10 replies to this topic

[PorscheDave]

Hey Everyone,

I just got back from TKX Performance (the Huntington branch of RPM Racing). They did a full check on the Porsche 968 that my friend was looking at.

http://autotrader.co...g=en&cardist=40

I had called Russel Whalers previous to the PPI and he told me that the car was maintained mechanically by this owner very well. In 2002, he had brought it in for a full scheduled maintenance, including timing belts, the works. I had therefore assumed that the PPI would come out with few, if any problems.

What Richard discovered blew my mind. The car was in a MAJOR accident.

Here is the full PPI:

• Car has been smoked in heavily. (My friend cannot tolerate this BTW)
• The drivers out seat bolster was heavily worn.
• Roof cracks extend into sunroof channel
• Sunroof motor/transmission damaged
• Front Valance Insert Shattered
• Sunroof Bubbles up, also root antenna
• All rims are damaged
• Right front fender misaligned and damaged
• Left front inner tie rod is bent
• Right right suspension shows heavy indication of being damaged and sloppily repaired
• Front main seal, rear main seal, and pan gasket are all leaking
• Transmission output shaft seals are sweating

The Compression was as follow:
1) 180
2) 190
3) 185
4) 185

Right when I introduced myself to Richard he told me this isn’t the car to buy. He stopped the PPI short because he saw there was so much damage, it wasn’t even worth going the full two hours (which is why he only charged me 150 instead of 210 [] )

Richard said that if the car was 3500 he would buy it, but at 12,900, its way too expensive for a very damaged 968. He did say that the engine has been regularly maintained though.
I got the feeling when I first talked to this guy that he didn’t know much about 968s. I think he was duped when he bought the car in 2002, and didn’t know the car was in a serious accident. Richard told me to explain to him that my friend cannot buy the car because it’s a smokers car, and my friend is an asthmatic.

That’s my story, let me know what you guys think. []

[GuardsRedCoupe]

Yep... that's why a PPI is a must have. Congratulate your friend on avoiding a lemon.


- Jon

[PorscheDave]

Here is the full carfax.

Report Heading Graphic

Report Generated for
mark s lanctot
For Personal Use Only

Since its establishment as an independent company in 1986, CARFAX has collected the largest vehicle history database in North America. This database currently includes over 3 billion records from thousands of public and private sources.

A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.

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CARFAX Buyback Guarantee Good News -- Vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee!
No severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, major odometer problems or lemon history) were ever reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609). If you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.

You must register at www.CARFAX.com to activate this free guarantee!

CARFAX Talking CarTM
The story of this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609) according to our interpretation of the information reported to CARFAX:
Blue Arrow This coupe has had 1 owner in New York. It was originally registered by the owner for personal use.
Blue Arrow It was involved in 2 different accidents. These police-reported accidents occurred in New York.
Blue Arrow It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood.
Blue Arrow It has not been reported by a DMV as having an Exceeds Mechanical Limits or Not Actual Mileage title.
Blue Arrow It has a consistent mileage history with no indication of an odometer rollback. It was driven an average of 7,665 miles per year, which is lower than the industry average of 15,000. The last odometer reading, reported on 06/29/2004, was 72,172 miles.
Blue Arrow It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback or LEMON.
Blue Arrow It has no recalls that still require repair.
Blue Arrow Its basic warranty has expired. You may want to discuss an extended warranty with your dealer.
Blue Arrow Go to the Detailed Vehicle History for the complete history and a glossary of terms.

Click here to find out more!

Report Summary

1. ACCIDENT CHECK
Total Loss Check No Severe Accidents Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
Other Accident Indicators Accident Indicator Reported

2. MILEAGE ACCURACY CHECK
Truth-In-Mileage Check No Odometer Problems Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
Odometer Rollback Check No Potential Odometer Rollback Found
Mileage Consistency Check No Inconsistent Odometer Reading Found

3. LEMON CHECK®
No Mfr. Buyback Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!

4. OWNERSHIP CHECK
Number of Owners 1 Estimated Owner(s)
Type of Owners Originally Registered as a Personal Vehicle

5. RECALL CHECK
No Open Recall(s) Reported

6. WARRANTY CHECK
No Coverage Remaining on Basic Warranty. Interested in an Extended Warranty?
DETAILED VEHICLE HISTORY 26 HISTORY RECORDS REPORTED
Tell us what you know about this vehicle


Heading Graphic

Year/Make/Model: 1994 PORSCHE 968

Body Style: COUPE
Engine: 3.0L L4 FI 16V DOHC
Fuel: GASOLINE
Driveline: REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Manufactured in: GERMANY
Safety Equipment: 4 wheel ABS, Dual front air bags/active (manual) belts
Standard Equipment: Power Windows, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, AM / FM Cassette, Power Brakes, Removable panels, 6-digit Odometer


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FREE to you from CARFAX. Additional information to help you make the right decision when buying or selling a used car or truck.

Blue Arrow

How safe and reliable is this 1994 PORSCHE 968?
Find out with the CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report.

Blue Arrow

Looking for other 1994 PORSCHE 968 vehicles like this one in your area?
Get a complete, up-to-date list of CARFAX Hot Listings

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What are other CARFAX customers saying about this 1994 PORSCHE 968?
Share what you know about this vehicle - Add a CARFAX Customer Rating & Comment.


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Total Loss Check:

GOOD NEWS! No severe damage events were ever reported by a DMV for this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609). If you find that any of the following severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Salvage Title Loss Due To Fire Title
Junk Title Flood Damage Title
Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title Hail Damage Title
Dismantled Title Canadian Total Loss

Other Accident Indicators:

This 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609) had accident indicators reported to CARFAX from its sources. This section checks for accidents and/or related damage reported from many public and private sources. Not all accidents are reported to CARFAX. A vehicle inspection completed by your dealer or professional mechanic is recommended.

No Salvage Auction Record Reported No Crash Test Vehicle Record Reported
No Fire Damage Record Reported No Airbag Deployment Record Reported
No Frame Damage Record Reported No Damage Disclosure Record Reported
Police Accident Record Reported No Collision Repair Facility Record Reported

Accident Indicators Detail:
Date: Source: Detail:
05/19/1996 New York Police Report Accident Reported
Vehicle involved in crash
with another motor vehicle
04/19/2002 New York Police Report Accident Reported
Vehicle involved in crash
with a guide rail

New York Police Reports:


* Do not include an assessment of damage severity
* Are required if the estimated damage exceeds $1000
* Are released to CARFAX approximately 3 months after the accident date. At times, New York may have a backlog that will effect how quickly some accident records are displayed on the Vehicle History Report.

According to the National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2003 edition, 12% of the 243 million registered vehicles in the U.S. were involved in an accident in 2002. Over 90% of these were considered minor or moderate.
CARFAX depends on public and private sources for its accident data. Each one of these sources has different processing times. CARFAX can only report what is in our database on 21.Oct.2005 04:25:46. New data will result in a change to this report.
Not all accidents are reported to the Police. Tell us if you know of other fender benders, accidents or damage.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

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Truth-In-Mileage Check:

GOOD NEWS! No major odometer problems were ever reported by a DMV under the Truth-In-Mileage Act for this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609). If you find that any of the following odometer problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Not Actual Mileage Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses mileage fraud or a broken odometer.
Exceeds Mechanical Limits Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses an odometer rollover.


Odometer Rollback Check:

CARFAX found no odometer rollbacks for this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609). Rollbacks reported in this section originate from readings collected by a DMV or other verifiable source.

Mileage Consistency Check:

CARFAX found no inconsistent odometer readings in the mileage history of this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609).


Date: Mileage:
09/12/1995 8,229
09/30/1996 17,138
03/13/1998 33,189
04/01/1998 33,393
09/29/1998 38,754
01/07/1999 41,387
05/24/1999 44,214
12/13/1999 49,357
02/14/2000 50,495
03/30/2000 51,944
04/11/2000 52,154
12/15/2000 58,515
04/03/2001 61,010
04/03/2001 61,012
06/13/2001 62,151
02/22/2002 66,200
05/28/2003 71,350
02/07/2004 71,831
06/29/2004 72,172

Average miles driven per year 7,665 CARFAX AdvisorTM Compare this vehicle's average annual mileage to the industry average of 15,000 miles per year. Use this comparison to determine how this vehicle was driven.

Do you know this vehicle's current mileage? Tell us and help protect others from mileage fraud.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

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GOOD NEWS! No manufacturer buyback was ever reported by a DMV for this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609). If you find that a manufacturer buyback was reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

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Ownership History:

CARFAX estimates that this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609) had 1 owner(s). CARFAX analyzed this vehicle's title history and other supporting events to identify potential ownership transfers. In compliance with the U.S. privacy laws, CARFAX does not collect or report owner names or addresses.

Estimated Owners: Date: Location:
1st owner 04/17/1995 New York

CARFAX AdvisorTM
The cost of ownership varies by vehicle. Go to Edmunds.com to check the recommended service schedule and estimated costs for this vehicle.


Types of Owners:

This 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609) was checked for 8 types of registrations.

Personal Use Registration Reported No Fleet Registration Reported
No Lease Registration Reported No Commercial Registration Reported
No Rental Registration Reported No Non-Profit Registration Reported
No Taxi Registration Reported No Built to Non U.S. Standards Record Reported

Do you have information about how this vehicle was used or driven? Tell us what you know.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

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This 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609) has no recalls that still require repair.

Date: Source: Description:
10/21/2005 Porsche Cars North America No recalls open for repair

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

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For your convenience, CARFAX has estimated the remaining original manufacturer warranty coverage based on information reported to us on this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609). Please confirm remaining factory warranty and extended warranty options with your dealer. Interested in an extended warranty?

Estimated start date of warranty: 03/15/1995
Last reading reported on 06/29/2004: 72,172 miles Recalculate with current mileage
Today's Date: October 21, 2005

Type of Coverage: Original Warranty: Estimated Remaining Coverage:
Basic 24 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Drivetrain 24 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Emissions 60 months or 50,000 miles Coverage expired
Corrosion 120 months or unlimited mileage Coverage expired
Transferable Transferable at no cost. Same
Roadside Assistance No data reported to CARFAX
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data reported to CARFAX
Specific Components No data reported to CARFAX
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: not cost, unlimited owners covered.


CARFAX Warranty Check provides an estimate of this vehicle's remaining warranty coverage. It does not take into account some vehicle history events. For example, major accidents resulting in Salvage or Junk titles that may void the original manufacturer warranty or ownership transfers that may decrease warranty coverage. This warranty information is only valid for vehicles manufactured for sale in the US. Complete warranty coverage information is available for this vehicle at the PORSCHE web site.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center


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CARFAX searched more than 3 billion records from over 7,600 sources and found 26 record(s) for this 1994 PORSCHE 968 (WP0AA2961RS820609).

Date:
Mileage Reading:
Source:
General Comments:
03/15/1995 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Patchogue, NY
Registered as
personal vehicle
04/17/1995 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Rosedale, NY
Title issued or updated
First owner reported
09/12/1995 8,229 Inspection Co.
New York
Vehicle Inspected
Anti-theft device present
at the time of inspection
05/19/1996 New York
Police Report
Case #6-347013
Accident Reported
Vehicle involved in crash
with another motor vehicle
09/30/1996 17,138 Inspection Co.
New York
Vehicle Inspected
Anti-theft device present
at the time of inspection
03/13/1998 33,189 New York
Inspection Station
New York City Area
Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
04/01/1998 33,393 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Transmission serviced
Suspension system serviced
Lubed oil and filter changed
09/29/1998 38,754 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Lubed oil and filter changed
Suspension system serviced
01/07/1999 41,387 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
05/24/1999 44,214 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
12/13/1999 49,357 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Cooling system serviced
02/14/2000 50,495 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
03/30/2000 51,944 New York
Inspection Station
New York City Area
Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
04/11/2000 52,154 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Suspension system serviced
Engine serviced
Lubed oil and filter changed
12/15/2000 58,515 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
04/03/2001 61,010 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
State inspection completed
04/03/2001 61,012 New York
Inspection Station
New York City Area
Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
06/13/2001 62,151 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
02/22/2002 66,200 New York
Inspection Station
New York City Area
Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
04/19/2002 New York
Police Report
Case #30518076
Accident Reported
Vehicle involved in crash
with a guide rail
05/28/2003 71,350 New York
Inspection Station
Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
02/07/2004 71,831 Inspection Co.
New York
Vehicle Inspected
Anti-theft device present
at the time of inspection
02/12/2004 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Islip, NY
Title issued or updated
Registration issued or renewed
Registered as
personal vehicle
Loan or lien reported
Passed safety inspection
04/02/2004 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Islip, NY
Registration issued or renewed
Correction to record
Registered as
personal vehicle
Passed safety inspection
06/29/2004 72,172 New York
Inspection Station
Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
10/21/2005 Porsche Cars North America No recalls open for repair
Tell us what you know about this vehicle

Detailed Vehicle History Definitions:

* Accident
CARFAX receives information on accidents in most states when an official police report is filed. The level of detail in the accident record varies by state depending on the state's accident report requirements. CARFAX recommends you obtain a vehicle inspection from your dealer or an independent mechanic for any car involved in an accident.
* First Owner
When the first owner(s) obtains a title from a Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of ownership.
* Personal Use
Vehicle was registered by the owner for private or personal use.

[flash]

the up side is that a really good price could probably be negotioated, and then the car repaired correctly, and have a great driver - none of the damage seems major

[PorscheDave]

the up side is that a really good price could probably be negotioated, and then the car repaired correctly, and have a great driver - none of the damage seems major

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Richard at TKX told me to stay away-it wasnt that there was so much damage I think (there was), it was that the car was so badly repaired and pasted together again.

[flash]

i guess that comes down to how willing you are to get into a project car, and how cheaply you get the car to start with - when i had my shop, i never really had a problem starting with a bare chassis, as long as there was no frame damage, and going from there - the rest was never an issue - now that i am just in my garage though, i tend to limit things a lot more, so i understand the hesitation

if you could get it for under 6k, and you had the time, space, and inclination, you could end up with something cool - if not, then yes, best to pass for sure

[PorscheDave]

i guess that comes down to how willing you are to get into a project car, and how cheaply you get the car to start with - when i had my shop, i never really had a problem starting with a bare chassis, as long as there was no frame damage, and going from there - the rest was never an issue - now that i am just in my garage though, i tend to limit things a lot more, so i understand the hesitation

if you could get it for under 6k, and you had the time, space, and inclination, you could end up with something cool - if not, then yes, best to pass for sure

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That does sound nice, but I am not yet so mechanical so I cannot just buy a project car at the moment (although I would like to).

I highly doubt the seller would be willing to drop to 6 from 12.9. He'll be able to sell it to another person (non enthusiast) and get about 12, if that person isnt so savvy that they dont take it to a PPI, etc.

The thing is that Richard advised me not to tell the car about the accident damage. #1-He said my friend was paying for that information, the seller wasnt paying for it.
#2-he wasnt so sure of the honesty of the guy, since he didnt tell me anything about any accident.

I left a message on the sellers machine telling him that my friend is asthmatic, and since the car is a smokers car, he just cant buy it. Which is a much less controversial and contentious reason for not buying the car, and I avoid any hassles of explaining the accidents, or telling him that I am not satisfied with the repair work his mechanic did regarding the accident.

[flash]

all absolutely valid reasons to pass - you have to be in just the right position to be able to jump into a project car, which this certainly would be - not everybody has the interest in such a thing either - i love building stuff, but most people don't

as for future potential cars, i would not sweat the accident issue so much, as long as it was not frame damage, and the repair was competently done (not the case in this car) - a fender bender is really nothing to worry about in and of itself, and may actually be helpful in price negotiation, if budget is an issue

best of luck

[PorscheDave]

all absolutely valid reasons to pass - you have to be in just the right position to be able to jump into a project car, which this certainly would be - not everybody has the interest in such a thing either - i love building stuff, but most people don't

as for future potential cars, i would not sweat the accident issue so much, as long as it was not frame damage, and the repair was competently done (not the case in this car) - a fender bender is really nothing to worry about in and of itself, and may actually be helpful in price negotiation, if budget is an issue

best of luck

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks

My friend told me that (barring the smoke issue of course) he would seriously consider the car if the repair work had been done correctly. But since it wasnt, TKX advised him to stay away from it.

[jlturpin]

Buyer Beware, Car is up for sale again in KS. After Hours Motors, LLC. Wichita, KS. Asking price is $9900, and after reading above is still way too much. Glad I googled the VIN before wasting my time. Regards

[tamathumper]

Good catch.