Long distance purchase

Hi all, I'm looking at a 996 C4S down in Texas and I'm in Canada. It appears to be a sound, low mileage example (16k) but no service records available. Carfax says mileage is OK. My issue is no porsche mechanics will perform a PPI. Is it worth getting a non-porsche mechanic to do a PPI? There are some specialist PPI services around. The dealer has mixed reviews, so I am a bit wary, although there is some sort of condition guarantee (buy back) if I pay for shipping. I am also nervous since this would be my first Porsche. I have called every Porsche shop within 30 miles of the car with no luck. If you can recommend a Houston PPI mechanic I would be grateful. Thanks, Ben

Did you call Westside Porsche in Houston? Is the issue getting the car to them. or doing the PPI?

I don't think I spoke to Westside Porsche. I did speak to Momentum who appeared to be closest. Since I posted though I got onto Koby Motors who will look at the car for me, if the seller will drive there. If they won't then they're obviously not too keen to sell to me anyway. Regards, Ben

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Don't make your first Porsche purchase a bad one. These are awesome cars, no matter their niggling little shortcomings but do not buy a Porsche, from a non-Porsche dealer, sight unseen, unless you have an impartial party check it over for you. If the dealer has an issue with taking it to an independent shop that is reasonably close, you have your answer about their professionalism and commitment to fair trade. Another car will come along every-time you do the right thing by protecting your interest. Good dealers are always willing to satisfy their potential customer, before the sale. That is the least they can do. Right? Good luck and welcome aboard.

Welcome man I am assuming is a deal you cannot pass (or at least seems) but I will wait for someone locally that can check her out for you. I will say have a Porsche mechanic check as they will know what to look for. Good luck and hope all goes well with the experience

I am also sure some Houston area Rennlister will go give the car a good look for you and do a phone in hand walk around. Any volunteers?

Thanks for the replies, looks like the car has sold - probably for the best. I am quite sold on a 996 C4S though and will look again in the new year. Out of interest the dealer was Texas Direct Autos. Mixed reviews and from my email exchanges a few flags went up (wanted to complete deal outside ebay, photos taken before cosmetic repairs done - but look immaculate in photos, very pushy to get a deposit). Has anyone here had any experience with them? Next time I would prefer a forum sale - sounds like a better experience. Cheers, Ben

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Completing deal outside ebay and deposit is no big deal, he is probably giving you a discount and wanted to save on ebay fees, as for deposit, he wanted to know you are serious. Try to find one with records though! there is one waiting for you, that will perfectly fit you....its out there, search and eventually you will find

bummer, Ben. curious if you also looked in the Southern California area? best of luck.

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Long time eBay seller and buyer here. Completing a deal outside eBay removes any incentive for the seller to complete the deal "AS PER their stated terms" and removes the built in protections the buyer may have. If they are willing to violate the terms they agreed upon with eBay, then you MUST assume they will not keep their agreement, in some capacity, they made or implied with you. Where there is smoke...

Ben, don't give up. I live in Calgary and bought my 99 Cab in Florida. I had it checked out by a close friend (serious car guy - has owned several Porsches and other exotics) who happened to be in Florida at the time. I've now owned the car for 4 very trouble free years and have no regrets. The deal was done over the phone and they were very accommodating and helpful. I flew down, picked the car up and then drove it back to Calgary with my buddy. Cheers, Scott

There are a few good example C4S's in Canada right now! Where are you located in Canada?

Look on the Canadian forums, I am sure if you post up what you want you may get some people interested in selling. For the right price I may even be game.

If you are interesrted in looking at U.S. cars there is a Canadian site Sports Car Locate I believe it is called, they post up a lot of nice cars and provide buyer assistance as well, no affiliation, just a cool site with lots of eye candy.

Thanks for all the helpful tips. I will keep an eye out for the ideal car, catching the bus to work isn't that bad (certainly beats catching the bus to work with a lemon porsche in the workshop!) Cheers, Ben

Hey Ben, bummer on the deal, but probably this car was not meant to be. There are more fish in the sea for you... Just be patient and you will find the ONE. About Texas Direct - I have seen their listings and them seem pretty competitive. I called them once for a car but did not like the way I was approached so I just passed. I think they don't negotiate on their prices too much.