Was looking to step up from my 2003 X51 C2, and found the 997.1 S not enough of a step up (in fact, performance of my car seems to be dead on with a 997.1 S)

So, I've been looking at higher mileage 997.2 S cars nationwide. Found one that seemed to fit the bill; about 40k miles with accident/body repair reported on Carfax. CPO, PDK, full service history, and decent options. But no details on repair work, unfortunately. Was willing to take the risk and able to work a deal at 63.5k, but found a very slight dent on rear panel with a tiny spider crack in paint, which broke the deal for me.

Considering I'm taking a risk with a car like this anyways, too **** on my part to pass it up?

My budget is 65k, and I expect to be able to pick up a mint similar car with same or lower miles within 6-12 month's time, thinking more lease returns on 09's will be rolling in early next year.

Any thoughts/opinion on this?

 

I think you were smart to pass, mainly because of history

 

I didn't think they could cpo cars that were in accidents.

 

my understanding is that they can, as long as the car checks out fine in CPO inspection.

Porsche Approved vehicles are inspected by factory trained technicians who conduct a mechanical and cosmetic 100+ point inspection
Repairs are carried out in line with the strict Porsche quality criteria

There doesn't seem to be any information published by Porsche that a vehicle that has been in an accident cannot be CPO'ed.

 

if you are spending 65k then you should find what you will not second guess yourself.
take your time and find the right car.

 

you made the right choice.

 

Nothing about accidents in the CPO checklist but there is something about number of panels repainted/repaired - I think any more than 2 can't be CPO'd. It's on the checklist.

 

If you were unsure, you made the right call. No need to be worrying about what repairs were done. Good luck in your search.

 

I think you made a good call to pass, besides there should be plenty of good buys in your price range within the next few months, with the 991 coming out and all.

 

smart choice - wait for the perfect car to come along....it will be soon with the 991 right around the corner...

 

Yup...definitely wait for the spring to come when 997.2 or 997.1 owners start the pilgrimage to Porsche dealers wishing to get the 991.

You'll see them coming over the hills and what will be left behind are many 997's looking for good homes...

I'm planning to pick up one of those returns!

 

I think you will find more in the spring. If the seller had the history of damage along with photos before and after it would make a difference. The price on the S with PDK didn't look bad to me. Paint cracking due to a bunch of filler under the paint would worry me.

I had damage to my right front without frame issues and was amazed at how quickly the bill for parts added up. There are a lot of expensive parts under the bumper cover that don't take much to be rendered useless. The right side radiator/condenser/fan/headlight/driving light along with the bumper cover would buy a usable beater for work.

I took before/after photos of mine for any future sale. I decided to turn a bad day into a good day and went ahead with a factory aero kit upgrade since I had to buy a new bumper cover anyway. At this point I'll just hang onto it for a few years and enjoy driving it more than I had originally planned.

On the CPO issue if it is a private sale on CPO car without dealer intervention I believe the CPO travels to the new owner regardless of the paint history.

 

i'll be taking one to the vaterland come springtime...would be nice to take warranty along

 

I'd certainly think that right now is the wrong time to buy a used 997.2. Wait until 991 is on the lot and the prices will fall. I'm also already hearing 15 to 20% off new 997's. Next year your 65k will buy a much nicer car.

 

Two panels or less qualifys for CPO.