DONE DEAL! Pulled the trigger on an '02 C4S...PICTURES

Hi all, As some of you may know....I've been on the prowl for a 996. Well...finally located what I felt was an irresistable deal. Details as follows: 2002 C4S - Seal Gray Many options - See Certificate below Car is Certified as well, has 35K on the odometer Paid $42,500 (that is the truth) Totally clean carfax (I know that doesn't mean the world)....this was a trade that came in to the dealer on Saturday.....I found it on tuesday just after it went online. I would think they paid very little to the prior owner. I am the second owner. Not sure how they let it go so cheap. Something about making numbers for Panamera. I did try to get a PPI, but it didn't pan out. No flaming please. (although I tried very hard, and the potential P-doctor who was going to perform worked there years ago, and advised me that they do a great job with certification, and only certify worthy cars..."they don't mess around and are extremely reputable"). . I know it's a little risky, but I didn't want to pass up the offer. Plus, the car is certified and I have tons and tons of pictures...many up close. Let me know if you think I got a good deal. These pix were taken by the dealer. I'm in NY....dealer is Porsche Naples. Car is being shipped early next week....will hopefully have it by next weekend. Crossing my fingers. I had a friend go out and look at it...and while he doesn't know too much...he says it's phenomenal. Thanks, Jon

Congratulations, and wow that is a good price! Did you get a PPI done?

Hi...more pix...I love the center console....should have shrank my pix before....ran out of storage....oh well. I'll shrink later if I can to fit more pix. But I didn't want to violate the "picture rule." I have already ordered clear side signals. I'm so freagin excited.....like a kid in a candy store. If all fares well, I'll post all info. with regard to the dealer, who were fairly easy to work with. Jon

Hmmm. How do I put this without seeming like I'm trying to kill your buzz, cause I'm really not. If there is one thing I've learned, if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Now, if the car is really that clean, and perfect, I ask myself, why would the dealer let it go SO cheap, so fast? Especially because it is a VERY desirable, one owner car? Then i would say, well..since this deal seems to good, maybe I should do EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to make sure it's legit. A great deal, such as this should raise eye-browse. NO WAY would I buy this car without a PPI!! NO-FREAKIN'-WAY!!! There are some things on the carfax that look wierd to me... Hopefully they are nothing. It claims that it was serviced at 5k miles, 8k miles then serviced at 17k miles, 18k miles and sold the next month in OCT of 2004 and not purchased until a year later, although it's still listed as a one owner car.... Due-diligence my brother, take it from someone who learned the hard way. Remember, I'm not saying anything is wrong, it may be simply a stellar deal, but you need to slow down, take a breath and get a PPI!!! Good luck, and NICE find!!

Arrogant...I hear you loud and clear. I know it's a roll of the dice. When it arrives....I will have it looked at here. I know you are thinking it's way too late for that....but....if there are any issues that weren't disclosed to me....it's going right back to them. I have been reassured over and over....by their GM as well...that this is a non issue car. I asked about the services...they were explained...not big issues. A picky owner....but a very good customer, who has the car shipped to vermont and back for his second home. Could this be a lie? Possibly. As far as the sold on the carfax....not 100 percent sure....but...the title numbers are the same, so I'm not too sure it was actually sold...maybe a lien was satisfied. But I am not one to rely on carfax as many incidents and issues do not appear on them. They are nice if there is actual disclosure though. I do know that the car did have a minor accident on the driver's side, that was not structural in nature, and was assured that the body work was flawless. Not that much of an expense as the owner paid himself, which explains why it was not reported. I really don't care about that if there is no evidence, and I don't think that would drive the car down in price too much. My buddy concurred, and was unable to notice any indications of work performed. I guess only time will tell. I must say that they were asking at approx. 48 at first (I think). I offered 42 over the phone. They called back at least 6 times lowering a bit each time...I didn't budge till the end. I was very matter of fact, and the salesman was very young. I never thought they'd come down to my offer....but over a day...they did. I guess I am a little nervous...but the CAR IS CERTIFIED. If there are issues....they will be addressed. It's that simple. My dealership here is very customer friendly, I think they all are. I was also told by the PPI guy that he has never seen a lemon or a misrepresented car come thru his shop from that dealership. That means a lot to me. I'm hoping this isn't the first. Again....if something significant is causing this deal to be very low.....It's going back to them if I have to force it down their throats. I'm an attorney...my legal resources are endless. I told them that in a very polite way very early on after we agreed on the price. They have been very tolerant with me, and offered to take the car away from me today after I was being somewhat over hesitant to them. We'll see, but I am extremely confident with the condition of the car. I certainly understand the concern, and I know it can't be awful to be certified. It looks amazing.....I'll let you know how it feels at 130 m.p.h. If it stays solid...I'm one major happy camper. I know it sounds too good to be true....but this isn't some scummy dealer....it's a Porsche Dealer with a serious rep....something I can smudge if they mess with me. I'm hopin I stole the car for whatever reason. Best, Jon

Jon, The fact that the car was in a wreck, is every reason to get a PPI. You just never know. That being said, it looks like you are doing it, and I have confidence that it's a great car, but I'm also X'ing my fingers... When you do get the car, and it's everything you expected...my brother, you got one HELL of a sweet ride!! I will be the FIRST person to say CONGRATS!!! and.....

HEY! That's MY car! Congrats mann, good deal! I hope all's fine with it, it is very cheap and suspicious though. But if it's certified, at least that gives you some peace of mind.

ya!!! That CPO really helps, a lot!

I can't believe what great deals you guys are finding out there! Congrats!!

Good work JB. Reputable dealer, CPO - you have no reason to worry. The dealer doesn't want this dinosaur on the lot with 997's coming out of his ears and the Panamera on the way. I paid $35K for pretty much the same car and mileage, except mines a C2. Mine is fan-f&%$ing-tastiK. Yours will be too. Enjoy the car. edit: LOVE that centre console. Mine has some carbon fibre and all, but my centre console is plain. The aluminum is cool.

That is SOME deal! And a beautiful car. From the 996 on, they are really really big on grey/silver aren't they? Since I started reading this forum there is a PILE of silver and grey. Love the C4S! All I would add is a fixed rear spoiler. Check out Ben Choi's ride (which I believe is also grey!).

Jasper....thanks for the input. The price differential between your car and mine sounds just right....you grabbed a sick deal too. The prices are very negotiable at some dealers. Naples has a TON of cars right now....many demos....and they did mention Panamera....not too sure what that means. They are trying to unload cars big time. They advised me that had a backup buyer at a much higher price...and while I usually don't heed to that kind of stuff (I dabble in real estate too), I had no reason to doubt them since I'm seeing the same car go for almost 8 to 10 grand more in other places. Thanks all for the reassurance. I am very anxious to see how this all works out..... but I'm not losing any sleep....other than the dreaming of cruising around in my new ride. My wife is pissed at me cuz she says I'm more excited for this than I was for our wedding.....she's kinda right.....LOL. p.s....center console is not aluminum...but painted seal gray with a super high gloss finish to match the exterior...kinda cool. Anyone know if the aluminum pedal covers are stock? I'll keep you all posted. Jon

Great deal and congratulations on a very nice car (some say the C4S is the prettiest 996). The price is low but that's the market. There are tons of 996 out there and a lot of 997 too, now that the 997 facelift is in sight, prices are coming down again. I know we all love our cars and think that they must be as much worth as they give us fun, but I can't say it often enough: we're having a mass-production car, not a 356, 911SC, 993 or whatever Porsche sold before the 996, before the Boxster or before the 997. Enjoy your new toy! BTW, I paid less for a back then similar old C2 Cab, 1.5 years ago with less miles and my car is fine, so don't worry; there's no reason to believe that this car is a lemon.

Hey JBRipps, I see you have a cassette holder in your center console. I've just taken out my console for the "GT3 center console delete" mod to gain more leg-room, so if you want a CD storage, send me a PM. You can get it for free; just shipping.

Altruism is in the air!!

We're one big family arr0gant! BTW I still admire you buddy; you obviously got more for your C4S than some dealer-stealer get for their cars!

Thanks hwk, means a lot! Just for the record, and a reminder of what a great guy he is, Steven Cole (his username for those that don't know) shipped me a pair of clear-side-markers. When I TRIED to at least pay for shipping, he wouldn't even let me. I will never forget that. I really DO need to pass it forward!!

Congrats on getting the car and a very nice looking one at that!

Beautiful C4S at a great price. CPO'd to boot. Use it well. It sounds like an incredible find. Hope all the concern others have raised amounts to nothing. Love Seal Gray. Now go and get some clear corners - quick!

Jon - No, the aluminum pedals are not stock.

At least you didn't tell him to go DRIVE it!

with a CPO, I don't get all the boogyman stuff about what could be wrong... why rain on his parade? since we know he already purchased it, a little late for a PPI, so why mention? with the CPO unless there is something hugely wrong structurally, he will be covered.... i think that this is a fantastic buy, great job!

Regarding steering wheel pics: I have noticed that several cars's steering wheel having a different shade color on the horn/airbag cover than the steering wheel themselves. Can anyone shed some light into this?

Leather wheel, plastic airbag cover?

Yup, light reflecting differently on a different material, is all.

Congrats! A beautiful car in a great color combo. I'd have pounced on that one too. I would think you're covered since it's CPO'd from a dealer. However, I'm surprised that a dealer can/would CPO that had bodywork done (other than maybe a bumper respray). I was under the impression that accidents/bodywork would prevent a CPO. I've looked at a couple of super-clean low mileage cars in the Atlanta area that were traded in at the local Porsche dealers, but that had some minor accident or cosmetic damage repairs. The dealers ended up sending these cars to auction or sold them at wholesale to other local used car dealerships.

that's hella find.... cheap...damn cheap with those miles...... congrats and hope for the best.....

Awesome car, love SG I wouldn't lose any sleep over the "too good a deal" comment. The 996 market is very soft. My only question is how was it CPO? I thought cars that had been in any accident were not eligible for CPO?

Thanks for all of the kind comments fellas. I spoke to them today again....I do believe this is a non issue car. I was told it was a MINOR incident....but they wanted to fully disclose it. Guess you can certify any car you want under the criteria utilized by Porsche NA. I'm not sure a minor incident will preclude a car from qualifying for CPO....at this point I would think not. They also mentioned something about numbers and CPO cars getting the same credit as a new car. Panamera stuff? I'm hoping that the car gets picked up Monday in time for a weekend run that's being organized in my area here on the board. My first water pumper....geez, gonna be strange. I can't wait to have fun pushing buttons, playing....and having A/C that actually works. I love my '85 Targa....but it is crude and raw....not for daily use on hot days. A pleasure on the track tho. I've been told that once you can drive an older 911 on the track...you can drive ANY 911 on the track. Guess I'll find out soon. Also.....I know this must have been discussed before...but do you think SNOW tires are essential if my car sees snow? I do plan on driving it if it's not too too deep. With such wide traction....not sure if I need to get more tires....or winter wheel setup. Thanks, Jon

Yes they are. Compound is different on Winter tires and they don't harden up like hard plastic below 5c.

Don't even think about trying to drive the car in the winter with summer tires. Even with AWD, summer tires are just plain dangerous in the snow. I knew a guy who had a C4 and thought he could get by without. He had to leave his car at work during the first snow storm. He could not even get it out of the lot. As for buying without a PPI, don't even worry. A CPO from a reputable dealer who knows the car should be zero risk. Anything major will be corrected with the warranty. Just put some miles on the car and enjoy.

That is a RIDICULOUS deal on that car. Good lord!!

JB, Yeah, this is a fantastic deal, alright. Last week I paid $50,900 for my 2002 C4S with 20,000 miles and no CPO. I have slightly fewer options (original list was 86,500). You did very well - enjoy, like I will.

Congrats buddy! I think you bought my car's twin; last year I bought an "02 C4S, seal grey with 31k miles for $49.5. I got the light grey interior, but otherwise very similar. I think you got a good deal, enjoy it!

dude u stole it.... i'd be suspicous like the others though. just doesn't compute.

Hi, Here is another really nice deal on a C4S at a Porsche dealership....granted it's not certified...but a nice clean car....nice deal once you negotiate the deal. There are a bunch out there....just have to look. http://park-place.porschedealer.com/...ntoryid=313605

You got a great deal, enjoy the car. I paid $63,900 for my 2004 this weekend from a private owner, 18,000 miles and CPO warranty through 2010. I know it's on the high side, the car didn't have so much as a rock chip on it and still looks like new. I overpaid a bit but it's the car I wanted.

Echo the sick deal. Glad you jumped on it. Your margin for any small fixes is huge.

PM sent about your car.