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Potential Newbie!

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Hello everyone, I’m potentially picking up a 992 2020 Carrera S, which is my first Porsche and I’m torn which direction to take. So I thought I could get advice from the best and brightest!

I’m based in Southern California and looking at a used 2020 with 40k miles which is at a healthy discount to similar models (~12%-15%) caveat being it was a rental. If I were to pick it up, I definitely would take it to a mechanic and have a full inspection. The other route I could take is a CPO from a reputable dealer but wouldn’t get the “lower price”. I’m curious what you all think.

Thanks!
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Hello everyone, I’m potentially picking up a 992 2020 Carrera S, which is my first Porsche and I’m torn which direction to take. So I thought I could get advice from the best and brightest!

I’m based in Southern California and looking at a used 2020 with 40k miles which is at a healthy discount to similar models (~12%-15%) caveat being it was a rental. If I were to pick it up, I definitely would take it to a mechanic and have a full inspection. The other route I could take is a CPO from a reputable dealer but wouldn’t get the “lower price”. I’m curious what you all think.

Thanks!
What is your price for more peace of mind?
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Hello everyone, I’m potentially picking up a 992 2020 Carrera S, which is my first Porsche and I’m torn which direction to take. So I thought I could get advice from the best and brightest!

I’m based in Southern California and looking at a used 2020 with 40k miles which is at a healthy discount to similar models (~12%-15%) caveat being it was a rental. If I were to pick it up, I definitely would take it to a mechanic and have a full inspection. The other route I could take is a CPO from a reputable dealer but wouldn’t get the “lower price”. I’m curious what you all think.

Thanks!
[/QUOTE
What is your price for more peace of mind?
992 Newbie, I HAVE to think the rental was abused….they usually are. CPO would most likely be cared for and maintained much better imo. There’s an old saying…you get what you pay for. Good luck!
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If I rented a 992 for a day I know I’d see what it would do, as would every other renter. They’re built to be driven, but….

The rental may be cheaper to buy but will the cost of ownership be any different over a few years? You’re buying it at a discount so it’s safe to assume you’ll be selling it the same way.

My vote is CPO.
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Hello everyone, I’m potentially picking up a 992 2020 Carrera S, which is my first Porsche and I’m torn which direction to take. So I thought I could get advice from the best and brightest!

I’m based in Southern California and looking at a used 2020 with 40k miles which is at a healthy discount to similar models (~12%-15%) caveat being it was a rental. If I were to pick it up, I definitely would take it to a mechanic and have a full inspection. The other route I could take is a CPO from a reputable dealer but wouldn’t get the “lower price”. I’m curious what you all think.

Thanks!
My vote is for CPO and at least 2021 . The first year had more quirks . 22 got the updated PCM . Used and CPO market is at or near new pricing because it bypasses the long wait . Many of us waited 1-2 years . Many walked away from ADM fees which BTW California was notorious for (not that other states were exempt ) .

Here's the bad news . I looked in your area . Nothing looked good unless you spend $$$ .
I then looked in my area . Its the same as yours . Bad !!
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If I rented a 992 for a day I know I’d see what it would do, as would every other renter. They’re built to be driven, but….

The rental may be cheaper to buy but will the cost of ownership be any different over a few years? You’re buying it at a discount so it’s safe to assume you’ll be selling it the same way.

My vote is CPO.
Not to mention that is a healthy # of hard miles for a 911. Everything has it's price and it would have to be a HUGE savings to factor in potential problems going forward which is why I would vote CPO as well if you can swing it. As the saying goes, "pay me now or pay me later".
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Not to mention that is a healthy # of hard miles for a 911. Everything has it's price and it would have to be a HUGE savings to factor in potential problems going forward which is why I would vote CPO as well if you can swing it. As the saying goes, "pay me now or pay me later".
And welcome Newbie9!
Thanks! I have a feeling you’re right about the abuse. The interior has also seen some better days.
If I rented a 992 for a day I know I’d see what it would do, as would every other renter. They’re built to be driven, but….

The rental may be cheaper to buy but will the cost of ownership be any different over a few years? You’re buying it at a discount so it’s safe to assume you’ll be selling it the same way.

My vote is CPO.
Thanks! I have been on the giving end of a rental and driving it like you stole it is the right way to describe it.
My vote is for CPO and at least 2021 . The first year had more quirks . 22 got the updated PCM . Used and CPO market is at or near new pricing because it bypasses the long wait . Many of us waited 1-2 years . Many walked away from ADM fees which BTW California was notorious for (not that other states were exempt ) .

Here's the bad news . I looked in your area . Nothing looked good unless you spend $$$ .
I then looked in my area . Its the same as yours . Bad !!
Thanks for taking the time to respond! What kind of quirks?

I’m painfully aware of the ADM fees in Southern California and they’re across the board for anything that is worth having. Even cars with salvage titles are getting picked up at decent prices!
Not to mention that is a healthy # of hard miles for a 911. Everything has it's price and it would have to be a HUGE savings to factor in potential problems going forward which is why I would vote CPO as well if you can swing it. As the saying goes, "pay me now or pay me later".
Understood. I‘m letting time run it’s course on the rental and see how much they budge on pricing and unless it’s an even deeper discount, I’ll likely walk away.
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Thanks for taking the time to respond! What kind of quirks?

I’m painfully aware of the ADM fees in Southern California and they’re across the board for anything that is worth having. Even cars with salvage titles are getting picked up at decent prices!
The 2020 car is the first with this new PCM, which got revised in 2022 again. It’s never been good. It even sucks now with my 2022. The 2020 car had the most glitches and quirks.
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Hello everyone, I’m potentially picking up a 992 2020 Carrera S, which is my first Porsche and I’m torn which direction to take. So I thought I could get advice from the best and brightest!

I’m based in Southern California and looking at a used 2020 with 40k miles which is at a healthy discount to similar models (~12%-15%) caveat being it was a rental. If I were to pick it up, I definitely would take it to a mechanic and have a full inspection. The other route I could take is a CPO from a reputable dealer but wouldn’t get the “lower price”. I’m curious what you all think.

Thanks!
Welcome @992 Newbie.

« Don't be gentle its a rental ». That really says it all.... If there was ever a car that was prone to flat out abuse....it's a rental.

The repair costs on many of the parts will EASILY outweigh any savings you may get buying the car.

I highly recommend that you avoid it.

Good luck!
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Welcome @992 Newbie.

« Don't be gentle its a rental ». That really says it all.... If there was ever a car that was prone to flat out abuse....it's a rental.

The repair costs on many of the parts will EASILY outweigh any savings you may get buying the car.

I highly recommend that you avoid it.

Good luck!
Thanks! The overwhelming feedback is to pass on it, so I’m going to let that one be. I appreciate all the responses!
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Definitely CPO...just like everyone else has recommended. Everyone drives the shiii out of rentals! Welcome and good luck!
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I found a few things since the thread began . Some of them most here know but not all of it.
1) GTS , Targa , Turbo / Turbo S / and Gt3 still are pricing over MSRP .
2) Base Carrera seen to be priced high making the entry point start out high
3) 2020 seems to be the best year for pricing . They are not pricing anymore in the 140's in my area .

I found two nice S cars at two different dealerships . The one with 36K mi was priced lower but I don't like 36K . It was priced at 116K . This one only has 11K mi , one owner, bought and serviced at the same dealership . It looks impeccable . Used 2020 Porsche 911 For Sale at The Collection Porsche | VIN: WP0AB2A96LS225202
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Hello everyone, I’m potentially picking up a 992 2020 Carrera S, which is my first Porsche and I’m torn which direction to take. So I thought I could get advice from the best and brightest!

I’m based in Southern California and looking at a used 2020 with 40k miles which is at a healthy discount to similar models (~12%-15%) caveat being it was a rental. If I were to pick it up, I definitely would take it to a mechanic and have a full inspection. The other route I could take is a CPO from a reputable dealer but wouldn’t get the “lower price”. I’m curious what you all think.

Thanks!
I was also looking for a 992 and ended up buying a 2020 911 S cabriolet (I have always had convertibles in sunny LA) several months ago with 23k miles on it. It was a CPO and I purchased the extra 2 year warranty. Best move was going with a CPO as the dealer (Westlake Porsche (who have great customer service) took care of may little issues I found with the 911 after the fact. Plus, you are treated by Porsche as if you bought a new 911. Welcome packages etc. Really a nice experience. Pay the extra for the CPO is my advice.

For some context, when I was looking my buddy and his son who works for one of the auto auction houses gave me this advice: Basically since the 996 there really haven't been any bad model years. For resale the "S" version of anything always brings more. Coupes bring more than Cabs and Targas are really a niche market. An "S" is always the way to go. I have a 97 "S" and a "67" but whatever the era the "S" is always the better move than a base Carrera. Now a 4S is a little different breed of cat. They are a bit heavier feel, probably more suited for weather conditions where you wouldn't want a Cab to begin with. Most Porsche nuts don't go with the "4" of any iteration. Specific to 2015 on you have the 991 to 2018 I think and then the 992 from 2018 to today. With 991s and 992s, I don't think there are good or bad years, it starts getting more into if you want a cab or a coupe, a GT or Targa, etc. price, color etc. The 992 is, as expected, more refined being newer, they are bigger and heavier than the 991, more luxurious than the 991. Bottomline from 2015 on any model is faster than anything you need, "4s" are always heavier and a less traditional Porsche "power in the back" feel as you have all wheel drive. "S" set ups are always the "hotter" set up. GT versions are typically complete overkill in every respect. There's also Targas to consider but I've never owned a Targa of any iteration. Most Porsche maniacs go for coupes. 911 coupes are pretty much always more sought after than cabs or targas. I think with 2015 on your concerns are the specific car, its history, price, color etc.

My son really had little more to say. Basically since the 996 there really haven't been any bad model years. He also said for resale the "S" version of anything always brings more. Coupes bring more than Cabs and Targas are really a niche market. THere is always demand for manual shift cars but the newer the model the harder to find manual cars. He says best to look at your budget and then start searching Porsche websites, Porsche Clubs, Hemmings, there's something like ebay called PCARMARKET. He emphasizes to check history, car fax, even get a pre-purchase inspection. Porsche buyers can be true mental cases and make the biggest deal over every little issue, so you want no issues. GT cars like GT2 GT3, basically anything with a wing are all cars that you really don't want to mess with, just too much needless car. He works for Gooding & Co. - their auction always has newer Porsches and you can at least see prices etc.
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