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Where should I sell my Porsche 911 and what could I replace it with?

I drive an increasingly inappropriate Porsche 911. It's wrong for two reasons - it's a sports car, so it's best for younger folk and at 63 maybe I'm getting a bit long in the tooth. Secondly, the state of the roads today means frequent, bone-shattering crashes down potholes. These cause me much anxiety about the poor old Porker's suspension.

I think I'll sell it, but it's still worth £18,000 - £20,000, and I don't want a more expensive replacement, so it looks like I need a private sale. Now I'm retired and don't do much mileage, I'm not that worried about mpg, so I thought I'd get an old Jag XJ, a big Merc or an Audi A8. These generally seem reliable, relaxing to drive, well made and well equipped. They also have big wheels and saloon car suspension. I notice you always say that history trumps mileage. Do you have any other advice please?

Asked on 28 May 2011 by JS, via email

Answered by Honest John
For that kind of money you can get a Jag XF 2.7 V6 diesel (belt cam) or a younger 3.0V6 petrol (chain cam) on Premium Luxury spec 17-inch wheels with a bit of rubber between the rims and the road. Avoid the 19-inch or 20-inch wheels with 40 or 35 profile tyres. This is a much better car than the part alloy old XJ that can have a mixed metal corrosion problem. Big Mercs aren't always as reliable as you expect. Audi A8s are wonderful, but expensive to fix.

Non-franchised luxurious car dealers will take the 911 as a p/x, but you have to be very careful with this type of dealer who might be out to make rather more than is strictly ethical. I don't recommend a private sale of the Porsche. For a start, the test drives would not be insured, and you'll get every kind of shyster and conman on the end of the phone. Cleaner and safer to put it through www.sure-sell.info or a BCA Top car auction, even though that is a bit of a gamble as to the price you will get.

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