Numbers don't match

I recently purchased a 2003 C4S at the local Porsche dealer. The stamped VIN numbers on the car don't match the VIN # in my owner's manual and the sticker attached to my hood. Any suggestions how this could happen? The owner's manual and the hood sticker match.each other. The list of options don't match the car I bought, nor do the stamped VIN# match the stickers.

Sounds suspicious to me. Could be the car has had a prang and the hood is from another car. Could be the car is stiched together from many bits off many cars. Go back to the dealer asap and ask for "written" explanation.

Something isn't right, you need to get on the phone to PCNA ASAP and have them run the numbers for you to find out why this has happened. They will also be able to provide you with engine and transmission #'s should you want to check those as well. I also concur, get an explanation in writing from the dealer.

The stamped number will be WPOZZZ....... whereas the VIN stcker is WPOAA.........(or similar) this is always the case with Porsche cars. As long as the last numbers match and the VIN plate at the windscreen and door match nothing is wrong. As far as the options, what is different? As the car was bought from an official dealer, simply take the car back or call them and find they will answer any questions. The dealer would have run the car through the used car inspection program before you bought it.

Why does everyone jump at conclusions like "suspicious" right away? It could be a simple mistake of switching stickers between two cars. What David should do is go back to his salesman and show him/her the situation. I am certain the mistake will be rectified.

I talked with Porsche Customer Comitment. The hood Vin is a European # the stamped is American. They have no reason for the options being totally different and said they can't decode or track the car. Totally unhelpful!

Does anyone have a sticker under their hood and in their " Maintenance Sports Cars" handbook that doesn't match the stamped vin # on the car?

David, Before I bought my car I called PCNA and told them the VIN, they gave the full options list that came with the car. There is an 800 number...try 1 800 PORSCHE

Thanks Cab. I called them and they gave me the option list for the car, but said the can't decipher them? Does that make sense? The options according to Porsche USA don't match the options listed on the two stickers with the different VIN number

What letters or numbers for the VIN on the 2 white stickers do not match the VIN on your windshield, door sticker, and next to the battery under the plastic window? 5 places to compare. All 5 match on my 1997 Boxster, but the option codes on the 2 white stickers do not match what is in my car. Many of us change the car, add parts/options, sell parts, or swap parts. Like the trip computer, wheels, colored wheel crests, heated seats, 3 spoke steering wheel, or sell the hard top, and other things. Dealers also swap parts from a car on the lot to put in another car when they have a customer who wants them. What options is your car "missing." This of course would not explain why the VIN does not match. It would take effort to switch the white sticker under the front hood - that cannot be a mistake. If you look at my picture there are 2 stickers. They are on a roll of waxed paper. The one stuck on the hood is partially stuck on - the waxed paper is peeled away and then the rest of the sticker is pressed on. The second sticker on the waxed paper is put in the maintenance book. It comes from the factory partially stuck on just like in my picture so they cannot be mixed up with another car. Jeff

Jeff, Man where do you find this stuff. I'm impressed.

I was just at the dealership. They said the wrong sticker was stuck to the trunk lid at the factory and cstuck to the manual as well. Not only do the VINs not match to the three on the body work, the options list on the sticker shows right hand drive etc. they will try to get a correct one from the factory

See? I told you the dealer would take care of it. No big deal after all.

that's the first time i've heard of something like this! but the next time it happens i can say i've heard about it before.

David, didn't you say it was a RHD car? Is the car an import?

Just when I thought there was going to be an exciting end to this story. You initial post was to ask what were the option codes on the sticker. You listed things such as XSC ( crest in headrest) and X51. Maybe they should get you the correct car with those options.

My conclusion was "something isn't right" and that he should contact the necessary people to get it straightened out, which is what he did and he in fact found that something indeed wasn't right. Whether or not something is suspicious as Scouser first suggested probably depends on your point of view. I do have to wonder why the dealership that sold him this car didn't catch it, sounds "suspiciously" like poor dealer prep to me. Glad it all worked out though...