What's a fair price?

"Nick drives Stick (not Stig)" (NickR)
08/09/2013 at 09:00 • Filed to: New Car Purchase

So I'm getting ready to buy a new Porsche Boxster S in a few months and have begun to do my research, to make sure I get a fair deal. I'm very specific on the options I want, so finding it used is not on the table.

I bought an almost new Boxster in Denmark in 2006 and when I moved to the US I bought a new BMW 135i Cabriolet. Both times I was able to get a great deal and saved over $5,000 on the sticker price. But what about a new Porsche in the US? I looked on KBB.com, which stated that a fair price would be $3,000 below MSRP which is a lot lower percentage wise than the other two cars. Should that be my target or do I have other options?

I'm not much of a haggler (honestly, it makes me a little uncomfortable) but I want to ensure I'm not overpaying... What's my road map to getting the best deal?

DISCUSSION (15)

Nibby > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 09:02

Are you buying or leasing? They lease around $1200-1400 a month, depending on options.

Dunnik > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 09:19

I'd give the same advice I'd give to anyone in the market for a new car - don't buy one, and instead, get one that is between 1-3 years old (perhaps an off-lease vehicle). As a good chunk of a cars depreciation occurs in the first 1-3 years, you'd save thousands, and you'd still enjoy the balance of the factory warranty.

Do your due diligence otherwise (PPI, vehicle history search, posting potential prospects to Oppo and/or a Boxster enthusiast forum) and you should be able to land a sweet deal and a sweet car.

Tom McParland > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 09:29

Hi as a business I locate and negotiate car purchases for people. Automatchconsulting@gmail.com

D-VO > Dunnik
08/09/2013 at 09:30

I agree, I love the Boxster platform but I would never buy a new one. I think 2 yrs old is the sweet spot, you should be able to find plenty that were driven by golf-course enthusiasts who traded up to a 911. The nice thing about a Porsche is that a higher proportion of them will be exclusively factory/dealer maintained, plus they are well built to begin with.

It's a no brainer for me, but the only downside to that plan is that if you have amazing credit you're probably getting some lovely financing offers to buy new.

The difference in price could be a spec miata, or a nice motorcycle, or some upgrades to the car.

Happy hunting!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 09:34

Check out Edmunds to determine their True Market Value.

Here's another resource: http://www.truecar.com/prices-new/por…

Casper > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 10:17

There is no fair price. The fair price is whatever you will pay that the dealer will accept. I will however agree that 99% of the time (especially with something like a Boxster) it simply isn't worth buying new. They are a dime a dozen, so the value is diluted the second you buy one. I'm sure you have probably thought about it and decided it's worth the destruction of wealth and want to do it anyway, but I am just making sure.

Buying a new car that isn't special or unique is like marrying the stripper from down the street with no prenump after a one night stand. It might have sounded good in the moment, but it's almost always going to destroy your wealth... and probably make you itchy.

Satish Kondapavulur > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 10:27

Here's your best bet. Since you're not buying for a few months, do this. In mid to late December, start checking the local dealership's inventory and send them e-mails through their website indicating that you're interested in the particular car.

Usually, by the very end of the month, usually December 31st (month-end, quarter-end, and year-end), the internet sales manager will send you an e-mail or call to sell you the car. You should easily be able to get 10% off the MSRP.

davedave1111 > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 10:31

In general, the key to getting a great deal is to be flexible. Sounds like you're pretty specific about what you want, which is fair enough, but it'll cost you a little more.

Victorious Secret > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 10:34

Wait till Winter, watch prices drop accordingly especially on the used market.

Even a 1 year old model will save you thousands because hello luxury car depreciation.

SuperChargerHeaven Live in USA > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 11:20

Buy a new Porsche?

Save money?

DOES NOT COMPUTE>

mr. idk > Nick drives Stick (not Stig)
08/09/2013 at 12:23

Get a JAGUAR F-TYPE. Why? because few porsche boxsters can be found under $80k, and because the F-Type is the best sounding 6-cylinder on the road. Added to that, the JAAAAAAG has a lot more straight line speed, and is arguably the better looking car.

TheKingOfBirds > Tom McParland
08/09/2013 at 20:44

That's friggin awesome. I will keep you in mind when I start looking for a 911.

Tom McParland > TheKingOfBirds
08/09/2013 at 20:52

Man I would be so happy to shop a 911 for you. All I normally get to shop is boring stuff like Accords and crossovers. Well when you are ready you know where to find me. :)

I am also at - Facebook.com/automatchconsulting
Twitter @automatchtom
WWW. Automatchconsulting.com

Nick drives Stick (not Stig) > Tom McParland
08/11/2013 at 14:01

Excellent, I'll contact you when I'm ready!

Nick drives Stick (not Stig) > Satish Kondapavulur
08/11/2013 at 14:02

Great advise, thank you!