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Well returning my CS from Carmax and found something very similar..link attached

3K views 28 replies 13 participants last post by  Casey@PorscheofSilverSpring 
#1 ·
So after the whole buying my first CS and not knowing its lowered, I have tracked down the following CS:

Skyline Motorcars Specials

What do you guys think? This will be my first used car and I just want to make sure i cover everything.

What things should I look at and where can i go to get it checked out without spending a fortune.

Also, I have attached the Carfax report.

They are at $49,999, how much should I nogotiate on considering it is in good condition?
 
#9 ·
This is why Casey deserves a shot at your business.
 
#3 · (Edited)
You can ask that the car be inspected by a Porsche dealer and ask that dealer to provide you a report on the RPM history of the engine to make sure that it has not be abused. It is likely that if it is a "launch" car it was driven by a large number of folks who may not have observed careful break-in procedures. A dealer can also inspect the car for other issues as well and the cost would be money well spent.

The remaining tire life and cost of replacement should be considered as well.
 
#6 ·
Sorry, but what is a "launch" car? Do you believe the dealership would cover the costs of the car being evaluated by a local Porsche dealer? Also, if I were to do it myself, how much would I expect to pay?
Each dealership was alloted one car at the time the Cayman was "launched" so the buying public could be teased into ordering. They were the only demos for some dealers for some time so after the launch were used for that purpose (and sometimes abused). I would not buy a used Porsche without an independent inspection and no I think you will have to pay for that out of your own pocket.
 
#8 ·
OP my apalogies for the comments on the other thread. If the car is certified through Porsche, you should be in good shape. I would make a phone call to a Porsche dealer to confirm this. Also, as mentioned, even if it is certified I have heard of one gentleman who bought a certified car and then got a warranty issue declined due to an overrev prior to him buying the car.

Looks like a nice car though, sport seats are great, I personally like the Carrera Classic rims (especially when they are shod with PS2's)

Good luck. :cheers:

edit $250 would be money well spent IMO. The car is also still under the manufacturers original warranty but I'd spend the money.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Ummm who said that was a launch car?

No PCM, No PASM, No SC. I'm pretty sure the launch cars all had those options and hence were priced into the 70's new at least the Arctic Silver ones were, the others were all Basalt Black, is this car Basalt? The VIN# is in the range of possible launch cars certainly, but also during the range where customer cars were built too, the car just before this car by Vin# is a red one that belongs to one of our members. If the car is Basalt, then yeah probably a launch car... or one spec'd the same.

I have a 2006 S with Sport Seats and I don't have a launch car, the presence of sport seats does not in and of itself denote a launch car.
 
#13 ·
Ummm who said that was a launch car?

No PCM, No PASM, No SC. I'm pretty sure the launch cars all had those options and hence were priced into the 70's new.

I have a 2006 S with Sport Seats and I don't have a launch car, the presence of sport seats does not in and of itself denote a launch car. The VIN# would tell us for sure.
I wondered as well when I didn't see the chrono but not sure on the Cayman. I know the 911's had PCCB's NAV, and adaptive sport seats along with full leather though that may have gotten the little croc in the 80's :banana:
 
#15 ·
FWIW, my CS's VIN has "PAG code - launch code" on it, and doesn't have PASM, SC, or PCM. It has about the same miles as the one at Skyline, and I paid somewhat less than their asking price. In any case, because of overrevs and such there's no substitute for a PPI immediately before you commit. Also check when the warranty ticket was punched - mine wasn't until late Nov 06 so had over 3 years left on the clock at purchase.

Note to OP: Carfax says that that CS has a sunroof! Buy now, it'll be the only one! ;)
 
#19 ·
so..

If i provide my VIN number, can I find out if it is indeed used as a Launch car?

Also, Carmax has agreed to replace the H & R springs with original porsche cayman springs directly from Porsche. They will also run a full diagnostic test on the car and make sure the ride height didnt damage the car at all and to make sure it was not abused. Should i take them up on this offer or look else where?

The car is trully in great condition and they have agreed to make all changes and give me an add'tl 2 days towards my return policy.

I have heard members recomend doing a RPM test, however not everyone is sure wht it is when asking.

Please help my Cayman dreams come true and provide insight.
 
#20 · (Edited)
A friendly dealer can run the VIN and tell you which options the car has and if it is a launch car.

Replacing the H&R is an option but you need to make sure whoever does it has the talent to do the job correctly. There are sure to be members here who would buy it from you as another option.

It is very unlikely that ride height damaged the car. It just drives harsher than you like.

The computer in the Porsche records all RPM's plus a lot of other data. Anyone not familar with that should be regarded with caution.

Don't nickle and dime the purchase. Pay $250 or whatever for a complete report from a Porsche dealer (not affilated with the seller of this car!) and then you will have peace of mind about any future problems or any future warranty claims.

The first car looks terrific just remember there is more than looks and you need to dig as deep as needed before buying.

If you like the car and it checks out you might want to take it with some sort of adjustment in price for the removal of the H&R but see if you like it over some time. There are adjustments that can be made that you should try and as a last resort sell the aftermarket parts and return to OEM using a dealer of your choice.

Good luck.
 
#21 ·
where are you located ? in the DC area ? if so, it doesn't hurt to check out the other car at skyline. But if skyline is a trek for you, then i would stick to your carmax car. and i would get the H&R springs from them..you can probably sell them to someone on this board.

Jeff
 
#22 ·
I think it looks a little "fishy" Already noted is the fact that no Caymans have sunroofs and the one pictured has sport seats but they are not power seats. If you look closely at the passenger side photo you will see the lever for a manual seat.
 
#23 ·
Sunroof aside, the sports seats are either part manual and part automatic (standard sport seats) or they are fully automatic (adaptive sport seats). These are the standard ones which are always part manual and part power, so it just depends on how someone wants to advertise them. :)
 
#24 ·
thanks

Sante Fe you and everyone else have been tremendous help. I will definelty take all things into consideration and will def opt to dish out the $250 for the full comprehensive check up. Carmax in Dulles (bought from Laurel) were a pleasure to work with and made me feel much better by having the store buyer and mechanics check it out and make sure the car is perfect and ensuring me thy can take car of everything.

The car lowered sure did look great and all, but the ride was too harsh for my taste and seemed to increase the amount of rattling in the car. I really dont think it made the car handle much better, because any uneven roads would through the whole car outta whack...Anyone else feel this is the case?

I am definitely ask for the springs and will post them on the for sale section if anyone is interested...

I just cant wait to have everything in check and get back on with my life.....urghhhhhhh.
 
#26 ·
Yes



I am planning on keeping the car since Carmax in Dulles, Va were upmost professional about getting new springs from Porsche and getting the car to where it should be. I am also having them run full diagnostic tests, RPM tests and checking it out as if they were purchasing it again.

I looked at a couple of identical CSs which were not close to the condition that my current CS is in. The mechanic - Mgr _buyer ensured me that the car would be taken care of and that it was in mint condition.

I am awaiting the springs as well as some add'tl parts which should arrive mon-tuesday. They have also extended my 5 day return policy from the point of when the car gets out of the shop.

Inconveniant, but hopefully worth it. I also plan on taking it to the Porsche dealer when it is complete as a backup.

Does everyone think the majority of chirps, rattles will minimize after the switch is complete?

I must admit the car does stand nicely and is pleasing to the eyes, but I need to be practical and want a smooth ride again!

Any other feedback or suggestions on what i should look out for?
 
#27 ·
Does Carmax have a PIWIS - Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System (diagnostic tester)? That would be the only way that they can check the rpm's and other diagnostic info and I doubt they do but you should ask to see it. I still don't like the idea of relying on the seller to provide data about the car.

Also suggest as a new owner that you read through the FAQ's if you have not done so just to get prepared for the things that are unusual to Porsche and Caymans.
 
#29 ·
I was not selling cars when the cayman was launched but I do know that these cars were in high demand so alot of them were "sold"(including launch) before they hit the lot. No reason to downplay the car if it was a launch as it was a great spec and I actually demoed one for awhile. The car listed at skyline was a launch car. The launch car was Basalt/Black with sport seats, bose, 19" carrera sport wheels, no acc, heated seats and a few other things. PASM/PCM was not equipped on these cars as someone else pointed out. I would help you and wouldnt mind looking as I just told you in a PM.

BTW, we charge 172 for PCA members to get a PPI(pre-purchase inspection), that includes a piwis readout on for type 1 and 2 over-revs.

I am here all day.
 
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