is it worth using a "buying consultant" ?

[seg1959]

Good afternoon all,
Having gone through my mid-life crisis, I have now decided that life is too short and I need to make sure that I fulfil my childhood dreams before it’s too late – so I am going to get myself a 911 . Never had one of my own before, so total virgin when it comes to Stuttgart’s air-cooled marvels. I have been lurking in this forum for a few weeks now and have learnt a lot, but not enough to feel confident of buying such a beastie without help .

So, here is the dilemma: I have found a couple of “consultants” who for a fee will find you a “good” sample of the model you want. They appear to have a good reputation, one is (as I understand it) editor of a 911 magazine and the other has written popular “buyers’ guides” for most Porsche models. The both claim that, compared to dealer’s prices, they will probably save you more than their fee.

Is it worth going through these guys? Or would I be better off buying from one of the specialists in the south (Parragon, Parr Garage, 911virgin, Eporsch etc.)?
Your experience is greatly appreciated.

BTW, I am thinking of going for a late 964 coupe/targa (do not like the cabrio).

Best,
Seg1959

[ukwill]

The Porsche Club UK 964 Register Secretary is currently selling his 964 Targa. Without question it would potentially be the ideal car for you, considering the condition the car has been kept in (it has won class concours awards too many time to mention). Seriously, it's a straight up car. I hardly know the bloke either, so I'm not trying to sell it - just trying to help you out. If you're interested let me know, alternatively get onto the pcgb forum and look in the 964 forum - think he's nailed it at the top of the forum. Think its up for £16995.

If you dont buy the right 964 you WILL be in for a few nasty bills. Dizzy belts snapping causing head rebuilds, dual mass flywheels failing etc.etc. A sorted 964 however, will be a car you will always cherish. I still remember mine with great affection.

Edited by ukwill on Sunday 4th February 15:00

[Pickled Piper]

Depends, looking, reading up and learning about the foibles of your chosen model is half the fun. Certainly, I would get a PPI before taking the plunge.

pp

[Lurking Lawyer]

I suppose if you're time-poor but cash-rich (or even -ish! ), it may work to your advantage to have someone else do the legwork for you and sort out the dross from those that are worth you looking at. It could be a lot of time and miles for you to go and view every prospect, and even then you might struggle to tell a lemon from a good solid car.

But I think you're probably better doing the homework yourself, shortlisting a few, seeing them yourself and then if you still think one or more is the one for you, get it PPI-ed by someone in the know before you make a decision.

PPIs are likely to set you back quite a lot less than the "consultant's fee".

[seg1959]

Thank you for your replies so far;
For me, buying privately is probably not a realistic option due to a) lack of detailed knowledge & experience and b) lack of time to go up and down the country looking for the right car.
So my choices seems to be buying from an established specialist who offer some kind of warranty, or buying using a consultant.
One of the consultants charges about £700 and claims that he will probably save you more than that, compared with a specialist’s price, by negotiating a good deal for you.
Has anyone used these guys?
Is a specialist the best option?
Or am I being over-cautious here?

Best,
Seg1959

PS - I guess PPI = pre-purchase inspection?

Edited by seg1959 on Sunday 4th February 16:58

[ism123]

I think you're right being cautious as without the tech knowledge you could fall for the 1st good one you see.

I'd been looking around the classifieds, reading web-sites, specialist press and bought the guides you mentioned before I bought mine (in the end from an independent dealer).

I also found it very surprising that dealers offer just 3 or 6 months warranty. If you go through a buyer then I'd check what they offer as well.

[softinthehead]

seg1959 said:

Thank you for your replies so far;
For me, buying privately is probably not a realistic option

One of the consultants charges about £700 and claims that he will probably save you more than that, compared with a specialist’s price, by negotiating a good deal for you.

a difficult one. he may well save you more than his fee, but will you get the specialist's warranty (if the offer one!)? or at the very least, will you get any come-back as you would with a dealer (via the Sale of Goods act)?

[seg1959]

softinthehead said:

a difficult one. he may well save you more than his fee, but will you get the specialist's warranty (if the offer one!)? or at the very least, will you get any come-back as you would with a dealer (via the Sale of Goods act)?

Interesting point, and a very important one; one of the consultants states that
"...I’ll take some photographs and write a report on the car, which I’ll send to you. I’ll also run an HPI check on the car. If you like what you see, then I’ll agree a price with the vendor on your behalf, and you then pay him directly and collect your new Porsch"
The implication being that the contract is between myself and the vendor, be that a private individual or a specialist.
Anyway, all your views are very helpfull; I'll wait to see if anyone has actually used them and can give me feedback.

Best,
seg1959

[ragtop]

"...I’ll take some photographs and write a report on the car, which I’ll send to you. I’ll also run an HPI check on the car. If you like what you see, then I’ll agree a price with the vendor on your behalf, and you then pay him directly and collect your new Porsch"


If they can't even spell Porsche I'd steer clear

[seg1959]

ragtop said:

If they can't even spell Porsche I'd steer clear

LOL
It's fat fingers syndrome I'm afraid - my copy and paste technique frequently misses the endings of sentences...

Best,
seg1959

[POORCARDEALER]

I think if you are getting expert knowledge and they will view and negatiate for you, you are onto a winner for £700

[henry-f]

Buy off a good specialist and you get specialist knowledge for free ! Only you know what you want and like.

I find it very hard to buy cars on behalf of a customer, I find you are trying to buy a car that often isn`t really for sale, how many times have I heard, "I`m not really that fussed if I sell it, so unless I get £****** for it I`ll keep it."

Henry

[kayc]

henry-f said:

Buy off a good specialist and you get specialist knowledge for free ! Only you know what you want and like.

I find it very hard to buy cars on behalf of a customer, I find you are trying to buy a car that often isn`t really for sale, how many times have I heard, "I`m not really that fussed if I sell it, so unless I get £****** for it I`ll keep it."

Henry

FREE!Henry its too early in the morning for gags like that.

[Patrick1964]

LOL at KayC - but in Henry's defence I think you'd have to get up pretty early in the morning to sell 911 Virgin a pup, and if you buy a car from him at retail, although you will probably pay more than you would pay if you bought a similar car privately at least it'll be sorted when you get it.

[bennno]

Scanario - the specialist takes £700 to reccomend you a car, you then buy it.

A month later the engine / gearbox / ecu blows up.

Whats his liability? Nowt, its your problem.

This isnt an alternative to a dealer bought car with comeback.

Might be better to take a look at the cars you like, decide on the one which is in the best condition and then get it inspected by AA / Porsche / Independent Specialist.

Bennno

[kibosh]

The 964 previously mentioned (owned by a former 964 Register chappie) is widely recognised as a peach. Again. I have no connection to the seller but have a couple of mates who say it is in glorious condition. It was advertised on here but again the 964 section of the Porsche classifieds seems to have vanished!!???

Try the PCGB forum.

[Patrick1964]

The 964 section is still there, for some reason the "button" is missing but if you click in the gap where it should be you can still see the adverts

[kibosh]

Thanks Patrick.

Here's the link to the car.....

www.pistonheads.com/sales/119095.htm

[POORCARDEALER]

Henry[/quote]FREE!Henry its too early in the morning for gags like that.



[/quote]

[Patrick1964]

I still think he should buy mine though...