MARKET PLACE
Tried & tested, plus dealer and auction talk
How long have you been working with Porsches?
We created Nine Excellence (commonly known as “9e”) back in March 2011. Whilst we are still a young organisation we have over 60 years’ Porsche experience between all the staff. Now with over 2000 regular customers, last year we decided to open the sales side when we had the opportunity to acquire the building next door. Having a strong reputation on the workshop side should help us be successful on the sales side. We are buying cars either cash outright purchase or on sale or return (SOR).
What Porsches do you specialise in?
I think most people would immediately say Turbos because of our “Vmax” activities and tuning projects in the past, but actually it represents approximately 20 per cent of the daily activities. We cover all Porsche models from the 356 to the latest 991 gen 2 cars. We cover servicing, repairs, engine builds, pre-purchase inspection, and performance upgrades. In terms of buying and selling, we are interested in any car that is in great condition.
What’s your cheapest, and most expensive Porsche presently in stock?
Our cheapest is a 997-model 911 Carrera S at £28,995, and the most expensive is a rare 1969 911 Touring that has undergone a complete restoration, at £139,995.
What would you recommend as the best “first Porsche” to buy?
It depends on what you are looking for (number of seats, SUV, coupe or cabriolet) and ultimately your budget. If you had a budget of £20,000 and wanted the fun factor, then I would set aside a couple of grand for maintenance from that and you should be able to pick up a sub-50,000-mile 987 Cayman S – it’s a great driver’s car that probably many people immediately dismiss because they think they have to have a 911. If indeed it has to be a 911, then look for the best 996 available.
Where do you get your stock from?
We have just started, so most of the stock has come from our customer base so far. We are looking in the private sale markets as well, so we will grow our network.
What warranty do you give, or sell?
The warranty, which is 12 months and quite comprehensive, is in-house and is the same whether the car we are selling is owned by us or through SOR. It is not underwritten – we believe this shows our confidence in the cars that we retail.
What’s “hot” at the moment?
Setting aside any rare cars or the limited GT models, the 997 gen 2 Turbos. There are very few in the market for sale, and prices for low mileage examples have risen close to 991 Turbo models.
What’s best value at the moment?
The SUVS – the 2011 onwards diesels have undergone a price “correction” over the last few months, primarily due to negativity in the press. As a result these vehicles represent good value at the moment, and any potential downside in further depreciation would be offset by the near double fuel economy when compared to petrol variants.
Name a car that you recently sold, that you would happily have kept for yourself
A low mileage 997 Turbo. It was a great spec, great colour combination, and these are appreciating at the moment.
What car do you drive every day?
It depends on my mood, but generally I pick up the keys to a 2012 Porsche Cayenne Diesel – it is just a great place to sit and is so easy to drive. If the weather is good, then it has to be our 9e 964 supercharged shop car – so much fun.
What are your plans for the future?
To keep doing what we have been, which has worked for us – our reputation is very important to us. Expanding in to the sales side was a logical step for us.