Gatsby2010

I purchased my 2005 987 on eBay Motors from a private seller in California, I live in New York (this was during this past summer). I paid Carchex (~$200) to go take a look at it and test drive it for me as I wasn't going to fly all the way out there to do it myself. While the Carchex visit ensured that the car was in fact real and present where it was supposed to be it, had an engine, and ran was definitely not as thorough as Prosche's own Pre-Purchase-Inspection (PPI). After receiving the car I took it in for a PPI at my local Porsche dealer. They found the following small but somewhat costly problems: * Sport Chrono "clip" broken - $550 * One of the three Homelink buttons broken - $100 * Cigarette lighter broken - $50 * Ash tray lid broken - $200 (I found this one) * Air vent lever broken - $300 (I found this one too) * Cup holder door broken - $300 (I knew about this one before I bought it but thought it would be "cheap" to fix) * ....and one or two other small things that I can't recall right now. As you can see they are minor things but it adds up quickly since Porsche just replaces entire items like the Sport Chrono unit if there is even a small problem with it like a "broken clip." Thankfully there was nothing *major* wrong. I did, however, just have the clutch replaced and a leaking RMS replaced (under warranty) for a total of about $1900 (that was with a 40k maintenance as well). I also need new tires which will be about another $1,000. I guess the moral of the story is try to get a Prosche mechanic/dealer to look over the car before you buy it, not a generalist, and also to be prepared for the costs associated with owning a Porsche. The other piece of advice I can give you is around shipping the car (if you're going to do that). Shipping is another whole area that you need to research and it's sort of a sketchy business IMHO. I spend a lot of time researching shippers and shipping costs (www.transportreviews.com is a good site for this). I finally settled on Direct Auto Movers (a broker and a carrier - yes there's a difference) based on price, reviews, and just a good feeling for the guy I was dealing with (Brian if you opt to go this route). Shipping across country from Northern California to Upstate New York was $1,100. If you do have the car shipped in an open air transport make sure to request that it is *top loaded.* Top-loading ensures fluids from other cars on the transport won't drip onto your soft top. Top-loading will cost a little more, but, it's worth it. Also, don't forget to vet the seller themselves. In addition to the standard eBay vetting (good rating, good feedback, etc. - does Autotrader have something similar?) you can do simple things like Google him/her. I Googled my seller, his business, found his home on Google Maps, etc. to make sure everything "added up" that he'd been telling me. Overall I've very pleased with my sight-unseen, cross-country, Porsche purchase. With a little due diligence a long distance purchase can work. Here's a similar post requesting general advice for buying a Boxster. Hope this helps, Jason Wow Jason, thanks so much. You have given me a lot to think about. Currently, I have Marks Autowerks (Independent Mechanic) doing the PPI. He was recommenced to me by other owners online. I thought about doubling that up with a PPI done by the Dealership in Destin, but that maybe excessive. Not to mention the reviews for that dealership are terrible. What do you think? I just got off the Brian from Direct Automovers. GREAT TIP. He is ready to roll for Friday if I can get this PPI done.

Im guessing you had a PPI done as part of your research as well? Funny thing about your story, I was all set to by a 02 986 S then came up on this sweet deal with the 05. Really glad I waited, just hope I have a happy ending like you.

First, welcome to the site. I'm fairly new myself. Pretty exciting impending purchase. I purchased my 987 out of state; however it was through a porsche dealer. Are you planning on making the trip to finalize. If possible it may be a good idea. Your expectation may vary from someone else. For me it worked out great. The porsche far exceeded my expectation. Good luck on your purchase . keep us updated. Kimo Kimo, Yep im going to head down to finalize. I decided tonite. No way around it. If I may ask, how far away were you from your 987 when you purchased it? Did you drive there with a rental and then drive back? Fly, then drive?

where in florida? Destin, Florida Here is a pretty comprehensive intro to Boxsters: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mi...boxsterwebpages While mostly focused on 986, there is some great general knowledge items that should help Thanks. Been all over that site. Its been a great help. I wish i could find a good guide somewhere to buying a car out of state from a private seller. Anyone know of one? Not aware of any publication, however the DMV sites for the respective states should at least help with processing requirements. best of luck Thanks for the tip on the DMV websites. That should help push me in the right direction.

where in florida? Destin, Florida Here is a pretty comprehensive intro to Boxsters: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mi...boxsterwebpages While mostly focused on 986, there is some great general knowledge items that should help Thanks. Been all over that site. Its been a great help. I wish i could find a good guide somewhere to buying a car out of state from a private seller. Anyone know of one?

where in florida? Destin, Florida

Hi Everyone, I'm new here, and could really use some advice. I found a 2005 Boxster online on Autotrader that I am in the process of buying from a private seller. I am in TX, the seller in Florida. I am a first time car buyer (used public transport) so I am realizing that I dont know anything about buying a car out of state from a private dealer, much less a Boxster. I have yet to see the car in person. Only pictures. So far I have: 1. Pulled the carfax (looks good, but I hear they are worthless) 2. Called the bank of the first owner to see if the title was sold to the seller free and clear. Checks out fine. 3. Contacted Mark's Autowerks in Florida regarding a PPI. Should be done this week. But somehow I feel like I am missing a whole chunk of important steps somewhere in-between. Or am I? I just need reassurance that I am not buying a lemon or setting myself up to be screwed because I was being rash. Any words of wisdom from you lot would sure be appreciated on the formal order of operations for buying a Boxster from a private seller out of state. Thanks in advance.