fbeyer56

Your advise is needed - I am looking at a Seal Gray 2002 C4S with 14,000 miles in the Altanta, GA to buy. The P-Car is in great shape. However, it was involved in a "Minor" rear collision, as noted in Carfax. The owner said the only damage was gouge in the rear bumper cover, which was then replaced. Most buyer's guide articles say, if the car has been in an accident - walk away. My questions are; should I walk away or should I have a PPI which includes a laser frame check and if all checks out, still consider the car? Also, any recommendations for a good PPI provider in ATL would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Phil G.

I would look at it seriously. Have a PPI done, and make sure no frame damage or damage/repair beyond what you're being told. 14K miles is low for an '02 and if the car checks out, you're in a good position to leverage a competitive price on it. Good luck and let us know how what you decide. Can you post some pics??

jury_ca

Ask for pics of the damage.

MechanicalEng

I wouldnt be worried about a fender bender... as long as there is no frame damage.. try to find out where the car was repaired...

RaceCarDriver

Minor fender benders probably would not show up on Carfax. Damage may infact be minor but I would have a body shop or p-dealer check it out.

joe 997

What's the asking price?

42empress

Do not walk away if it was only mild. Have it checked out and if ok, consider it. Mine was in a "moderate" accident at 1200 miles, when it was two weeks old in 2002, and I now have 73000 miles on it. It is a non issue as far as driveabilility and safety. Resale is a different matter however. BTW, bumper covers get replaced and repainted all the time. How do you think that all these used cars with zero road debris or pits in the front bumpers are sitting on these dealers lots?

fbeyer56

Thanks for all your advice. Based on your advice, I am going to move forward on negotiations. If we come to terms on price, a favorable PPI will be part of the agreement. I plan to take it to a P-Dealership for the PPI.

Joe - His asking price is $50k.

pl

depending on what you want to buy.
if you are looking for a #-matching collectable, walk away.
if you are looking for a p-car you will enjoy driving, then have some exp. body shop guy inspect the car. point out what's been replace. if just some body panels, i wouldn't worry about it.
does the seller have paper work/photo about what has been done to the car?
$50K sounds high.

rbjbbb

Beat them down on the price for sure.
That $50k car will be worth probably 25 to 30k (whlsl/trade) in 2 years if you put 20k+/- miles on it or so.
Similar situation to my MY2000, bought for 45K, 2 years ago, now worth (best wholesale/trade) of 25k. That is with plenty of options, aero kit and sitting high 40's mileage. Mine is a C2 / but is a Cab.
Just food for thought.
RB

arr0gant

WALK AWAY!!! He is lying, the only way it would have been reported to Carfax is if it was significant enough of an accident. The ONLY way to buy a Porsche is with clean title and a clean carfax.

MJBird993

I have noticed that Carfax is reporting more and more detail than ever before. Depending on the state that the car was registered in, it may even include safety inspections, annual registration renewals and even service visits.

It is therefore possible that any insurance claim, regardless of how minor, may be reported to the state DMV.

I work for an insurance company here in NC, so I wouldn't presume to assume that the laws in this state apply any where else. And I won't post anything on this (or any) forum that could be construed to be trade secrets or anything confidential. Let me just say that you might be surprised at all of the information about you and your car(s) that is shared.

Michael

Andy (Atlanta)

Take it to Jim Ellis or Hennessy Porsche for a PPI.

arr0gant

Maybe that's true, I still say, if you want a Porsche, buy it clean. I highly doubt someone made a claim on a simple bumper replacement. If he buys that car, and gets into an accidnet (cause they happen), that car will have 2 carfax reports and be close to worthless.

There is a reason that MOST dealers won't even deal with a bad Carfax Porsche. I mean, you're taking enough of a chance with a clean car, much less one with a bad history.

All i am doing is passing along the great advice I got when shopping for my P.

joe 997

2002 C4S's are going through the auctions in high 40's. So the price isn't to bad but need to be adjusted for the damage.