Would someone be kind enough to post some recent auction list prices for a 2008 GTS?

Also, in your experience just how accurate is Carfax? Carfax and Autocheck came back with clean titles with regards to liens, but is this accurate? Other than writing to the DMV of the specific state (takes 2-3 weeks for answer) is there another means to truly find out if a title is clear? Thanks much!

 

Both Carfax and Autocheck aren't entirely accurate. All that means is that there was no damage "reported." Still could have paint work done, same as body work.

PPI is the only way to get real feedback, unless you've got the trained eye to tell when at the auction.

 

If you can see the car in person, run a paint depth check. Factory depth should run between 4.5-6mm.

While a CPO'd car shouldn't have major damage, they do sometimes slip through as the accident wasn't reported and the dealership didn't properly do their homework. Keep in mind that well kept cars are often kept by the dealership for resale (and pass CPO and/or are CPO'd). Those that don't are sent to auction.

 

I went to go trade my CPO 06 Cayenne S in on a 911 this past friday and the dealer claimed the car had been in an accident based on the car fax report. The trade in Dealer checked every body panel high and low with a paint meter. No way the car has been painted they said. Talked to the dealer that sold me the Cayenne and he said there was no way the car had been in an accident but here I am with a Cayenne S worth 15-20% less because it was in a "multi impact" accident. I bought the car in Oct '10. Supposedly the accident happened in Florida in January 10 but not reported until February '11. The car was bought and traded in at a PCar dealer in PA. It has always had all it's service at the dealership where I still take her. So frustrated. Can't trust carfax.

 

That's a huge bummer. I have to admit, I haven't been vigilant on checking for accidents other than the car-fax as well, because I was also always buying CPO'd. Heck, I bought both my cars from 800-1200 miles away, flew in and drove them back. It would make me feel sick to learn as you did, one of these were in an accident (sorry, not trying to rub it in, after all I might have one too).