Bryce

Rennlisters, hail! I hope you might help me keep my eyes peeled for the right 996TT. I frequent autotrader and cars.com, but haven't found the right one yet. You all have a great eye, and sometimes even know the provenance of the cars.

I've been reading and looking for the right 996TT deal to come my way for about 2 years. In December 2006 I was about 15 seconds away from signing on the line for a beautiful 2002. The color was some light metallic silver-green with an unbelievable cream/wood interior. At 62.9k I might have made a mistake letting her go. But even then I knew that the market for luxury items was going to tank, and I resisted. Now the whole world is on sale and nobody has any money. I feel the time is drawing close for a real deal.

Something in the 30s would make me sing, but that seems to be wholesale at the moment. I'm not opposed to paying a broker fee to buy wholesale from Mannheim (e.g.) if you think that's a reasonable way to go. Given the gentleman's thread a few down regarding his 2002 42k purchase, we might see some 30s pricing soon. There is no question in my mind that we have at least another 2-3 years before bottoming out on most major purchases. Porsche was just feeding the demand, but demand was falsely based on home equity that has now evaporated. There should be some *super keen* values as we reestablish the value of a buck.

My preferences? Coupe and classy (that cream interior with custom wood sent shivers down my spine). Prefer stock, but wouldn't mind nice wheels. Mileage I'm open to; I believe the cars will go a long, long way and don't mind paying the maintenance. I prefer a manual transmission, but if the rest of the car is to my liking a tip is not a deal-breaker.

So, use this thread to share your finds! I'll post links, too, and you can tell me why I'm insane or that I found a good one. And we'll celebrate when I finally buy my dream car.

Thank you for your time and wisdom!

MechanicalEng

The market right now is very weak so great deals can be had, just as a reference I just got an 02 with 23k miles for $49.9k, the car was certified by porsche and had a factory 2yr warranty. You could definitely get a car in the 40's maybe with a bit more miles and no warranty, it all depends on what you feel confortable buying, I have even seen 01s selling in the high 30's. If you dont mind the getting a tip you could even get a better deal, Automatic Porsches have always been cheaper in the used market.. I know of 3 TTs selling in the low 50's with low miles, 2 are tip and 1 is 6sp, they all are Porsche certified and have a 2yr warranty (CPO).
Good luck with your search

DublinOh

Cars in the 30s are usually high mileage, tainted in some area...beware when you are looking at the bottom. Great deals are available on these cars...check out five x50 cars on ebay now...one 03 white with gray interior, pccb brakes, 39k miles asking $55K. No affiliation.

TT Surgeon

get the best low mile x50 you can find.

raineycd

If you can get a wholesale deal, probably can get a good 2001 - 2002 for under $40k. I got my 2002 TT with 37k miles for $42k retail. I am sure the dealer made some money, so wholesale was probably mid-high $30s.

SnP

I dunno if now is the right time to buy. Just think how much newer and less expensive used 996TTs will be 2 years from now!

Bryce

I'm not sure where the bottom will be, but I also want to enjoy the car. Porsche is cutting production from now on, so the glut won't continue forever. If I could find an excellent deal like Rainey, that would be acceptable--especially if in the next 6-9 months things drops a bit more.

Right now we see the increased used inventory from people who have taken losses in the stock market or people who can't sell their home due to being upside down. But another argument for waiting is that the real driver of used inventory will be the option-adjustable, faux-wealth people who bought their P-cars on HELOC money or refi-money and have to give them back as they can no longer "afford" the monthly payment after reset/recast. All we've seen is the effect of subprime from 2006-2008. Anyone in the know knows that the relatively better off middle class (who would consider a 100k new car) have better credit and got loans with 3-5 year fuses. Those problems are coming 2009-2011.

We may see some more distress, but at some point the inventory will be absorbed. Porsche is doing everyone a service by cutting production. They see the handwriting on the wall.

Hence, if I can find a good specimen in the 30s at some point, I'll buy. Anyone have any experience buying wholesale?

ZX9RCAM

I've been looking for over a year for the right color / equipment combo....

SeanE55-AMG

SnP should be able to find you one. He has found a couple for me, and I'm not even looking for one

SnP

Pretty good microcosm here of the problem we have in the market.

Buyers aren't pulling the trigger even though there are fire sale prices out there, and sellers are holding onto cars because they don't want to give them away.

All you can do is drive 'em if you got 'em.

BMo

Yep!

ZX9RCAM

I have been looking, but not finding the right color combos....

techsis

What do you all think is a good price for the car listed above? The car is close to my location and has an appealing color combo. This would be my DD.

youzzi714

I bought my CPO 03 X50 3 months ago for 53K OTD with only 32k miles on it.

techsis

Wow... $53k three months ago! That was a great deal in my book.

If I can find a certified 30k mile 2003 X50 white manual for under $50k, I would walk in and close the deal today.

Enjoy your X50