[DCTepper]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/180641115.html



I have found this car that I really like (the color is what does it for me). My dilemma is that I live across the country in Michigan (car is for sale near San Jose, CA). I have quoted some transport fees in the $750 range, but realistically most have come back in the $900-$1,100 range. A plane ticket and gas back would cost roughly $700 (+ food and lodging), so it would almost be the same price (minus my time). I know buying a 968 without seeing it or test driving it first is very risky. The seller says he has many others that are very interested in the car. I'd hate to let a great car like this slip through my fingers, but at the same time I'd hate to rush anything and put a deposit on a car I don't know much about. I have talked with the seller via e-mail and he has answered all of my questions favorably. I'm torn on what to do?

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[TheMirror]

I can give it a look on Saturday maybe. Any other Bay Area folks able to do the same? I'm a little far away in Sacramento.



Cheers,



-Mirror





[quote name='RoadRacer' date='Jul 14 2006, 05:31 AM']http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/180641115.html



I have found this car that I really like (the color is what does it for me). My dilemma is that I live across the country in Michigan (car is for sale near San Jose, CA). I have quoted some transport fees in the $750 range, but realistically most have come back in the $900-$1,100 range. A plane ticket and gas back would cost roughly $700 (+ food and lodging), so it would almost be the same price (minus my time). I know buying a 968 without seeing it or test driving it first is very risky. The seller says he has many others that are very interested in the car. I'd hate to let a great car like this slip through my fingers, but at the same time I'd hate to rush anything and put a deposit on a car I don't know much about. I have talked with the seller via e-mail and he has answered all of my questions favorably. I'm torn on what to do?

[right][post="24047"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

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[DCTepper]

That would be very helpful if someone could look at it for me, especially a 968 owner. I appreciate your offer to do so.

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[RPM]

Nice car. The seller certainly seems to have done all of the maintenance that a 128k car would need to go for many more miles. Having said that, the price is at the top end for the mileage.



As for pick up - road trip is always the preferred method ... so let's see ...



$300 for gas (~2400 mi/~92 gal/~$3.10 gal/~26 mpg)

$170 for plane (Southwest Detroit to San Jose)

$100 cheap hotels

$50 snacks



Looks like ~$700 is about right!

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[Chris Vais]

Unfortunately, I am booked solid this weekend or I'd go give it a look. Both of the places you mentioned the car had been serviced at, Carlson and Fremont Porsche have a good rep for doing decent work. I'd see, with the owners permission, if the service people will give you their appraisal of the cars condition.



I bought mine form the original owner, 20"s something female who couldn't answer a single question about the car except to tell me she had had it serviced. I called and asked to speak with the mechanic who had done the most work on the car. The first words out of his mouth were "your going to buy THAT womens car, Thank God" he then proceeded to tell me that the clutch was in need of replacement, but that the car was otherwise well maintained. He went through an extensive rundown on the cars service history. Turns out the previous owner was never satisfied with the level of service she received and was terrified of the car and angry with the dealer for talking her into it in the first place. I got a 2 year old car with 20,000 miles on it for $28K.

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[josephsc]

[quote name='TheMirror' date='Jul 14 2006, 07:01 AM']I can give it a look on Saturday maybe. Any other Bay Area folks able to do the same? I'm a little far away in Sacramento.[/quote]I'm in Berkeley and wouldn't mind taking drive down, but only if it's on Sunday -- there's a little wrenching get-together in San Francisco on Saturday (probably working on two 968s -- maybe a third).



[quote name='Chris Vais' date='Jul 14 2006, 10:25 AM']I bought mine form the original owner, 20"s something female <snip>[/quote] For awhile I was thinking, "so she bought the car when she was 8-years old.....," then I figured it out.

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[Mark]

Good luck it is the right color combo. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[TheMirror]

Ah sorry, I'm not going to make it down there today. Perhaps one of the Bay Area contingent?

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[josephsc]

I've been wrenching all weekend long -- did anyone ever make it down to San Jose to check out the car?

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[DCTepper]

After thinking things over, I feel it would be in my better interest to buy a car that is closer to me and save on all the travel expenses checking the car out and getting back home. I think I am going to wait, at least until I sell my current toy before pursuing further. This is the first Midnight Blue 968 I've found for sale (in my price range) and just got a little too excited.



I appretiate all of the offers to go and check the car out, and if someone is close by and would like to take a look at it, I would still greatly appreciate it, it is still a contender amongst my potentials, but unless it's "the perfect car," I just can justify going across the country to get it.

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[flash]

good attitude - take your time - get the one you really want

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[ether_joe]

Sorry, I've been off the forums fixing my car. But I'll take a look at it if you're still interested.



I'm from Michigan also gotta help a brotha out. Hell, I'll drive it to you and I can visit my family too. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Sean

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[DCTepper]

I appreciate the offer Sean, the gentleman selling the car is out on business and then vacation until mid-August. He wasn't very motivated to sell, so I'm sure it will still be there waiting for me if I change my mind.

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[DCTepper]

Apparently he appears to be more motivated to sell than I had though, the car is now for sale on eBay.

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[josephsc]

eBay is just another form of advertisement (like craigslist or autotrader) -- it doesn't necessarily mean any more motivated to sell (which I interpret as willingness to negotiate on price as well actively seek buyers). The 'Buy It Now' price is only $200 less than his current asking price on craigslist, and I'm sure reserve is close. I'm sure the car won't sell right away.

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