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opinions on a UK purchase?


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Hi all,

been lurking a long time trying to educate myself, as I've been bitten by the Porsche bug

Considering these cars and would appreciate opinions:

1) Looking at Panameras as I wanted a 5 seater (for flexibility as we have kids) but not an SUV. Found the steering a bit too heavy though  (not as much feedback as I'd like); Ive gotten used to BMWs...

This is getting to be upper limit of my budget, but is the cheapest petrol panamera ST I could find - https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10351332?utm_expid=.tpJdMtjvQA-ox8DOzal2LQ.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pistonheads.com%2Fclassifieds%3FCategory%3Dused-cars%26FuelType%3DPTL%26M%3D1204%26SortOptions%3DPriceLowToHigh%26YearFrom%3D2016

 

2) This is only 4 seats, but then maybe the 5th seat is not very useful anyway? Found the seat way too hard/high, plus the shaft running through your legs... https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10562184?utm_expid=.tpJdMtjvQA-ox8DOzal2LQ.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pistonheads.com%2Fclassifieds%3FCategory%3Dused-cars%26FuelType%3DPTL%26M%3D1204%26SortOptions%3DPriceLowToHigh%26YearFrom%3D2016.

Keyless entry potentially a problem, plus no rear side airbags (for the kiddos).

 

3) Or for something completely not what I was looking for, but would enjoy a lot (and perhaps a better buy financially?) - https://philipraby.co.uk/product/1995-porsche-968-club-sport

Bit flashy for my taste, but I could accept that if I enjoyed the drive enough.

 

Generally:

- I dont know anything about mechanics etc, so would like something that wont need too much attention beyond what I can get done at OPC service centre/specialist

- would mostly be used as a daily drive for commuting etc. Definitely no track use.

- want to avoid hybrids/diesel, as I feel like petrol will have slower depreciation (could be completely wrong there)

- will be using it for 12 months, then potentially bringing to Aus as a personal import. Otherwise will be selling it in the UK (but dont want a huge hassle at this point, so need something that will be relatively easy to offload, without losing too much money). 

- most likely will be a long-term keeper, but would be nice to have the option to sell it off in Aus without losing too much money

Thanks in advance

 

on a related note, anyone know if you can get aus porsche extended warranty on a UK import? The UK OPC dealer is struggling to give me an answer...

 

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I would think with the hatch version you wouldn’t bother bringing it to Australia as you will end up losing on it. The 5 seat wagon may be a different proposition as it’s relatively new and very expensive here.

 

the clubsport makes the most sense financially, but is it a car you want to daily drive?

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35 minutes ago, Joey888 said:

on a related note, anyone know if you can get aus porsche extended warranty on a UK import? The UK OPC dealer is struggling to give me an answer...

Highly unlikely - whilst in theory an identical car it would likely have minor differences, Porsche are pretty strict on the warranty side (eg. they inspect the car and record photos before renewing the warranty), the revenue from the sale would be in the UK dealer network, nothing in it for Porsche Australia

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13 minutes ago, Ozvino said:

Highly unlikely - whilst in theory an identical car it would likely have minor differences, Porsche are pretty strict on the warranty side (eg. they inspect the car and record photos before renewing the warranty), the revenue from the sale would be in the UK dealer network, nothing in it for Porsche Australia

My 997 was imported when it was 2yrs old and the previous owner had it on Porsche extended warranty. 

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51 minutes ago, Ozvino said:

the revenue from the sale would be in the UK dealer network, nothing in it for Porsche Australia

The revenue from Retail car sale and Manufacturer New car warranty are not connected in this way. Warranty claims are submitted by the dealer carrying out the works for payment to them by the manufacturer at a predetermined rate. Porsche internal policy may not allow OS delivered vehicle to renew warranty here, but it wouldn't be hard to check.

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7 hours ago, JLD said:

I would think with the hatch version you wouldn’t bother bringing it to Australia as you will end up losing on it. The 5 seat wagon may be a different proposition as it’s relatively new and very expensive here.

 

the clubsport makes the most sense financially, but is it a car you want to daily drive?

Thanks for the responses

 

yeah that’s what I was thinking as well; that the 5 seater would retain value better in Aus. But worried that the valuation will be high upon import and I’ll be up for a huge amount of duty and taxes. Struggling to get a good idea of what the valuation would come back as; some are saying it will be significantly less (~50%) than an equivalent aust delivered registered car, but not everyone seems to have that experience when importing... making me feel nervous they’ll send me a bill for $100k+ for duty and taxes.

 I haven’t driven a club sport. What would make it unsuitable as a daily drive? Is it difficult to drive? I’ve owned a WRX with a heavy clutch, which I’m ok with.  Don’t need much boot space on my commute. Assuming petrol consumption is roughly similar to panamera. I’d be tempted to tone down the flashiness somehow (different wheels?). Seats uncomfortable? I’d consider using it with different seats if that were the case. I don’t mind a bit of extra weight (not a purist). Would obviously hold onto the originals for resale later on

6 hours ago, WB997.2GTS said:

My 997 was imported when it was 2yrs old and the previous owner had it on Porsche extended warranty. 

That’s good to hear that it’s been done before. Was this recent? Hopefully they haven’t changed their policy on this.

6 hours ago, luzzo said:

The revenue from Retail car sale and Manufacturer New car warranty are not connected in this way. Warranty claims are submitted by the dealer carrying out the works for payment to them by the manufacturer at a predetermined rate. Porsche internal policy may not allow OS delivered vehicle to renew warranty here, but it wouldn't be hard to check.

Yeah I think I’ve probably been asking the wrong people ie Australian dealers... is there a contact for Porsche australia I could ask without going through the dealers?

6 hours ago, Jason A said:

The Clubsport mileage is very high @130k miles.

Not sure I would go to all that hassle on a Panamera - but that just me

yeah true. It would slowly come down with me, particularly over the next 12 months as I’d probably do less than 6k miles, and not much more post lockdown.

the panamera I’d be importing with the view of keeping it longer term. But I don’t want to do that if financially I’d break even buying it in aus. It’s a car we would all enjoy though...

Any thoughts on how difficult/expensive the club sport would be to maintain in Aus? Technician experience, access to parts, my lack of tech knowledge etc. 

Should I open up my options to a hybrid panamera 5 seater to see if I can get one a bit cheaper? Just feel like electric technology is advancing so quickly I’d want to get rid of it after a few years before the tech became too old/devalued.  But would give me a bit more comfort that the tax bill isn’t going to be as crazy if I bring one in that is a year or two older. 

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Another approach I could take is enjoy the clubsport for a year as a second car, import then sell. I’m guessing I could break even on it and get to experience it for a year

18 minutes ago, jnr356 said:

m3

had one a few years ago so want something different 

16 minutes ago, MARTY said:

@Joey888 Check out Border revivers website in Scotland they have a cracking 968 club sport if it was being shipped over here eventually I’m sure it would still command a good price if it was ever sold on.

Thanks will do

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I would suggest you bring a rare P car in exceptional condition. If not then buy something here, otherwise by the time you land it etc, the saving may be zero after 2 years of local depreciation. If you are patient here - you should be able to snip a Panamera - they are really not that popular in Aus compared to other countries.

I have been in the early Turbo car both on road, track and a hill climb. Was an amazing car and very fast. Just not my cup of tea.

 

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On 29/06/2020 at 17:36, Joey888 said:

 I haven’t driven a club sport. What would make it unsuitable as a daily drive? Is it difficult to drive? I’ve owned a WRX with a heavy clutch, which I’m ok with.  Don’t need much boot space on my commute. Assuming petrol consumption is roughly similar to panamera. I’d be tempted to tone down the flashiness somehow (different wheels?). Seats uncomfortable? I’d consider using it with different seats if that were the case. I don’t mind a bit of extra weight (not a purist). Would obviously hold onto the originals for resale later on

There is nothing about the 968 Clubsport that would stop you driving it daily, its a super practical car and very reliable... just that it is a 1990's car, so if you're ok with the wear & tear that would come with it... go for it! If you want more practicality, look for one with the M685 option, as that gives it rear seats, and comes in conjunction with the folding/reclining sports seat over the fix back buckets. 

From memory, the UK (or some of) them were not exactly the same as the ROW cars, I believe they were sold as a UK "Sport" vs being a clubsport... I'll need a refresher on this subject but sales type 968411(Clubsport)  versus Sales Type 968111(968 Coupe) is the quickest way to tell what you're looking at. 

On 29/06/2020 at 19:17, Joey888 said:

Another approach I could take is enjoy the clubsport for a year as a second car, import then sell. I’m guessing I could break even on it and get to experience it for a year

This is not a bad idea if you can get the economics to stack up, FWIW 968 Clubsport is a circa $100k car here depending what you've got... that can be a pretty big swing of perhaps 40% lower (and higher) than that, so I'd definitely base your costing on the lower end of the scale. 

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Seems to me having read these comments that if it were me & with budget of 20-50k pounds then its really its just a second sedan/SUV or whatever car, you are adding a lot of difficulty to your move to Aus with little or no reward. Why bother, buy a car here (Aussies are not keen on imports, uk in particular). There must be more important considerations.

Forget it would be my advice because, when you want to sell the (uk) car it will be very difficult to compete with Aus rivals in $$, & you end up loosing IMO.

 

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