mtbryder

I just started going through these threads for the first time yesterday and it practically kept me up all night...just so addicting. Lots of great advice and information. I thought maybe someone can help me out. I'm looking for a 993 in the low $30's and happened to find this listing on craigslist today.

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/135968954.html

I have the carfax but I am convinced carfax's do not tell the whole story because I had a car for 14 years which has been into several accidents (not my fault), stolen, hit & run'd which insurance called it totalled, etc...and the carfax came up clean. Go figure.

So, on this car fax, the first owner drove 35K miles first three years, then another 30K the year after from texas to Louisiana to Chicago. The guy who currently owns bought it from California and had it trucked over since he really liked the color combination. Since year 2000, he only put 10K miles on it. Anything fishy here? Below is the CARFAX.

Thanks for the help...

Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2006 12:35:52 -0600 (CST)

Subject: Your CARFAX Vehicle History Report on VIN: [WP0AA2996SS321093]


Dear CARFAX customer:
Thanks for using CARFAX!

Good news - This VIN qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee! Your risk-free protection from buying a vehicle with severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, major odometer problems, or lemon history) that were reported by a DMV.

You must register to activate this free guarantee! Go to www.carfax.com to register today!



Please do not reply to this message as it is being sent by an automated e-mail system! For customer inquiries or questions visit the CARFAX Help Center at www.carfax.com/help.


Additional Services & Resources:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Insurance Center





Report Generated for

For Personal Use Only


Since its establishment as an independent company in 1986, CARFAX has collected the largest vehicle history database in North America. This database currently includes over 4 billion records from thousands of public and private sources.

A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.



Good News -- Vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee! No severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, major odometer problems or lemon history) were ever reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093). If you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.

You must register at www.CARFAX.com to activate this free guarantee!


CARFAX Talking CarTM
The story of this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093) according to our interpretation of the information reported to CARFAX:
This coupe has had 1 owner in Texas. It was originally registered by the owner for personal use.
It has had no minor or moderate accidents reported to CARFAX.
It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood.
It has not been reported by a DMV as having an Exceeds Mechanical Limits or Not Actual Mileage title.
It has a consistent mileage history with no indication of an odometer rollback. It was driven an average of 7,300 miles per year, which is lower than the industry average of 15,000. The last odometer reading, reported on 06/01/2005, was 79,593 miles.
It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback or LEMON.
It has 1 recall that remains open for repair. Most manufacturer recalls can be repaired at no cost to you. Go to Recall Check to get PORSCHE's contact information.
Its basic warranty has expired. You may want to discuss an extended warranty with your dealer.
Go to the Detailed Vehicle History for the complete history and a glossary of terms.


Report Summary
1. ACCIDENT CHECK
Total Loss Check No Severe Accidents Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
Other Accident Indicators No Accident Indicators Reported
2. MILEAGE ACCURACY CHECK
Truth-In-Mileage Check No Odometer Problems Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
Odometer Rollback Check No Potential Odometer Rollback Found
Mileage Consistency Check No Inconsistent Odometer Reading Found
3. LEMON CHECK® No Mfr. Buyback Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
4. OWNERSHIP CHECK
Number of Owners 1 Estimated Owner(s)
Type of Owners Originally Registered as a Personal Vehicle
5. RECALL CHECK 1 Open Recall(s) Reported
6. WARRANTY CHECK No Coverage Remaining on Basic Warranty. Interested in an Extended Warranty?
DETAILED VEHICLE HISTORY 14 HISTORY RECORDS REPORTED
Tell us what you know about this vehicle







Year/Make/Model: 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4

Body Style: COUPE
Engine: 3.6L H6 FI
Fuel: GASOLINE
Driveline: REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Manufactured in: GERMANY
Safety Equipment: 4 wheel ABS, Dual front air bags/active (manual) belts

Standard Equipment: Power Windows, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, AM / FM Cassette, Power Brakes, Power sun / moon roof, 6-digit Odometer





Find great cars just listed in your area — for FREE. View more listings for this type of vehicle
1996 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 Listed 1 day ago
Body Style: Convertible
Engine Type: 3.6L H6 FI
Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report Stevens Creek BMW
Distance: 21.94 mi
Contact Dealer
1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 Listed 2 days ago
Body Style: Convertible
Engine Type: 3.6L H6 FI
Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report Specialty Sales
Distance: 25.46 mi
Contact Dealer
1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 Listed 3 days ago
Body Style: Convertible
Engine Type: 3.6L H6 FI
Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report The Car Store
Distance: 15.11 mi
Contact Dealer

Let us do the work!
Be the first to know about 1995 PORSCHE 911 vehicles just listed for sale in your area.
Email Address:





FREE to you from CARFAX. Additional information to help you make the right decision when buying or selling a used car or truck.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How safe and reliable is this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4?
Find out with the CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report.

What are other CARFAX customers saying about this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4?
Share what you know about this vehicle - Add a CARFAX Customer Rating & Comment.





Total Loss Check:


GOOD NEWS! No severe damage events were ever reported by a DMV for this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093). If you find that any of the following severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!


Salvage Title Loss Due To Fire Title
Junk Title Flood Damage Title
Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title Hail Damage Title
Dismantled Title Canadian Total Loss


Other Accident Indicators:


This 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093) had no accident indicators reported to CARFAX from its sources. This section checks for accidents and/or related damage reported from many public and private sources. Not all accidents are reported to CARFAX. A vehicle inspection completed by your dealer or professional mechanic is recommended.

No Salvage Auction Record Reported No Crash Test Vehicle Record Reported
No Fire Damage Record Reported No Airbag Deployment Record Reported
No Automotive Recycler Record Reported No Damage Disclosure Record Reported
No Frame Damage Record Reported No Collision Repair Facility Record Reported
No Police Accident Record Reported

CARFAX depends on public and private sources for its accident data. Each one of these sources has different processing times. CARFAX can only report what is in our database on 22.Feb.2006 12:35:33. New data will result in a change to this report.
Not all accidents are reported to the Police. Tell us if you know of other fender benders, accidents or damage.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center




Truth-In-Mileage Check:


GOOD NEWS! No major odometer problems were ever reported by a DMV under the Truth-In-Mileage Act for this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093). If you find that any of the following odometer problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Not Actual Mileage Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses mileage fraud or a broken odometer.
Exceeds Mechanical Limits Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses an odometer rollover.


Odometer Rollback Check:


CARFAX found no odometer rollbacks for this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093). Rollbacks reported in this section originate from readings collected by a DMV or other verifiable source.

Mileage Consistency Check:


CARFAX found no inconsistent odometer readings in the mileage history of this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093).

Date: Mileage:
08/19/1994 86
01/08/1997 34,994
12/12/1997 66,576
05/20/1998 66,654
08/12/1999 67,000
10/06/2000 68,445
10/17/2000 68,624
06/01/2005 79,593



Average miles driven per year 7,300 CARFAX AdvisorTM Compare this vehicle's average annual mileage to the industry average of 15,000 miles per year. Use this comparison to determine how this vehicle was driven.

Do you know this vehicle's current mileage? Tell us and help protect others from mileage fraud.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center




GOOD NEWS! No manufacturer buyback was ever reported by a DMV for this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093). If you find that a manufacturer buyback was reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center




Ownership History:


CARFAX estimates that this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093) had 1 owner(s). CARFAX analyzed this vehicle's title history and other supporting events to identify potential ownership transfers. In compliance with the U.S. privacy laws, CARFAX does not collect or report owner names or addresses.

Estimated Owners: Date: Location:
1st owner 08/19/1994 Texas

CARFAX AdvisorTM
The cost of ownership varies by vehicle. Go to Edmunds.com to check the recommended service schedule and estimated costs for this vehicle.



Types of Owners:


This 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093) was checked for 8 types of registrations.

Personal Use Registration Reported No Fleet Registration Reported
No Lease Registration Reported No Commercial Registration Reported
No Rental Registration Reported No Non-Profit Registration Reported
No Taxi Registration Reported No Built to Non U.S. Standards Record Reported

Do you have information about how this vehicle was used or driven? Tell us what you know.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center




This 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093) has 1 manufacturer recall(s) that require repair. Most manufacturer recalls can be repaired at no cost to you.

Date: Source: Description:
08/04/2005 Porsche Cars North America Recall #W301000 REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE WIRING
HARNESS 993


Click here or call 1-800-PORSCHE to locate an authorized Porsche dealer near you to obtain more information about this recall.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center


For your convenience, CARFAX has estimated the remaining original manufacturer warranty coverage based on information reported to us on this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093). Please confirm remaining factory warranty and extended warranty options with your dealer. Interested in an extended warranty?

Estimated start date of warranty: 08/15/1994
Last reading reported on 06/01/2005: 79,593 miles
Today's Date: February 22, 2006

Type of Coverage: Original Warranty: Estimated Remaining Coverage:
Basic 24 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Drivetrain 24 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Emissions 24 months or 24,000 miles Coverage expired
Corrosion 120 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Transferable Transferable at no cost. Same
Roadside Assistance 24 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data reported to CARFAX
Specific Components 96 months or 80,000 miles Coverage expired
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: not cost, unlimited owners covered.

CARFAX Warranty Check provides an estimate of this vehicle's remaining warranty coverage. It does not take into account some vehicle history events. For example, major accidents resulting in Salvage or Junk titles that may void the original manufacturer warranty or ownership transfers that may decrease warranty coverage. This warranty information is only valid for vehicles manufactured for sale in the US. Complete warranty coverage information is available for this vehicle at the PORSCHE web site.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center



CARFAX searched more than 4 billion records from over 7,600 sources and found 14 record(s) for this 1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 (WP0AA2996SS321093).

Date:
Mileage Reading:
Source:
General Comments:


08/15/1994 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Houston, TX
Registered as
personal vehicle


08/19/1994 86 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Houston, TX
Title #00022200044195388
Title or registration issued
First owner reported


01/08/1997 34,994 Louisiana
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Lafayette, LA
Title or registration issued
Loan or lien reported


12/12/1997 66,576 Illinois
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Deerfield, IL
Title #T7346201031
Title issued or updated


05/20/1998 66,654 Illinois
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Highland Park, IL
Title #T8140785001
Title issued or updated
Duplicate title issued
Loan or lien reported


06/12/1998 Illinois
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Golf, IL
Title #T8163157046
Title issued or updated


08/12/1999 67,000 Illinois
Inspection Station
Skokie, IL
Passed emissions inspection


10/06/2000 68,445 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Mi Wuk Village, CA
Odometer reading reported for title
or registration


10/17/2000 Vehicle Repair Center
Tracy, CA
Vehicle serviced


10/17/2000 68,624 California
Inspection Station
Tracy, CA
Passed emissions inspection


10/18/2000 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Mi Wuk Village, CA
Title issued or updated
Loan or lien reported


06/01/2004 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Ripon, CA
Title issued or updated


06/01/2005 79,593 California
Inspection Station
Passed emissions inspection


08/04/2005 Porsche Cars
North America
Manufacturer recall/service bulletin issued
Recall #W301000 REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE WIRING
HARNESS 993
Click here or call 1-800-PORSCHE to locate an authorized Porsche dealer near you to obtain more information about this recall.

Tell us what you know about this vehicle

Detailed Vehicle History Definitions:
First Owner
When the first owner(s) obtains a title from a Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of ownership.

Manufacturer Recall
Automobile manufacturers issue recall notices to inform owners of car defects that have come to the manufacturer's attention. Recalls also suggest improvements that can be made to improve the safety of a particular vehicle. Most manufacturer recalls can be repaired at no cost to you.

Personal Use
Vehicle was registered by the owner for private or personal use.


Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center
CARFAX
BUYBACK GUARANTEE

If you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles and were not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.
Severe Damage: Odometer Problems: Lemon History:
Salvage/Junk

Rebuilt/Reconstructed

Dismantled

Fire/Flood/Hail

Canadian Total Loss
Exceeds Mechanical Limits

Not Actual Mileage
Manufacturer Buyback


Your CARFAX Buyback Coverage:
Vehicle: Transferable Coverage: Activation:
1995 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4
WP0AA2996SS321093 02/22/2006 - 02/22/2007 REQUIRED --
ACTIVATE TODAY!


Activation Required

Go to www.carfax.com
Terms and Conditions Apply
CARFAX agrees to buy this vehicle back from the holder of this Vehicle History Report if the report indicates the vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee and a Branded Title, as fully defined in the Terms and Conditions, actually exists for this vehicle. YOU MUST REGISTER TO ACTIVATE THIS FREE GUARANTEE (www.carfax.com) in order to be eligible for payment. View Terms and Conditions (www.carfax.com/guarantee/hctermsanddef.cfm).


Additional Services & Resources:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Insurance Center



CARFAX Disclaimer:

CARFAX DEPENDS ON ITS SOURCES FOR THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF ITS INFORMATION. THEREFORE, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED BY CARFAX OR ITS AGENTS FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THIS REPORT. CARFAX FURTHER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CARFAX®

Need help? Please visit our Help Center at www.carfax.com.

© 2006 CARFAX, Inc., an R.L. Polk & Co. company. All rights reserved. Patents pending. 22.Feb.2006 12:35:33

kkim

If you are serious about the car (looks good ), do not purchase without having a PPI done by a shop that knows 993s. Is the car near to you that you can do a preliminary check yourself? If not, you might want to ask for help from this board for someone to check it out for you, if they are willing.

Good luck... 993s are addicting.

mtbryder

Kkim, thanks for the reply. The car is about 1.5 hours from where I live. I could do a preliminary check, but I'm guessing a transaction would have to be decided at that point. By the way, is $31K about average for a 1995 993 with 80K miles? On ebay, there's a guy in AZ that has a 1995 993 (76K miles) with an upgraded suspension (Bilstein PSS9, shocks & springs) going for $32K. There's also another guy on ebay (So. Cal.) with 1995 993 (60K miles) going for $30K. This car supposedly already has been inspected with all documentation.

Has anybody bought a car from ebay before? Is a PPI a must? Just wondering what the odds are of getting a clunker with or without a PPI.

Thanks again!

Chaos

I have purcased two ebay cars and would advise against it.

slider

$31K sounds about right for the mileage. I bought an AZ car last year with 77,000 miles for $28K, but it had a few issues that I was able to identify via a PPI which helped with my negotiations...

kkim

Look at the car, if you like it, make a deposit with balance contingent on the PPI results. If the seller balks, you might want to walk as there may be something to hide he doesn't want found.

Frankly, I've seen prices all over the map. Boils down to if you really want that particular car. These are very special cars and each person has their own view on what their ideal car is. If you find it, I would think it is worth whatever you are willing to pay. Sort of a cop out answer, but there are so many variables to consider that it really ends up being what you really want. The car should make your blood run a bit faster each time you look at it... don't settle... hold out for the car of your dreams(within your means, of course). This might help... http://www.autobaron.com/index.php?bot=1


I have, but not a Pcar... That said, I'd never buy off Ebay w/o a PPI and not if I didn't have complete confidence in the seller. You can pretty much tell who is a straight shooter after exchanging a few emails.


Good luck... let us know how it turns out.

mtbryder

Thanks...

I see two postings in Ebay which look very tempting. One has lots of documents and a PPI (SoCal), and the other is further away (AZ), but sounds good nonetheless. Anyone with bad experiences using Ebay to purchase cars?

curveraider

mtbryder, it looks like you are San Mateo and the seller is over in the Livermore area, just set up a PPI at an East Bay shop like Sharkwerks and have the guy bring the car down. That way you guys split the drive and you save some time. Just make clear that you would like the owner to stay away from the car while you and the mechanic are going over it. Maybe you could drop the guy off at a Starbuck's or something while the PPI is being done. I have never personally used Sharkwerks, but it seems like lots of people do. If you decide to use somebody in the South Bay there are plenty of other good shops for the PPI. The extra money you spend on the PPI will go a long ways in terms of piece of mind.

Frank 993 C4S

I woud recommend you spend the 1.5 hours and drive over and look at the car and the current owner yourself (after all, seems like you're going to be spending a lot of money). Agree on a price you find fair, subject to the car passing a PPI and put down a deposit that's refundable should the car not pass the PPI. Make the appointment for the PPI at a shop you trust and see what they find (you pay for the PPI and only you get the results). I wouldn't trust a PPI that you didn't arrange and pay for yourself. Once you get the PPI results and they show material technical problems, decide whether you still want to purchase the car at the agreed price or whether you want your money back. I would follow the same procedure buying from e-bay.

I sold my C4S to a guy site unseen (only exchanged pictures). He did a PPI at a local Porsche dealer and was lucky because my car had no stories, all the documentation and I didn't spare any money taking care of it - miss it dearly


BTW - even some of the most perfect sounding cars can have stories. A couple of thousand $s more on a well cared for, well sorted car will more than compensate you for fixing some unforseen surprises that you might get for a lower price. These cars can be expensive to fix.

rcwelch

The car on craig's list looks a little strange to me...check out the offsets on the rear wheels. Looks like they stick out too far and if you lowered the car they would cause some problems...or is it just the angle and the photo.

viperbob

Who is the owner? It looks like a car I may have had as a customer...

c993k

10K since 2000 is not a good point but I had car that I drove 5k in 13 years so it is possible but not really good for the car unless the owner stored it and drove it properly.
Keep looking there will be other 993's that you don't need to wonder about.
If you are stuck on this one take it in and spend the money to have it completely checked out.
Surprises are very expensive when it comes to these cars. Chris

mtbryder

Bob, the owner is Marty Steves...http://www.cabraljeep.com/ he's a dealer selling one of his personal cars. You can even see a picture of him.

Here are more pictures...
http://www.putfile.com/mtbryder
This site is so cool, and I got it from this forum.

Randy, good catch on the tires.

Again, many thanks to all! I've learned so much already.

petermartin

IMHO the car is worth $27K maybe $28K... tops. I would offer $26,500.00 for starters.
I bought a 95 with 90K miles for $22,500 6 months ago, original owner, all records, blah blah. I am inthe Bay area if you need PPI advice. Ebay for Porsches is the same for CL , gotta get a PPI. Best of luck.

95 C4 993

I spent 6 months looking for my 95 C4 993 staring in the first part of 2003. Purchased on Ebay and July 4th 2003, I picked it up in Taho. It had 33k, 2 owners, well maintained, upgraded Milia Migila exhaust, white guages, silver shifter, silver brakes, gas pedal, $3k (ok stereo), car cover, emobilizer, power windows that went up and down with the alarm, air pump (porsche) 30k tune up, clean as you will every see, new about everything with the 30k tune up. $35k and I got a great deal. I have since upgraded w/ LWF/clutch Fabspeed Air box/BMC Filter, ECU Upgrade (Steve at Rennsport).

At 53k today, its as good as you will find..IMHO On a good day, I would probably side for $32k but that aint happening.

Best advice-take your time.