Another pre-purchase post

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.

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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!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Agreed. It's got miles, but if the service history is good, that shouldn't be a deal breaker. Look for evidence that the 60k items -- coils, plugs, tubes, water pump, serpentine belt, thermostat, etc -- were done recently. Also the AOS and coolant tank, one or both of which should've crapped out in 15 years and 130k miles. Service records ought to show a brake job or two, probably a clutch, and maybe RMS and/or IMS bearing. Looks like the headlights have got some burn on them, probably from aftermarket halogen bulbs. You can get replacements on eBay, or convert to bi-xenon. I'm not crazy about the wood accents and would take the center stack and console back to black, but it looks like a well optioned car at a fair price.

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I don't like the wood accent either, but figured it can be replaced as you noted. I noticed the headlights are the old style and would prefer the bi-xenon as well. Also something that can be changed relatively easy. The carfax shows 30k, 60k and 90k services.

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Concur. That's something you can do at your leisure - won't keep you from driving the car. You can watch eBay/craigslist for a good deal on some nice used interior parts. Guards red over black cabriolet, 6 speed at that price point = a lot to like. Probably has dual row IMSB, so even if original not much to fear there. Drive it for a couple of years and sell it in early spring and you might get all your money back if you want to upgrade.

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Mine had a minor hit on front fender in early life - but passed ppi with no issues - and I haven't had any issues after 5 years of ownership. I think as long as chassis is straight and paint / seams is good - no reason to avoid - on contrary - might be able to negotiate lower price due to that. I also got some but not complete service records with mine - had to get the rest from dealer/car fax and even then I'm not sure if was complete , but I budgeted for what I thought would be all the preventative items at its mileage. Mine had average of 6k per year ... I didn't know to avoid ultra low mike models and definetely didn't want very high mileage model ...5k a year in my book is ok - as long as it was not lots of very short trips or long periods of time in storage. Car fax gave me some idea of the latter at least .. And po gave me rough idea of how car was used at least when he owned it ...

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Just received a text message from the seller saying he has a full price pending offer. This is in regards to the silver 911. "Car is pending sale at full price. If financials fall through I will let you know" Explains why he took down the ad. Separately, I sent an email and filled out the form on the dealer's website for the red 2000 911 cab. No response yet.

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Thanks for sharing. I realize this is the 996 thread, but I came across this ad today. 2000 Boxster S with 81k miles and states a sports package. Full maintenance records. Current owner has had it for 6 years. Has original window sticker. Asking $10,200. http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/5132180517.html

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Buy the red 996 cab

I had bought a Boxster 2000 5 years ago for $10500 with 55,000 miles and sold it two years ago for $10500 with 64000 miles. A bit of a garage queen but it was fun. I now have a 996 2000 with 128000 miles with no major issue(AOS was done last year. If I had to chose the 996 wins for me. The coupe has the looks that is a classic and the power curve is so much more. Even though I loved the BOxster as a well balanced sport car the 996 just makes me smile.

I have to agree with lahalte - the 996 wins for me too at this point in my life. But, if you want a less expensive, very fun and capable Porsche sports car the Boxster in that ad looks like it could be a great buy. You could probably drive it for a couple of years and sell it for about the same price, and then move to the 996. As I recommended earlier - drive them both. And don't rush - the search is always fun too!

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I have been enjoying the search for sure and the input from all of you! I definately want the 996 and I'd rather wait for that one then compromise. I think the boxster is a great car as well. Haven't been able to get a response from the dealer in Walnut Creek (red 996). I have vacation coming up soon. Hopefully I can connect with him before then. If not, hopefully when I return.

I heard from the dealer today. He confirmed the car comes with the matching red hard top. He is trying to get details of the service records. I had asked about recent major work history, like the clutch, AOS, coolant tank, brakes etc. I'd like to arrange for a PPI. Any recommendations in the Walnut Creek or Oakland area? Should I post this ask separately? Service records show service facility, Oakland, CA and at the dealer.

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Can't help you with PPI recommendation in your area. You might want to start a new post.

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I'm actually in Seattle, WA. I'll start a new thread Pacific Power Motorsports looks promising...

Special thanks to a Rennlist member (Ross) who was willing to drive an hour round trip to check out the car on Saturday and take a lot of pictures. He is a real Porsche enthusiast. I love this community! While the car isn't thrashed, it is well used. There are a lot of little things that will need attention, but almost all are cosmetic. While Ross was there, he noticed the airbag light was on the dash. The car kept chiming while he did a quick test drive. Ross mentioned this to the dealer, who said it was new. However, we can see it was an issue when the dealer took the pictures for their ad. In summary, by the time I were to take care of all the cosmetic issues, it would easily push the cost up by several thousand dollars. Could be a fun project or a money pit. Ross shared that the dealer is pretty firm on price and the dealer feels strongly that he will be able to sell it easily. Time will tell......

Good luck with the search!