Salvage Title 97 C2 -- should I buy it?
 

So here's the story, it's a 1997 C2 6 speed, grey interior, CA car with 49k miles on it. Has H&R coilovers, FAB speed exhaust, performance airbox. Service regularly at well known Porsche mechanic shop. From the pics it looks extremely clean and well taken care of, no engine leaks what so ever and drives perfect per seller.

The owner said it was involved in a front end accident, front bumper and hood were replaced, no frame damage and insurance called a total loss, so now it has a salvage title. He says he has records of repairs and all maintenance.

I'm going to see the car on Friday, I think if I can get it for 35-37k, I'll drive home with it. What are your thoughts on this car? without the salvage title/accident this would be closer to a 60k car right?

Would you guys buy this car?

I don't really care about resale right now, looking for a clean car I can drive

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...90bcb3b75a.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...9b1fb73210.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...f09068f4be.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...fae8d8c3b9.jpg

How could it be a total if all that was replaced was the hood and bumper? Depending on when the accident happened -- i.e., where in the depreciation/appreciation curve -- it could have been as "little" as $20k with of work. Could it have been less? How could the damage not be something serious at that price?

None of that means it wasn't repaired correctly and at the right price it could be a great deal. But if the owner is downplaying it that much.....?

PPI that isht...:cheers:

Agree with the others, hard to see how a light front end hit would earn a salvage title. Check the seller's records and have someone who knows 993's get it up on a lift for inspection. Sure does look like a nice car and a good buy at that price.

frame wasn't bent? :rolleyes: PPI that Shizit!

Ditto what all have said above. Also, right now you don't care about the salvage title , but if you ever go to sell it a lot of people will not look at the car because of it. You might have trouble selling the car in the future.

I'll get a PPI for sure.

Seller may be down playing the accident, he said there are records so I'll find out Friday. Car Fax shows accident in late 2002, so 6 years into it's life, don't think the values were up then.

As far as registration, it's already registered in my state now so I don't think that'll be much of an issue.

Don't plan on reselling this, even if I do in the future, worst case I figure I sell it for $30k after 10yrs for enjoyment, if condition checks out and damage is documented with repairs, someone would pay that for a driver I'm sure.

For $35k with salvage title the car had better be perfect and need absolutely nothing. Interior looks more worn than I would expect for low miles. As others have said, have the car PPI'd. Also, H&R coilovers are would not be a selling point IMO. Do yourself a favor and spend a little more for a good car, you won't regret it.

That's the thing about buying a vehicle with any sort of accident history. If the vehicle is in good shape, it makes for a great "driver" candidate, especially if one were to track the car. But you just can't expect to sell it at market prices because of the history. If it's a good car, buy it, mod it and track the hell out of it. :roflmao:

Based on both the upper and lower dash being full leather and the color, that appears to be a rubicon grey interior. It is ultra rare, my cab has it and it is by far my favorite interior color on a 993. If you check under the hood it should say VR for the interior code. Can't really say if you should buy it or not but that interior color would certainly push me closer to buying. I've only seen 3-4 other rubicon grey 993's with the rest of them being highly optioned turbos or turbo s models.

If the seller owned the car when it crashed it is more than strange if He does not have any pictures of the crashed car!

I used to own a "salvaged" '65 356. Many years ago, it had an engine fire and was "totaled" by the insurance company. A very prominent restoration shop owner acquired and restored the car for himself. It won many awards but title still listed as "salvage". I sold to another after detailed PPI so don't let "salvage" scare you off, only the next buyer! Good Luck.......

Yeah, but if you ever care about resale ever down the line, you'll probably regret owning a salvage titled car. It's a permanent stain that never goes away.

100% chance the owner is downplaying the wreck, and a car that was in a major car accident sometimes doesn't drive as well as one that wasn't.

Caveat Emptor :cheers:

I'd pass on a salvaged car. Probably worth more parted out.