So I think I have found the car that I want but the vehicle history seems shaky. Its a 2012 911 Carrera 4 GTS with 4600 miles. It was originally purchased in NC and driven for less than a year and 2500 miles accumulated. Here's where it gets sketchy. The car went through 3 dealers from NC to MD, MD to FL, and now finally in PA. It was in two auctions, PA and FL. The Carfax shows the lien/title history and transfers through the states/dealers but no service history. It is a paint to sample car with all of the right options. It looks super clean but I really worry that it has been passed around so much. The current dealer said that its a special car and just hasn't found the right owner yet. Lame. I told him that if I spent the time and effort to get a PTS 911 I wouldn't get rid of it in 6 months and 2500 miles. And if it was so special why is it being passed from dealer to dealer like a hot potato? I want to do a better background check on this car but I'm not sure how. I've Googled the VIN but it doesn't reveal anything telling. Any suggestions or should I run from this car? WP0AB2A9XCS720793

 

its going to have a warranty just buy it!

perhaps call the dealers and try to get a rundown of the history.. sometimes they release this info if the service advisor is in a good mood!

 

You're probably right, I know, but I'm just concerned that it might have undocumented accident history. The dealer said they went over it with a paint meter and it checks out. They can't find any service history through Porsche. I find that odd. My 2011 Spyder has only 8000 miles and has a long service history starting at 2000 miles from oil changes to TSB fixes. I guess I'm worried because I am going into that 100K+ area for a used car. My other option right now is a 2013 Nissan GTR, new car, zero miles. But the C4 GTS has my heart already!

 

The problem is you don't know...it is winter, these are just not moving compared to spring. Unless you find out, it will always be in the back of your mind. AND in 6 months or a year when you want to sell, and I'm the potential buyer, I would walk away from that history. I would not care what kind of Story goes with it.

 

Get a PPI to make sure it hasnt been hit or had flood damage (could have been paid for out of pocket so wouldnt show anywhere). If it checks out beat them down on price because of how much it has been passed around and buy it!

 

I've bought two porsche's now with somewhat unknown histories. Both times I had a ppi done with a good Indy recommended by the boards. Haven't had a problem with either.

Didn't have any issues selling the last one.

 

If you are questioning it, so will the next guy when you sell it and you'll never feel content while you own it. Pass.

 

Couple of observations. The $100K+ ask might explain why there's been no takers. Carfax is of very limited utility. Like many have said, all accident history is not reported. A good appraiser can immediately detect repair work w/a paint meter. PPI is a must regardless of whether they're offering a CPO. Do not ascribe to PCNA any sort of higher regard than you would GM or Ford. Better presentation, but its still a dealership. GL.

 

I traded a car in and followed it's history. The dealer sold it at auction to an out of state car dealer in Florida. After that it went to another dealer and finally ended up in the Chicago area. It appears that some dealers will buy a car at auction and try to flip it in a month. If it doesn't sell they put it back on auction.

 

Take it for a PPI and if everything checks out, buy it and enjoy it

The passing out of the car form dealer to another one is not uncommon, they need to adjust and reduced inventory all the time to get end of the month kickbacks from the manufactures, they auction off high value cars all the time and the new dealer try to flip it in less than 60 days before trying to auction it again.

If the PPI checks out, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

 

Agree on a price first in writing subject to a PPI/DME/paint check done somewhere other than the dealer giving you 24 hours to accept or refuse the car, and then drive/fly up to look at it and seal the deal. As part of the deal tell them you you want all maintenance performed to bring the car to date. They would prob just give you the DME if you asked nicely to check out how it was driven, and If the answer is "hard" then you could move on.


Borrow your own paint meter or buy one for $250 to go over the car one more time in person before you hand over the check. Used 911s like this are too expensive not to personally check the paint. GL

 

Great advice guys. It's only a two hour drive to the dealership so I'm going to check it out on Saturday.

 

I hope it checks out. I love the GTS.

 

Update: I asked the dealership to run a DME on the car, which they did, 80 printed pages worth. Now what do I look for specifically? Also, I asked them to check the center lock wheels for any gauling and to make sure they were torqued properly. Obviously my PPI will reveal any issues but I guess it's good to know they are taking my concerns seriously. DME specifics?

 

I would pass, many others out there that won't make you second guess yourself.