I am about to purchase my first Porsche and found the car I want, a 2006 911S Cabriolet. However, I found out today that the car was left with the roof open and that it got rained on and as it's in California the owner was given a check by the insurance company and therefore the car now has a salvage title.

I was going to walk away, but have been told I might want to have a PPI done and see what comes out. Car has a great history, all service records etc. from Beverly Hills Porsche. So...here's my dilemma, do I go ahead and do the PPI/DME and see if it's good or do I walk away right now?

I know there are a lot of very knowledgeable Porsche guys on here and I would appreciate any and all comments/pointers/etc.!

Willie

 

in a nut shell... I'd walk err run unless you plan to keep that car forever and run it into the ground. Why? R-title vehicles are pretty much worthless in terms of resale. Anybody selling one always has an simple little explanation aka "story" as to why. But there's a real reason, and not necessarily the one they are giving you, for the R-title designation which never leaves the car BTW (unless it's run through a title washing state). Surprised it's even offered for sale by a Porsche dealer.

There are way too many well kept 997s out there which don't have issues - some priced aggressively too (particularly 997.2s). Save your PPI $ and move on.

Good luck in your search

 

Thank you for your comments. Even though this car has low miles, has every option and is the color combination I want, I am going to walk (or as you said run) away.

Search, here I come again!

 

He didn't say it was offered by Beverly Hills Porsche. He said it was serviced there. I'd be SHOCKED if they sold a salvage titled car. No way.

 

Yes, you are correct. Car is NOT for sale there.

 

1234

 

story on salvage cars are... RUN ... some dude at chevy by me had an 09 z06 flood out the insurance company wanted to salvage it and pay him he wanted it fixed... (the dealer has the car for months completely disassembled in the shop trying to gte it to run, get the smell out and put new seats and such in it...

 

Correct, I misread that portion.

If only the control module under seat was replaced, car wouldn't need an R - title designation... There's more to it and OP should move on and not waste $ on PPI until a good specimen is found. A Carfax (which is rarely reliable by any stretch) will probably show this car has been footballed at auction at least once...

 

I am one to not tell people shy away from cars that have a history of being used, on the borderline of abused, but water damage is one of those things that can cause a ton of headaches down the line! Unless it is stupid cheap, walk.

 

It all depends on the price.

If they sold it for a dime on the dollar, I'd take it to play with even if with salvage title. And you can always strip it down and sell the parts to recover your money should you decide to get rid of it. Of course that'll again depend on the purchase price.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I do appreciate your help. Car is reasonably priced but is not a bargain and I have the same worries about future gremlins that might show up. I have decided to let it go and I'm back looking for another one. Not in a huge hurry, would like to get one before spring so will take my time and pick a good one.

Thanks again for the help!

Willie