Nissan vs. Porsche trade

[hookahh]

Hey guys so I came across this buy....and wanted to know your thoughts.

I have Black Nissan Murano AWD, 2006. 43,667 Miles.

This guy has a Silver Porsche Cayenne, 2004. 84,500 Miles for sale $15.5 Grand, but willing to trade the car for mine for an additional 1,000 +/- for taxes.

Is this a reliable trade, do you need more information to determine the buy?

Overall thoughts?

PS. Its a salesman.

[Pilgrim]

You should take no further action until you research the parts and service costs for Porsches. They're not even in the same universe as Nissan parts and service.

You also should check to see what major services might be due on that Porsche at mileage close to 85K. There might easily be a $5,000 service bill in that car's immediate future. You also want to see service records and if possible, talk to the service manager at the dealership that has done the work on it.

Great cars, fantastic to drive, but not for those on a budget.

Actually, if it's a salesman and he uses it for work and puts a lot of highway miles on it, that might be the best thing about it. Highway miles are very easy on a car, drivetrain and brakes.

I'd look for a 370Z instead.

[njjoe]

Hmmm... You are paying someone $1,000 for the opportunity to trade your MO for a car that is two years older than yours and has twice as many miles? That does not appear to be a good deal.

However... Check out KBB.com. Without knowing specifics (model, options, condition, maintenance/repair history) the Porsche has a value of $17,500 and your MO goes for $16,000. So giving up your $16K MO and $1K cash gets you a $17.5K Cayenne. Now it looks like a good deal.

-njjoe

[Pilgrim]

Only a good deal if you're not walking into a $5000 (or more) maintenance bill.

Here's an example: a friend (repair shop owner) had a 944 Turbo. He had the turbo off and was ready to re-install it, but was shaking his head.

I asked what was going on, and he told me that to re-install the turbo he needed to buy four new mounting bolts - they were a cobalt alloy - and HIS cost was $80 PER BOLT. $320 in four bolts!

And this was in 1995.

Hopefully Chuck Jones will chime in, as he has Porsche experience....but when you get into a high-dollar car like a Cayenne, you need to do your homework first.

Unless I had a big darn yen to own a Porsche Cayenne (which I don't, I think they're ugly) and a few thousand dollars I didn't need, I would be very reluctant to get into this deal.

One big, hairy question: why does the current owner want to trade? Chances are that he sees a big bill in his future.

I'm not saying don't do it, I'm just saying be very careful and check it out first so you're well informed. Porsche parts make most other parts look cheap.