Looking at a 2004 C4S with an accident history...

[Update posted below... passed on the car] 27K miles, dealer is asking $39,995. I love the color combo and the reasonably low mileage, but of course am concerned by the history. Dealer has not been able to obtain specifics, but it appears the accident involved damage to one of the rear quarter panels. So my question is, assuming there is no evidence lingering damage from the accident (which happened 6 and a half years ago), what is a reasonable price for this car? Naturally I have to consider the risk of hidden damage and the certainty of future resale difficulty. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Link to carfax: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CDM_U Features: Bose High End Sound Pkg -Inc: 6 Channel Amp W/Equalization Bose Two-State Modulation (Tsm) Switching 100-Watt Amp 5x25 Watt Linear Amps 11 High Performance Speakers, All Wheel Drive, Tires - Front Performance, Tires - Rear Performance, Aluminum Wheels, Power Steering, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, 4-Wheel ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Power Tilt/Sliding Sunroof, Sun/Moon Roof, Rear Spoiler, Heated Mirrors, Power Driver Mirror, Power Passenger Mirror, Heated Exterior Driver Mirror, Heated Exterior Passenger Mirror, Power Driver Seat, Power Passenger Seat, Bucket Seats, Leather Seats, Pass-Through Rear Seat, 2nd Row Bench Seat, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Keyless Entry, Power Door Locks, Vehicle Anti-Theft System, Cruise Control, Remote Trunk Release, Rear Defrost, Climate Control, A/C, CD Player, Premium Sound System, Driver Vanity Mirror, Passenger Vanity Mirror, Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror, Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror

It says in the carfax that the vehicle was disabled during the accident. You don't want this car. Not for $20K, not for $30K, and certainly no freaking way for $40k.

40k seems kinda steep for a car with an accident in it's past

run, don't walk, away from this one.

Run Forest, run!!!

Speaking as someone who just bought a 2004 C4S with 20k miles: $40k is pushing it even if it had a pristine title, unless I'm missing something big in the option list. I could see that price if it had a clean title, pristine condition & PPI, full records, CPO, and you really loved this exact option and color combo. With the messed up title ... I'd just listen to the other people and skip it entirely -- don't even try to figure out a price. There are plenty of nice 996's around for decent prices -- you can afford to be choosy. Again from someone who recently bought a C4S without knowing the market well: if you don't need a car right away, join Rennlist and look at the last few months - one year of the For Sale section. That will give you a much better idea of what you can get for your money.

Agree; I did the same, with an '03, and that price is high with/without accident for a dealer car (although not that high, unfortunately). If you are willing to pay dealer price, call up the three or four Porsche dealers in your area (I know them by name; feel free to PM) and get on their radar. Or troll the boards, join PCA as a six-month non-member, and save a few bucks. Either way, avoid this particular car. Usual disclaimer: poster (me) is (am) a noob.

Thanks for the advice / wisdom... it is really much appreciated!

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If a PPI checked out, I would be a buyer at $20k all day long - even with the accident history.

Yeah, we all think if car is OK its worth half. But reality that dealer is into it for WAY much more. They will eventually find a "sucker" that wants a Porsche so badly but has no clue. You will see that price also dropping as nobody bites soon.

If you are going to pay that you should talk to this guy http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2348787110.html This one is disclosing no issues and has only 20k miles!!!

If there were any hidden damage from the accident I think it would have made itself known by now. I don't know about the price, that is I am not current on 996 prices. If you do want to proceed with this car, I'd want to see even tire wear, front and back and side to side. Also, I'd like to have a knowledgeable Porsche tech put the car on an alignment rack and assure me the alignment adjustment settings are 'reasonable', that the alignment adjustment hasn't been all used up to bring the car into proper alignment. If this is the case then the car was not properly repaired --- it likely then suffered chassis/tub damage that was not straightened out correctly. Sincerely, Macster.

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If you don't mind saying what you paid, please do (by post or PM). I'm blocked at work, but will check it out later. Thanks again to everyone for the great advice. It is not falling on deaf ears!

Check out 6speed classifieds. There is a nice C4S asking $5K lower than the dealer. Its not the blue color but a common silver.

Thanks in large part to the guiance received from this thread, I ran away from the car in question. I ended up with a very low mileage absolutely pristine 2002 C2 that strangely enough has never had to be towed away from the scene of an accident! LOL. Thanks guys... this thread showed the great value of a solid online car community. Will post up pictures of what I ended up with when I get a chance. I'm thrilled with it.