How to Maximize the Resale Value of Your Porsche: Insights from Nathan Merz
If you're considering selling your Porsche—or even just shopping for one—this expert guide by Nathan Merz, PCA National Technical Committee member and owner of Columbia Valley Luxury Cars, is a must-read. Based on his live PCA Tech Session in Eastern Pennsylvania, Nathan outlines proven, real-world strategies to help enthusiasts get top dollar for their Porsche or spot a great deal when buying.
Key Takeaways from Nathan’s 10 Rules for Selling Your Porsche:
1. Know Your Venue
Understand where your car fits best: PCA Mart, Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace (great for entry-level or local sales), AutoTrader or CPO listings (ideal for mainstream, late-model cars), or enthusiast-focused auction sites like Bring a Trailer. Know when it’s better to consign or even trade in to CarMax or Carvana.
2. Understand Your Buyer
Tailor your ad for the right audience. Mainstream buyers look for different things than purists—especially when it comes to color, transmission, and modifications.
3. Create Fresh Listings
Don’t just renew expired listings. Create a new ad to avoid “time on market” stigma that signals something’s wrong with the car.
4. Know the Auction Game
Online auctions aren’t “real” auctions—you're still responsible for closing the deal. They work best for rare, collector-grade, or heavily-optioned examples. Avoid listing heavily modified or “purist-offending” builds.
5. Know the Weaknesses
Disclose known issues like IMS bearing concerns, bore scoring, or previous accident history—preferably with documentation and resolution. Control the narrative or someone else will.
6. Price It Right the First Time
Market defines value. Don’t overprice and wait to “come down”—you’ll scare away serious buyers and ultimately settle for less than market value.
7. Prep the Car Thoroughly
Clean it like you're entering a concours. Fix minor issues, replace easily swappable parts like aftermarket radios or steering wheels, and avoid listing before it's ready.
8. Take Pro-Level Photos
Use golden hour lighting, neutral backgrounds, and clean shots. Capture desirable options. Don’t list the car until the photography is complete.
9. Write a Strong, Honest Description
Lead with critical info: year, model, options, mileage, ownership history. Be objective, skip the fluff, and consider using AI tools to polish grammar.
10. Be Available and Stay Calm
Answer inquiries promptly. Don’t engage trolls or emotional responses. Practice patience and professionalism—even when faced with unqualified opinions. Allowing pre-purchase inspections are a must in this day and age, especially on Porsche models that can suffer from cylinder bore scoring.
Bonus Tip for Buyers:
Look for sellers who violate these tips—poor presentation, missing info, bad photography. These can be great buying opportunities if you're local and able to inspect in person.
Final Advice from Nathan:
If you're not willing or able to do all this yourself, hire a reputable pro with a proven record. A well-executed sale can earn you thousands more—even after commission.
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