So I am interested in a real good looking 2004 911 4s with a a GT2 body kit from reputable Porsche dealer, and the car fax shows a collision repair of $19000.
what are your thoughts on buying a Porsche thats had a claim of $19000 of, the dealer tells me that there was no structural damage, and it was all front end paneling damage.
Tough call, I'd probably pass. Still the 4S is one of the better 996s. Things I'd want to know about the car- do you have detailed records of the repairs? I would also get an independent PPI. 19k is a lot of damage but if replacing lights, fenders, hood, bumper cover, paint, I could see it getting to that level. I would expect a significant discount due to the repair and Carfax report. That will still be there whenever you come to selling it. Is the body kit factory parts? Were they added when the repairs were done? Also do you have other maintenance and repair records? Things like water pump, clutch, etc. Then since it is an
m96 engine
, there is the
IMS
issue- has the bearing been upgraded? If not would you plan to have it done or take the risk?
Zedcat is spot on with his analysis. If the repair shop used new parts, the bill can escalate quickly. If you are not qualified to look at repaired damage to know if it was done right, DEFINITELY have a qualified person look at it. It's your safety at risk. Also, how long ago was the repair and how many owners since the repair? If it was only a couple yrs ago and the car has passed thru multiple owners since then, walk away. If it happened many yrs ago and there's been solid ownership after the repair, then proceed. Do the
tires
have unusual wear or are they brand new? Either could be a clue to issues. Does it drive straight? Does it have a clean title or is it a salvage / rebuilt title?
There's a saying in the Porsche community: the cheapest Porsche you buy can end up being the most expensive one to own.
I struggled over the exact thing. I found a 2014 981 CS, 15k miles and loaded at a great price. However, it had had $17K of body work done on it. The left rear quarter panel had been dented, by the dealer while servicing the car. So the owner had the entire quarter panel replace. All parts were OEM, all work was performed by either the Porsche dealer or a very reputable body shop. All paperwork was available for my review. I struggled with the decision but in the end I passed on the sale. This accident was listed on the Carfax and although it was repaired correctly with no apparent short cuts it will always be on the Carfax. I new when the time came to sell the car the new buyer would have the same struggle that I was going through. Expensive cars are hard enough to sell, unless they are very rare cars. So you really don't want to narrow you market. If you plan to keep the car a long time, like 10 years, then this is less important. But for 5 years or less? Good Luck.
