Serial Number mismatch or is this normal?
 

Hi,

I just looked at a 1988 Carrera Coupe, US model. Manufactured 06/88. Seems to be a California car at least for the last 5 years.

On the doorwheel, the serial number is WPOAB0918JS122055 and this is also on the small (body panel) stickers. But if you lift up the carpet in the front (hood?) area, you see stamped into the metal WPOZZZZ912JS122055. Is this normal? Because the last 7 digits are the same, but the latter model would indicate a Euro car, while the former is a US car? Or did someone find the "euro" model with nearly the same serial number and weld it to its American cousin? I am perplexed.

On other thing--under the front decklid ("hood") at the top there should be a white sticker there with the option numbers, but it is missing. Is it possible the whole hood (both sides) got painted and it was taken off?

Also on the back by the engine there are like 3 out of 4 gold plates - the one on the very left is missing.

Everything else about the car seems legit - it has 144,000 miles, normal wear, but nice paint. There is some wetness/rusty spot on the carpet where your right heel goes but otherneath it seems dry, not sure about that...

Maybe I am just being paranoid. I hope this is fine....

Absolutely normal. The chassis is often stamped at the factory with a ROW number before it is determined where it will actually go.

Ok good. .... unfortunately I found this in the Carfax report that I just did:

Collision Repair Facility, California Vehicle inspected after an accident or other incident. Damage to
front. A vehicle inspection completed by your dealer or
professional inspector is recommended.

This now jives with the missing sticker on the underside of the hood - it must have been repainted or repaired at some point ...

Stay away? This car is cheap at $14,500 .... maybe there is a reason.. (sigh)

the price and milage are probably close to what it is worth, especially if the interior is original and showing signs of wear.
100% of the guys on the board will say get a PPI done and this one should include a good body shop and alignment specialist. If everything checks out it could be a good deal. The hood was probably replaced which is why no sticker. Check the gaps along the fenders and hood and the door gaps with the front fenders. Look at the tire wear closely. Measure the front ride height. Look for any big discrepancies in any of these.

Get a four wheel alignment check and verify the center to center distance between the front and rear wheels both sides. If these are okay the car is likely fine as far as driving. Still worried? Make sure it will corner balance.

Then get the engine & tranny checked out. At that price I would not expect a car without some flaws.