UserA

With great power (and no traction control) comes great responsibility.

My son purchased a mint 1988 951 in ZS. Car was amazing with 100K miles but had a bad head gasket so we did a full belt service as well as a full top end. About 50 miles later, the mixture of wet ground, teenage abilities and ego spun the car at low speed totalling it. I bought the car back and was going to repair it. Autometrics in Charleston has quoted about $3K plus wheels for the mechanics and another $3K for paint and body. The car did a 360 degree spin at 30 MPH and managed to bang all four wheels against a curb which also created dents on the two front wings.

I wanted to know what everyone thought regarding what to do with this car.

Fix and sell with a salvage title?
Sell as is?
Part out?

Going to go snap some pictures to help people figure it out with me.

UserA

The Before.

Northern_aqs

That’s a shame, glad your son wasn’t hurt. It depends on what your plans are for the car and how much you’re into the car $ wise really. Fixing and selling with a salvage title will likely mean you won’t get your money back out of it. Parting it out will likely recoup your salvage buy back but unless you bought it really cheap initially, you won’t cover the purchase too.

These cars don’t always make sense financially (just get honest numbers from 99% of the people here). If you like the car and want to keep it, then fix and enjoy and worry about resale value later. Don’t expect to come out on the positive side of the ledger though.

lart951

If the suspension got damaged, like bent struts or bend spindles you might want to sell it or part it out since those parts are NLA.

GPA951s

Waiting on after pics... lol I bet I have enough parts to fix it! Or just turn it into a racecar..

Seattle 993

Hmmm, seems a shame to part the car with as much work as you put into it. Set of wheels & tires, $1700. Suspension...unknown, but I thought control arms could be had, not sure about the trailing arms...but do you know the extent of the damage? How about the frame and body work? Rebuilt title...yeah, but you’ve been paid, so while the car likely won’t appreciate...you cpu.d have a good drivable car.

More concerning though is it can be a handful for a young driver...I did a 360 on an auto-cross course at about 60 mph many years ago when the turbo kicked in on a slight uprise which unloaded the suspension. Other than my ego and a little burnt rubber, no harm...but I did come away with a great deal of respect and knowledge that it can bite if your not aware...

Chapman951

If he’s an enthusiast I would probably repair it mechanically but leave the body repair to a minimum.

maybe turn it into a track car.
maybe he will crash again... hence not repairing the body
maybe invest in some drivers Ed. I’ve heard Porsches club drivers Ed is really good.

glad he’s okay. I’ve crashed hardcore before. Sucks to have a mint car turned into a junker.

need to factor in a random hit and run might happen down the road.

chartersb

Fix the car, sell the kid.
Or sign him up for a DE.

EVOMMM

You should not get a salvage title if it’s still in your name
buy it back and fix it
it should only increase your sons understanding a powerful car is a huge responsibility
plus you both will grow from it and have future fun doing it
Mike

UserA

after seeing the damage again, it really isn't bad at all. I am probably going to fix it. It won't be a car for my son anymore though, he just isn't mature enough for it yet.

michael2e

I'd be interested in buying that if you decide to sell. Will it end up with a branded title?

GPA951s

that’s the damage? I’d fix the car.. you have roughly $600 in materials and 10 hours labor. That’s an ez fix

Seattle 993

Glad you decided not to part it...damage looks superficial and these turbos are really going up in value. When and if your son gets back behind the wheel, I’d suggest an autocross or emergency driving class (not high speed DE) so he knows where the car can bite. Certainly not like driving a Camry...and just to think I almost allowed my then 21 year old to drive my turbo S as a DD in college 😳...(not really).

Rob 3

I put my son through the two day Bondurant course for teen drivers in 2012 in Camaro's....not sure how old your son is, but mine was 17 at the time. He did several sessions with the Corvette group at the school at the time because they had manuals. They worked on eye and hand placement, vehicle control, had a skid car to experience OS and US...some double clutching from the Corvette instructor, and some basics about weight distribution in various conditions and how it impacts control, etc. Each kid is different but he learned some worthwhile fundamentals from a disinterested but well versed individual in a controlled environment. And we did a shifter cart school one night for extra fun. Had a new 300Z lease car for senior high school/freshman colllege year crossover and nary a scratch at the end of the year. It's one of the best things I've done for him and I'd recommend something similar to any parent if the subject comes up.