Hi:

I'm looking at this 911 and would like to ask for your input on two concerns.

The first is that the carfax shows two minor accidents. Clean title.

The second that it is owned by an aunt (per the seller) and with the low miles, I'm concerned it will suffer from lack of use issues.

Clutch was replaced two years ago, not sure of the other work yet, but will confirm.

Would this be a good candidate or should I not consider it due to the accidents?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5128267391.html

Thank you,
Brad

 

have you already asked the seller for details about the two minor accidents? if they are indeed minor and the car passes a PPI, then go for it.

 

He says he will provide the name of the shop that took care of it, so you'd be wise to call them and try and get opinion and service history (for what its worth as they might not be a great source). Also keep in mind that the accident history will definitely hurt the resale if/when you choose to get rid of it. Maybe use that as a bargaining chip.

Good luck,

 

Price seems about right. As always, the more info about the car you can gather and substantiate, the less risk down the road. A thorough independent PPI is always a good idea. Will probably be in the $400 to $500 range, but money well spent IMO.

P.S. I wouldn't call 77K miles "low miles".

 

Thank you for the quick responses. My intent with the initial post was whether it is worth my time, given the two accidents. Carfax shows one in June 2011 and June 2012. Maintenance and repair history is spotty. Three owner car.

The first was a side-swipe with another car; airbags didn't deploy. The second one was a rear-end collison, airbags didn't deploy.

I mentioned low miles because it is less than the 7-9k per year range that Excellence magazine mentions is the expected norm for Porsche cars. I was using that reference point.

I plan on looking at it tomorrow or Monday to learn more, the details of the history and talk to the shop if I like what I see. I absolutely plan on a PPI.

 

I see your point about the miles. Here is another 2001 Cab that has 62k miles on it locally.

http://click.messages.autotrader.com...f174552a5c76bb

 

Spotty service history, 2 prior collision losses and 3 prior owners.......personally I would move on and for sure I wouldn't spend a penny on a PPI at this point.
Keep looking as a car with a better history us out there, be patient!

 

I'm going to look at it Tuesday evening and review the records they have. Will also be calling the techician prior to that to see what I can find out from him. Will determine next steps based on how thorough or not the information is on the car.

 

I don't think you will find the "perfect" 996 for that kind of price. Expect to do some maintenance and maybe you won't get the complete service history - doesn't mean it won't be a great car.

 

Thanks, I think the perfect car would be a very expensive car if we are talking about the typical full history, maintenance documented etc.

I'm flexible.

I noticed in your signature that your prior car was a Boxster. How would you compare the two? I realize they are different. Ultimately, my question would be whether I should look for the right 911 or get a Boxster now and a 911 later, given the difference in cost.

My thinking is that if I'm looking at 10k-15k, another 5k in cost is just a little more and therefore, should I go all the way with a 911.

All subjective and only I can answer that, but I appreciate comments from others who have owned both.

 

The Boxster was a great little car - extremely well balanced and a ton of fun! In comparison, the 911 is more of a beast. Love them both. The Boxster is the kind of car you can toss around and rev the engine to the redline all day long; the 911 demands a little more respect. If I wasn't tracking the cars I think I would still have the Boxster, just felt a bit under-powered on the track. First time I took the 911 on the track I really discovered the benefit of having all that weight over the rear wheels - such an awesome feeling accelerating out of the corners! For me, the Boxster was a much cheaper car -spent very little on maintenance compared to the 996. For about $15K you should be able to pick up a 986 Boxster S in great condition. My recommendation - drive them both and buy whichever one will make you happy, they are both super sports cars!

 

I see the owner took the ad down, sold or some other issue?

 

Oh, he actually deleted the ad. We arranged last evening to look at it on Tuesday after work. Hmm...


Found this one down in Walnut Creek, CA. This would qualify as high mileage with 130k, but perfect one-owner, maintained history.

http://www.nohrsautosales.com/2000_P..._256800111.veh

 

if it passes PPI and the car meets your "checklist" then GIT R DONE. One-owner CA car, clean CARFAX with service records is a plus in my book.

 

I bought mine knowing it was hit. It had 9k front end damage and was fixed correctly. Mine is 100 percent seamless from the accident but the previous owner stated it killed his resale and any interest in the car. In my case the car has excellent service records all the way back to brand new, was well taken care of mechanically and fit my checklist. I took the opportunity to buy this car which has a damage history for almost 10k cheaper than a clean car I was looking at without the service records.