porschekid74

I recently found what appeared to be the perfect 993 C4 Cabriolet. Very nice paint, etc 70k miles, new top, and major service just done. Shocks, brakes, gaskets, oil tubes, etc...10k worth if work from my mechanic. I can buy it for 24k, but doing research I found it was previously salvaged in 2005 @ 50k miles in TX. Its been registered in MA since then with a clear title. Even though it gets a great recommendation from my guy who I trust, Im worried about resale if I ever need to sell. What are the current thoughts on this one from the group??

Jeff96-993

Your call. I would pass, but that's me. There are plenty that don't have a negative history. I'd find one of them.

Cemoto

That surprises me. In my experience MA is real tough when it comes to titles with a category for almost every conceivable type. They were a real pain when I had an Audi rebuilt after buying it back from the insurance company in '95.

Was it a wrecked rebuild or a theft recovery? Have you asked the seller about it?

Linnm

There might have been at least one or maybe more intermediate stops between the TX title and the MA title!

porschekid74

It does appear it went thru Oklahoma from the report. The damage was to the right front end. Fender and maybe door. I was surprised because on the surface the car looks great and drives even better. From reading other posts it seems like resale maybe difficult.

P-daddy

For this reason, you'll get a great price now. That discount will most likely pass on should you decide to sell at a later time. If it was me, I'd run!

John H

If you decide to pass, please pm me the details.

zirrah

I'd pass, but 993's hold value so it likely wouldn't lose any value even with the questionable history.

nine9six

If you're going to buy it to keep it, enjoy it, and drive the bejesus outta it, then by all means...Especially if it passes a good thorough PPI. $24 k is chump change for a car that may give you years and years of enjoyment.

See how a PPI comes out and work pricing from there, if you're still interested!

You know going in it will NOT have the resale value of the same car with a clear history, right? So there's really no mystery here...

It all boils down to why do you want the car? Investment / Driving enjoyment
HTH

u7t2p7

Are you worried about resale in general, or specifically to this salvaged 993? At $24k the price reflects the branded title. A good clean "8-9" condition stock C4 Cab with 70k miles is $30k in the winter and probably $32k in the spring. Factor in the $10k necessary service (not mod stuff) and add 50% of that (for depreciation) to the price, or $35-37k range. So in essence you'd be buying at a 35% discount. If the car is as nice as you've described it to be it sounds like a very fair deal, especially if you like the color, options, etc. The other advantage is that you would be only tying up $24k of your capital and not $35-37k. While you're driving it won't "perform" any differently and when you sell it you'll probably move it quick given the condition and service history. Lastly, as these cars age, history becomes less important and condition becomes the overriding factor. Who cares if a 73RS or 58 speedster had a salvage title 25 years ago if the condition of the car is exemplary.

skicoach

Completely agree with above. With or without the title issue, this is not of the investment variety. Assuming a good PPI, recent work, and your assessment of it's condition/handling, I'd say it's a no brainer. Just what could you ever expect for 24K in a 993?

993Brendan

I say it depends. If a $30k to $35k 993 is out of your reach a bit, then this would be a great chance to get into a car for less than that as long as you got a PPI and were comfortable it was in good shape.

If $30k to $35k is what you were planning to spend and you think you'll keep it for a while, I would keep looking. After the initial excitement fades you may regret it.

Good luck!

Cemoto

With re-buildable accident cars selling for above $18K I think it is a great value especially with all the work done.

Look at this, and the auction is not over yet.

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/Vehicl...73&RowNumber=1

With 20K miles put on the car in question after the re-build you know it must be ok to drive....

Magdaddy

why a salvage title was issued against a car, varies as much as accident reports on a Carfax. IMHO, neither should immediately make someone looking for a driver, walk/run away.

As the value of these cars continue to increase, some folks will be simply priced out of the market. For those wanting a reasonably priced driver, salvage history and accident history cars might someday be the only entry point.

Most important here is the extent of the previous accident, and quality of subsequent repair. This particular car might damn well be a gem, also might not be...only a complete mechanical and body PPI will tell for sure.

Not everyone is interested in just the low mile, one owner, never driven in rain, never washed with water, always stored in a climate controlled garage, all original paint, in stock condition....993.

For those interested in thrashing these beauties in the real world, this salvage car just might be that admission ticket.

To the OP, if you like the color combo and condition, get a PPI by a shop that knows these cars. You buy it cheap, develop a solid maintenance, performance history going forward..somebody, somewhere, will be willing to take the chance if/when resale time comes along. Between then and now, you'll be enjoying a classic, and I doubt you'l ever think about that salvage title again as you rack up the miles on it.

Good luck

porschekid74

Thanks for all the feedback guys I really appreciate it. Like said at the start of the tread if it wasn't for my Porsche shop mechanic's feedback I wouldn't have even considered it. We'll see how things go this week and then I'll report back!