pian0_player

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of purchasing my first 911! It is a 2010 Carrera from Carmax. Unfortunately the front panel that opens for the front trunk is heavily scratched. Carmax is offering to paint only that one panel, and they insist on the carmax shop doing the work, and they won't do it until after I purchase the car. Its not a pristine example which is okay for me as I want to use the car regularly, but I am wondering peoples thoughts on the effects of future resale value? I am very worried that the paint will not match the rest of the car and I will be stuck with a 911 that no one wants to buy down the road? I don't really want to spend 6 or 7k to have the whole car repainted. I know Carmax is not ideal for purchasing vehicles like this, but the price is right. Thoughts anyone??? The car is black on black.

Thanks so much!!

himself

They'll get the paint close enough that it won't impact resale later on. If the price is already "right" - and the car isn't pristine to begin with - you shouldn't worry about the small stuff. Get the car if you like it. Enjoy it. If you keep it 5 years, that one panel won't even be a relevant memory when you sell it.

-td

Skwerl

My understanding is that plain old non-metallic black is the easiest color to match. Since it's also the most prone to showing chips, pits and scratches, I'd let them do it and enjoy the clean, fresh look. Since you say it's not a pristine garage queen, the people who really get hung up on original paint probably won't be interested anyway.

Be sure there's some documentation showing that the repaint was done for cosmetics, not to hide an accident.

rickdogg82

If you take some before and after pics so you can document what takes place I don't think it will affect value. Scratches (that require re-painting) are also going to affect the value.
You could bite the bullet and pay for the work yourself so you can choose where the work is done.

j beede

A future purchaser of your 997 will likely order a CARFAX report and have a PPI done. Either or both will report this body work. Some buyers will simply walk away because of this, others will use the report as a bargaining chip. Keep in mind that all colors are hard to match, metallic colors and blacks can be especially difficult.

gulshan

Depends on how long you plan to keep the car and how many miles you plan to put.. If you will keep 5 plus years and take it to high mileage it does not matter. Otherwise you can easily find black on black 997.2's for less than carmax prices at P dealerships. Maxcare is the only reason to go with carmax.. These days third party warranty like Fidelity is only available for 2012 model year and higher and costs way more than maxcare. Maxcare is about $4,000 for 5 years bumper to bumper which is a great deal.

Fined

+1

If it is already showing a bit of wear and you plan to use the car like its... an automobile (ie get in and drive it, and not use it like a garage fixture)... it doesn't matter.

o'bluetouring

Is this regular black or basalt black?

Iceter

If the hood is so messed up that it needs to be repainted, then having it repainted won’t have a negative effect on the car's value unless they completely F-up the paint job.

O’bluetouring’s question is a good one. Basic Porsche black should be relatively easy for a modern and competent shop to match. Basalt black is a whole ‘nuther animal. I wouldn’t trust that color to anyone but a shop that specializes in high-end cars with a stellar reputation.

Also, I’m afraid to tell you that in many parts of the country, $6 or $7k won’t get you much of a paint job.

pian0_player

Thanks for the replies everyone! Carmax eventually agreed to paint the panel before purchase after some back and forth. If its finished I will see it tomorrow, and if it looks good I will take it home! Also, I believe the color is the normal black, not the basalt, but I am not 100%. I do plan on using the car daily and am definitely getting the maxcare warranty which was the main reason I am looking at Carmax. Thanks again everyone for the quick responses!

C4SDayton

Cheaper paint jobs seem to chip easier. Some PPF may be worth it in the long run.

Petza914

Good deal & good luck with it.

pian0_player

Turns out the car had a clear bra and when removed the scratches were gone! No need to repaint! I just came home with my 911, thanks for the help everyone!

o'bluetouring

Congrats!! I know exactly which car you were referring to now if it had scratches on the clear bra I actually saw the car in person last Thursday. For your reference, the color is basalt black metallic, according to the original sticker. Enjoy the car!!