What condition to expect of a used car?

[AndrewT]

I've been looking a while for a used Cayman (see my wanted post elsewhere in this forum). I know I'm being very particular about the spec i want. I've viewed a couple of suitably spec'd 987.2 cars at prices near to £30k (at non-specialist and specialist dealers), both have had some paintwork repairs which is evident by poor masking around window rubbers. My inclination is to avoid those cars and wait for one with original paintwork albeit with a few chips and light scratches - am I being unreasonable in expecting to find the right spec, condition, and price?

 

[Gazoak]

I don't think you are. If I were spending £30k on any car, I wouldn't want to see evidence of poor masking or overspray. If you wait and take your time as it sounds you have been doing, I'm sure you will find the right car.

 

[Motorhead]

Andrew,

I'd have to agree with Gary on this. Paint overspray indicates a poorly-executed repair - just a cheap, quick cosmetic blow-over to improve the appearance.

Be patient; you've waited a long time to get the right vehicle. Of course, it just depends how long you're prepared to wait while you hold out for your ideal spec. Perhaps it's time to compromise??

Jeff

 

[MrDemon]

not easy to find as people are holding onto them they were a sweet spot for the driver vs newness and for a lot of people the 981 and 718 are not viable choices at any price.

But yes the paint should be good, but as these cars are used there will be road rash and chips.

 

[AndrewT]

Thanks for the encouragement chaps, youve confirmed what my sensible side was telling me, I’ll just have to be patient! I’d much rather buy a car with original paintwork and then get it corrected myself if necessary.

I guess I was a bit too hasty in selling my 2.9 Cayman privately last August.

 

[Hardy]

+1 on the paintwork quality observations. I wouldn't expect this of cars sold through decent Independents.

 

[Steve Brookes]

Non OPC dealers often pick up the end of lease cars that Porsche decide are not good enough to sell themselves hence the examples you have seen. You probably need to find a private one at the budget being sold by someone like yourself. Keep looking and good luck. []

 

[Ray]

Purchased my Cayman S through Porsche Centre Solihull. It cost a little more but the service was very good. The car was delivered to my local dealer in West Yorkshire the sales exec who did the deal with me delivered the vehicle. He then gave me an hour going over the workings of the vehicle before I drove off with a huge smile on my face. Buying through them I received a Porsche warranty.

The other side of the coin was looking at a similarly aged vehicle where the sales personnel were not as familiar with these vehicles and there was no warranty etc. You pays your money and you makes the choice.

My advice is wait, remember cars are like buses, there will be another along in a short period of time.

Ray

 

[Derek H]

Given how few 987.2 cars were made and how difficult it is to find one that ticks all the boxes if you are looking for a high spec car, I would not automatically discount iffy paintwork if that were the only issue.

 

[Ray]

http://www.revolution-porsche.co.uk/buyers-guides/buying-a-porsche-boxster-987

https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/buying-guide/buying-guide-porsche-boxster-986-987-and-981-models/

 

[Briggy]

Personally, I wouldn't worry about non-original paintwork as long as it's been done properly. I bought my Cayman from RPM Technic who had the front bumper removed and resprayed as part of their pre-sale preparation. It was either that or have a bumper covered in gravel rash. The reality is that stone chips can't be avoided, but can be repaired.

I completely agree that if it's been done badly, then you're probably right to walk away.

I remember seeing your wanted ad a while ago. I'm surprised that you still haven't found one, especially with your budget.

Cheers,

Bryan

 

[AndrewT]

Hello Bryan,

The problem with the cars I've mentioned is that they both had evidence of a ridge of paint where masking has been poorly done around a window, and I'm concerned that fresh paint may turn a slightly different shade as it matures.

You're right to be surprised that I haven't found a suitable car yet, I'm surprised too although I stopped actively searching during November and December. I'm being rather particular about the spec I want so it's not going to be quick finding the right car, I've also pretty much ruled out buying an "R" or a 981 now. I really want to buy privately to keep the cost down and also to be able to talk to the owner who hopefully will have owned the car for a few years and will be selling it in an 'un-corrected' state, unfortunately the better cars that have been privately advertised have been snapped up by dealers such as Cridfords who can offer to deal with outstanding finance and personal registrations etc. plus the owner would not have the hassle of me getting the car inspected prior to purchase. When I've seen a car for sale privately I then find it hard to convince myself to buy it from a dealer at a £3k-£5k markup.

I'm sure that if I'm patient the right car will turn up.

 

[martynh]

Andew stay strong!

When shopping for both of my 986's I had to look at many cars before finding a nice original (honest!) car. The cherished cars are out there, but sadly many of these cars don't get looked after as well as you would hope and it normally shows.

I would not discount a dealer car either, you may pay slightly more but if you are planning on keeping the car for a good length of time then surely getting the right car would be more important (plus the warranty etc would have a value)

 

[Windy_Miller]

Hang on in there buddy.

I was in the exact same spot as you this time last year. I was desperate to find the ‘right‘ 987.2 (3.4, manual, full leather, body coloured interior trim, PSE, non-PASM, </=40k miles, FSH (OPC or respected indy) incl. receipts c. £30k budget) and saw and drove a number of ‘iffy’ offerings, or just not right and travelled from Sussex to nothants to Cambs to Leics in my search.

Eventually the right one at the right price popped up at Cridfords and I dove on it. It had a few chips on the nose and ‘rash’ around the rear quarter grills. But I thought it showed a 7 yr old car in a genuine light and not ‘cosmetically’ refeshed.

its my daily driver and I intend to track it occasionally for the next 2-3 years, so it’s picking up more chips anyway.

When it becomes my (potential future classic) weekend summer only ‘toy’ I’ll get it professionally resprayed and clear-shielded then for longevity.

My advice would be, when you find ‘the one’ put a ‘token’ deposit down there and then to secure it. Then get it inspected if from a private seller.

Best of luck in your search

 

[AndrewT]

Thanks for your encouragement Martyn and Jason, I will keep looking! I’d much rather buy one with a few chips and minor scratches which I can get corrected by someone I trust rather than buy one which has had a cheap sub-standard touch up.