FINALLY May have found a Pcar. Is this a fair deal??

Well, I may have finally found a C4S!!! After initially looking at C4Ss and then looking at TTs(and other distractions) I have come full circle to where I started. 03 C4S Seal Grey/Grey, 40k miles, fully stock, Bose, CPO till 5/09 They are asking $53,995. I offered $50,000 firm and they accepted. Here is the link to their website. I was unable to link to the car's actual page: http://www.suncoastporsche.com/ Can I get some opinions if this is a good deal?

Are those shots of the same car? The first shot (with the sticker) looked like it had a painted center console and non-smoker's shelf. Either way, congratulations!

Scot....I think that is great deal. Of course, Gant will chime in and report that it is a SMOKIN deal since it should be priced at about 75K And not to knock Gant's car at all (which is a fine example) but an 03 with 15K more miles is in fact worth MORE than a 02 with 15K less miles. Gant, this isn't good for your sale my friend. Just kidding of course and having a little fun with Gant. All in jest of course. But seriously, for 50K firm with CPO you can't go wrong on this one. Have you got anybody in the Sarasota area that can look at it for you and run it to get a PPI? Great catch. Just noticed that as well. The pics don't jive.

That looks like a great deal! In fact, I liked it so much that I had my buddy in Tampa run by and offer them $51k!

Smart *** comments aside, didn't the '03s have painted bumperettes (see pic #2 from dealer)? Has this car been rear-ended?

I just noticed that they changed the rear center console and the center console to a painted silver one and put silver trim rings on the instrument gauges and to the dashboard. Here is a before photo which is the one on their website:

Are the seats the same? I am confused by the changes....... JB

Programmatore- How in the hell did you notice that with the window sticker in the way? I noticed as I was posting pics for the thread but I also have more pics to look at. I think the painted console and trim pieces look great!

Good price. congrats.

Scot - it looks like they got interior pics of two different cars mixed up. The second pic in post #6 has a leather air bag cover on the steering wheel, plus painted rear center console, plus Aluminum gauge rings, but the first pic in post # 6 does not have any of those "add-ons." Car looks good. I hope this one works out for you!

This is a bit confusing. While I can understand the cosmetic changes for the rear console. Why did they switch out the airbag? Note the photos on the website has the standard one but your photos carry an upgraded leather airbag. it's such a non-obvious upgrade. Makes me almost think the car sold and boomerang'd back to the dealership for whatever reason. It's normal for the C4S to carry black bumpers. I haven't a clue why, but I've seen more than a few with them.

Nice car, I think you will be happy! BTW, shift ***** are different also. I think they may have used a pic of another car with a grey interior.

Looks like a great car and a good deal. I think that this photo discrepancies are as simple as the dealer mixing things up - makes no sense for them to have done any mods on a car they're selling - they're certainly not the same car though. Looks like the one you've made the offer on is a nicer car than the one that the photos came from. BTW, easily sorted just by comparing VIN numbers to see if the descriptions match.

Wow, good eyes guys. I totally missed the different steering wheel and shift ****. We will see what the dealer tells me Monday. Even if they did replace those items should I be concerened? They are a Pcar dealer and they have told me no paintwork, accidents etc. Does anybody know an independant P shop in the area for a PPI?

Here is the Vehicle Options Detail VIN WP0AA29993S623785 Order Reference 2090376 Model/Type 996 430 Dealer 946 Suncoast Porsche Order Type POVCTF POV CERTIFIED Engine Number Warranty Date 6/09/2003 Trans Number Body Color L6 Retail Price 85,445.00 Option Class Option Option Class Description Option Price BSEMDL BASE Porsche Base Model 81,800.00 OPTION C02 U.S. Standard/Emissions .00 INTERI CZ Graphite Grey Full Leather .00 OPTION P74 Bi-Xenon Headlamp Package 1,090.00 OPTION X54 Stainless Steel Exhaust Pipes 765.00 OPTION 680 Bose Surround Sound System 795.00 OPTION M6P Graphite Grey Floor Mat 115.00 TOPCLR Y1 Seal Grey Metallic Top .00 BDYCLR Y1 Seal Grey Metallic .00

I thought if you bought a CPO car with the original factory warranty remaining you were able to get the longer 4 yr 100k warranty? They are giving me till 06/09 on the CPO.

I have the aluminum gauge rings and painted center console - really love the look. The '03 C4S looks great - plus CPO'd. Hope it's exactly what you want.

I think $50k is a very good deal. Although I disagree with Dell. This car has DOUBLE the miles of mine and is only 1 MY newer. My car should still command $54 to $55k. The fact that this car is CPO and coming directly from P-dealer makes it that much more tempting. So, I say go for it!! (unless you want a lower-mile car like I would, but hey that's just me). Remember, I bought my car7 months ago with 17k miles. That was more than half a MY ago. I like LOW mile cars, and think that affects the price more than any other single thing. As far as getting what I want, I could be wrong, and If I am? Imunna keep my C4S. I hope you fella's will still have me!!

Seriously Gant, I gotta hand it to ya. You really keep me chuckling What you seem to believe and what is actual are not congruent. If you want a true test of your hypothesis then run over to one fo the used car pricing sites and type in your car and miles and then the one Scot has shown here. I will bet you the pink slip on my GT3 that I am right and that his example is worth MORE than yours. On average, roughly 5K. And vice versa for your pink slip on the 02 C4S. Fair enough? Time to put your money were your mouth is. Gant, I'll send you a PM with my mailing address. I really want some of whatever it is you are smoking ps. and don't give me the crap you usually do about the pricing is different in the market versus what blue book/nada/edmunds/etc is stating. Those numbers even if off your mark are still on the same hierarcy of value.

I knew this discussion would happen as soon as I heard Gant's car was on the market.... comic destiny.

Are you buying the car at $50k? or did you make an offer, they accepted, and now you are thinking about it???

You ain't kidding! All I need now is a "parachute" smiley so I can jump from this burning plane

I just did a quick search on CARS.com. It looks like almost all of the 03' C4S's with around 40K were running in the $59 - 63K range. And there are LOTS on the site. How is SUNCOAST offering the same thing for 10k less and CPO? Just wondering?????

I think it's a great opportunity at a great price. Check the history just to make sure no RMS issues. Also have the brakes and tires checked to see how many more miles before changing. Other than that enjoy a great car. Jay

Hey Phil, the interior of you car look very good, almost pristine! How do you keep it that way with the amount of miles you drive? BTW - is she "officially" broken-in yet, or are you still 50 miles away from that milestone?

Rain is threatening here in PA today - no way she's getting wet - plus spent yesterday driving the wife's 328xi to and from the Jersey shore. So there my P-car sits with 1950 miles and 'counting'! Should be broken in by May, latest.

I hear ya....sure would hate to have that paint melt off in the rain Serioulsly, get your butt out there and drive that car. Oh yea, your car is 4wd when needed

Right, as needed for the right look of the widebody. I've always loved that about the car, both the 993s and 996s.

Phil, I've been out today - no way is the drizzle that you called rain serious enough to keep the car inside. Shame on you - get the car out and drive it!

So, is Phil G coming to the Spring Fling? (it's practically in his backyard!)

QueenCity- They countered with $50,500 which I told them I would get back to them Wellard-I knew it was coming too. Damn thread hijackers

I'm really going to try - but I did post previously that I'm on call that weekend, and likely won't be able to get out of it. Yeah, I know it sounds like an excuse, but it's real. I'll let you know! Phil

are doctors allowed to call in sick? I met another pediatrician (Abington) at last week's PCA breakfast and he said that he'll be there... he can probably make it because you're on call

I thought they accepted the $50K offer? Don't wait too long. You've gotta ask whether $500 is worth losing the car if you've decided this is "the one" It gets to a point where the time/reward return gets slim. I'd hate to see you lose another car over $500.

I agree...if "this is it" for you, the $500 difference may not be worth haggling over.

Zoolander, if you'd walk away from that deal for what is a relatively minor $500, then it seems that you haven't convinced yourself that you really, really, really want this car.

Seems like a good deal. I bought an 02 C4S last year with 49k miles for $50k firm.

Only if it is raining since the car would melt just playing with ya Phil!

if the deal falls thru and you are interested in spending more, I have a 2004 C4s for sale, under 15 K, atlas/graphite, bose, gembella competition wheels, supple leather, technics etc, never tracked, no smoking (I am MD also),no RMS problems

No I will not let $500 break the deal. I am anxious yet patient to get this search completed. Starting to get excited.

Great car, awesome deal.

If it's the one I'm thinking of, he has an '06 997S Seal Gray - good guy - we trained together and are on staff at the same hospital. He laughs at me on a daily basis with how I treat my car. What does he know? He actually drives his (but not in the winter either!).

I'm guessing they said OK to $50000 and you said let me think about it. Then when you called them, they said sorry, now it's $50,500? Or is it another story? How is it that they accepted the offer and now the offer has gone up? GL my man!

The car is selling for $50,000 with about $494 in fees. I put a deposit on it this morning. I was also hoping their shop would have an X73 kit in stock and they would be able to install it before Thursday but they did not. If I had a budget of $1000 for mods what should I do while it is still there? GIAC????????

Well, we look forward to seeing what happens.

Take it home. Drive it. Experience the car as it is. It will "speak to you" and make known what mods it needs. Enjoy!

Budget of 1K? Save it and wait. Enjoy the car first. Then determine what you want to add.....exhaust? x73? etc? IMHO, the GIAC is worhtless for a car like the C4S. It is the slowest of the 996 line because of the weight that porker carries. Get it setup properly and it will reward far more than a "flash". Besdies, it is shown that the flash works best on the 99-01 cars better than the 02+ line. PAG already tapped about as much as they could with the 02+ line. Better yet, save that 1K and haul your *** down I40 and let's go grab a nice steak dinner

I agree with Dell....save your money. Drive it before you feel the need to dump some money into something. There are a number of discusson threads you can visit that address the issue of bolt on horsepower...and how that's chasing an elusive subject. Just the GIAC alone won't give you much that you can feel. To get the best "feel" for performance, you really need to do the GIAC, CAI, headers, and mufflers...and that will cost you right around $4,000 give or take depending upon which manufacturer you use for the mods....but $4K is right about it....and that doesn't even throw in the suspension. SAVE your money...WAIT...and drive it. If you spend your hard earned cash right off the bat, a month or two down the road after you've read more and interacted more with the Pcar crowd, you'll probably wish you had done something else. I know....I did the same thing. For me at this point, the suspension would have been my first priority.

Save up a bit and get the PSE. Just the sound will make you feel like it's faster!

nice deal.....

Some great advice guys. I will probably save the money and let "the car speak to me". I did ask Phil there at Suncoast in parts to look at the car and put together an under $1000 mod list. If anything maybe just a SSK. It will be a long and very enjoyable drive back to NC. I cannot wait. My parents live in Ocala, FL so I will swing by and visit them.

Congrats! About time too! We look forward to seeing lots of pictures when you get it home.

That's going to be a great drive! Good luck! Where in NC are you?

Scot - once you get her home you have to change your sig, because "she" might think you are still looking for a TT to replace her. You certainly don't want her to start feeling like she is going to be a "one night stand" do you?

I agree that you should drive it. But, I would strongly suggest the PSE when you have the funds. Maybe check around for some local Rennlist and/or PCA folks that have the PSE. I personally wouldn't have a P-car without it. I think it makes a huge difference in the overall experience.

I know we are past the picture thing...but i did notice that one had a tape deck and the other a CD player...nice car. Congrats.

Not intending to hijack or get off track here but had a quick question on your 2000 Guards Red. There's an 01 just like yours sitting at a local dealership here in Ft Collins (small, handful of selected cars...mainly a german shop) that I was considering. Looks really clean with tan interior, ~35k miles, asking price is $39k. Is that a fair price? I was thinking of offering mid 30s assuming the PPI comes back ok. Also, pls post a few pics of your beauty. Great set of mods as well.

I paid $36k for mine 1 1/2 years ago. It had all the good upgrades (coilovers, recaro seats, HID headlights, exhaust, etc...) I don't think you get much for the upgrades on a pre-owned sale though. I did buy it from a private party. It came with an aftermarket warranty. I looked for about 4 months before I found a guards red one that fit what I was looking for. I'd say mid 30's is probably right. Good luck...if you buy it, make sure you post some pictures.

ZOOOLANDER!! Congrats dude, your long, long, long search is over. I'm thrilled for ya. Pics soon and don't worry about mods right now, at all. Just enjoy the car in its original splender.

Are you sure some guy didn't die inside that car and bleed out all over the center console? I don't understand why they would undertake to change out so much of the interior to sell a car. A lot of wear? (or is that blood hard to wash out?)

They didn't - it's almost certainly a mix-up in photos. No dealers would do such extensive modifications to a car - ever.

Congrats ZOOLANDER! (loved the movie by the way) That's a great find!!

Double WOW! You bought it with all the goodies already installed. Another great find. Why can't I find deals like these? I'll try and take pics of it sometime this week.

Yes, I will post a few pics. Stuck in ATL tonite as I missed my connection to Sarasota. No biggie as Delta saved me the cost of a room there in Sarasota. The salesman will be picking me up at the airport at noon and hopefully I will be on the road by 2 or 3pm to Miami. I am then working in Miami Beach Thurs morning and then hopefully on the road to Ocala by noon. I had a hotel room in South Beach but I could not think of a safe place to park the car there with spring breakers everywhere(I wouldn't trust those valets with a John Deere) so I am going to stay off the beach. South Beach is a sad place now. Customer service is a joke, people are rude and shallow, and the drivers are idiots. Sorry about the rant....actually no I am not You can find some nice people there but for the most part Miami is on a downward spiral. Anyways, it is hard to sleep as I cannot wait to meet my new mistress!! I also wish I had some blank CDs so I could burn some music for the road. Edgy01- Totally different cars. Funny comment though Gant- I know, it was a long wait wasn't it. Sucked being without a Pcar for so long. Tim- Good point. I have to treat this lady with class. mtv65- It is about time someone commented on the movie. If you knew me you would laugh even more Dutchie- GSO! Only a few more hours......yeeehhhaaaaww!!! zoo

Zoolander, you GO BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wait a minute....with a Porsche, the music is the sound of the engine and the exhaust. Why cover it up by listening to the radio or a CD? I'm on my fourth Porsche, and I have rarely listened to the radio/CD when driving any of them. For me, the magic is the car, not the sound system.

VGM911- Good point. I have given friends a hard time about the same thing too.

I never switch on my radio - it's all about the engine for me.... can't hear the lady purr when Vanilla Ice is blaring away in the background.

alright stop... collaborate and listen.

...collaborate and listen, Wainey's back with a brand new edition.

Well, I picked up the car and drove from Sarasota to Miami. I have some work to do in the morning and will hopefully be in the road to Ocala, FL by noon to visit the parents. The car is gorgeous and drove soooooo smooth. The Bose sound system is on a another level compared to what was in my 00 C2. The car did have a blemish on the hood that I was not happy about. They tried a quick fix but I was not satisfied so they agreed to let me have someone fix it back home and they would reimburse me. I will take a photo so I can get some advice. It is a deep groove about 3/4 of an inch long. It has been really nice to walk out and see her sitting there waiting for me. Cannot wait for the 4hr drive tomorrow.

So good to be back in the saddle

Congrats. Drive safely!@

Congrats zoolander. I'm glad you finally found a car. Have a great drive to your parents. See you soon BT

Scot - I am very happy for you, man! Congrats and enjoy the ride back to NC.

Oh what fun drive that will be. I did Miami to Raleigh when I bought my GT3. Flew down to Miami, went straight to Champion got the car, shook hands, filled up, and headed out immediately. Talk about a long day. Left Raleigh at 6a and got back to at 10p. Fun drive except for Jacksonville. What a dump! Enjoy!

Very nice car for a very nice price!

Damn, that's a great deal! I'm on the same boat. Been searching for a few months now. Having come from 3 generations of bmws (since the 80s), I'm now ready for a pcar. From the wealth of information here in rennlist/6speed and numerous tesdrives of 996 C2s, C4s, TTs and more recently the 997...the 02-04 C4S is definitely the car for me. There's been a strong argument for the TT since the price is so close to the C4S's but its too much car. I've got a lead foot and its easy to go over speed limits with the C4S let alone the TT. I've read people getting really good deals on C4S's lately...from 02 50k for $45k to 03 40k for $50k to an 04 15k for $60k. I just can't seem to find one within a reasonable distance from me. I'm currently in CO but homebase is Northern CA so I'm looking everywhere for that elusive, nicely optioned Midnight Blue.

Yup, that sounds like Curt. I like him... got to spend some more time with him at the run on Saturday. He was like a kid with a new toy when we took a break at the half way point... the grin was wider than his head.

mtv65-I am sooooooooooo glad I did not spend that extra money on the TT. I am thrilled with my C4S. The extra power was overkill in my opinion and might have caused me more problems. Plus the tail end of a C4S without the wing is so clean and sexy. Pics will be posted soon. I will keep my eye out for a midnight blue C4S for you.

...you know these promised of pics soon sounds like the hollow words of a newbie... time to set Tim on you!

Pics!! Did someone say PICS???? Damn, as soon as I get the "Newbies" in line, then the vets start getting slack! Come on "Zoobie" you need to post pics. We have waited long eonugh! Where do you think you are.... on a Bimmer Board??? Sheeze man, post the %^&#$*@&# PICS!!!!! You OWE us some pics!! Wayne - how did I do?

Thanks Zoolander and Congrats again!!

Numbers from the drive home from Suncoast Porsche to Greensboro, NC 1150 miles driven 26.1 mpg 63 avg mph Not bad and she purred the whole way!! Do I love this car! Here are some quick pics.

my girl

more

wow~~~~~~~~~ cong~~~~~

Excellent! Nice job. Pretty bad when you have to start picking on the old-timers. Nice car Zoolander - glad to see that you finally got a ride that didn't slip away.

I wouldn't believe it, if I didn't see it w/ my own eyes. Congrats, Zoolander!!!!

Scot - Very nice looking C4S! Now harvest those pumpkins and get some clears!

Great car!