not low miles, & not local, but looks like a clean honest driver. Listed on the "For Sale" section of the members area by member Daiberl Sorry just noticed you've already seen this listing. But it does go to show that there are some real deals out there. FS: 996 C2 Manual - 1999 - $16,900.00 https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...-900-00-a.html

I've got a 996 C4 Aero that I'm selling for around $18K. It's been a daily driver with 142,000 miles but unlike most I've done a lot of maintaince. The front bumper absolutely needs a respray and the entire car is due for a detail but she looks pretty good. I just bought a 997 so I have to clear my loan on this ASAP. I just do not want to spend $1000 to $2000 in paint work because at the end of the day I'm still going to sell it for $18K.