Importantce of Past Service Records

I have found a one owner 88 coupe with 54000 mi. It is a "Signiture Edition" and has all the options that I have been interested in. However, even though the ad states that all service has been performed including a new clutch, the dealer states that the book has not been stamped "since the dealer was rather lazy" and that some of the early service records are not available as they are in the possession of an ex husband.

We have not yet discussed price, but the asking price is at 30K. Even if an acceptable price could be agreed upon and if the car was satisfactorily inspected would the incomplete records be enough to cause one to steer away from that vehicle?

Is the Signiture Edition that valuable or is the car priced a little high.

Thanks for the advice. By the way the car would be a daily driver. What to you all think?

Sounds very high, even with complete service records. Seems like lower mileage Carerras are going for mid 20's, a few grand more for cabriolets.

Get a good vehicle inspection by an independent Porsche mechanic. It's worth the money. I'm sure somebody on this board will be able to recommend one in your area.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro


[This message has been edited by wckrause (edited 09-28-2000).]

I'd agree. Service records are importnat, but not as important as thorough professional inspections. And the price seems high.

You're gonna have quite a daily driver! Those Carreras are something. they're just not $30k.

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'83 SC

I think service records are pretty impt.
It shows that the owner is (minimally) responsible and diligent. If they were too lazy to set aside a file for $$$ repairs on their $$$ car, it leads me to believe they were too lazy to get it serviced properly.
It indicates to me that they are not the type who does things correctly.
While buying any used car is a risk, service records help minimize the risk. They tell the history of the car. They are useful in determining if the mileage shown on the odo is accurate. (The 4600 per year that car was driven is pretty low, I'd want some verification). These cars are VERY easy to tamper mileage with. And, they hide their mileage well. If I put an odo with 80,000 miles less in my car, you'd probably believe the mileage, no problem. Your mechanic would, too.
$30k is a lot for a used car. For that price, I would insist on close to perfection, and absolutely no "stories" or excuses.
Just my opinion.

Inspection is a little more important to me and then service records. I would like to see the last five years if poss. though.

There are roughly 4 types of owners
1) dealer does everything including over charge the ignorant (but maint. retentive) owner.
2) The guy that fixes (gets fixed) stuff when it breaks.
3)the tinkerer/light maint. guy (no eng or trans rebuilds)
4) hard core mech that does his own rebuilds including eng/trans.

most on this board fall into #3 (some vary)

I think that 1&3 will keep better records.

Even if records are there "1" the paranoid guy that follows the maint to the letter might not know that there is a problem. So, 3&4 might be the guys to buy from (At least they know the car even if records aren't there).


IMHO 30K is too much but at least Get it checked out and run one of thoughs accident reports that (Warren?) mentioned before.

Did I already say that I thought that 30K was too much?

s

Rich:

I wouldn't let a dealer talk you into accepting a price of $30,000.00 without attempting to haggle over it. A dealership here (in Northern Virginia) typically over prices older Porsches by as much as $20000.00. One day I saw one of their web ads, and when I referrenced the price and (with a cynical tone) said "A little on the high side, isn't it?", the salesman quickly shouted out "$27,900.00, Final sale price!" (the car was a '90 C2 and they had it listed for $39,900.00). Here are some price quotes for you of fully reconditioned cars in excellent condition:

Excellence, August 2000 Issue: $27563.00
Kelly Blue Book, summer 2000: $27600.00

You might want to do a CarFax on it and see if these guys picked the car up at auction. If they did, there's a GOOD chance the car is in good condition (at best), and may already have stuff wrong with it. A fair number of inept owners seem to dump the cars whenever some expensive repair (like a clutch job) comes along.

If you do go for it, get the PPI done and have the dealership lower the price. Your savings would be enough to pay for a new clutch with change left over.

Good Luck,

Bill Wagner

Thanks to all who took the time to answer. I haven't as yet even tried to negotiate a price. The car is in Chicago while I am in St. Louis so I have not even seen it yet.

I was a little put off because the dealer allowed me to incorrectly assume that they were a "Porsche Dealership" when in fact they are a luxury preowned dealer.

I would be more inclined to follow this one up if the service records were available. I find the statement that all the stamps were not entered into the book because the dealer was "lazy" somewhat hard to believe. I question if the service was really carried out.

Again thanks to all who responded. I am learning alot by reading the postings on this BBS.