Does an invalid ODO reading really affect value?

[LandonL]

I got rid of my 1985/1 944 back in 2015 and looking to get back in the game. I found an '87 944S for a relatively decent price, and everything seems to well taken care of mechanically. However, the owner says the odometer stopped working @ 90K miles and estimates she's put about 40-50K on it since then.

Once I buy it I will be forced to check the box of "incorrect mileage" on the title, and any title after that will be branded with an incorrect mileage listing. Some people take that very seriously, I just was wondering if the 944 community really cares as long as the car is in good shape, and if I would have trouble ever re-selling it.

Thanks, and hopefully, I'll be part of the 944 family again soon.

[jmitro]

IMO it depends on the car and the buyer. if the car is clearly beat up and ragged, I don't think it makes a difference. if the car is in very nice condition, it could affect value if the buyer is overly concerned. it also makes a difference in having basically no mileage to associate with routine maintenance and such (for example, how old is the timing belt?) Once the odometer is repaired, I don't think it makes much difference for a 33 yr old car that's worth under $10k

[djnolan]

If you can document the condition when you buy it with receipts and a PPI, and fix the odometer and keep good records, you have a pretty solid leg to stand on should you want to resell it.

[944 Ecology]

I doubt that anybody cares.

In ten minutes, I can add or subtract 200000 miles on most odometers.

If you have the records to back up a low mileage claim, and the condition of the car supports that claim, then you may be able to command a premium price from a buyer.

[jeff968]

I have found that they do care. I had a 94 968 that had the odo replaced at the dealer. Was noted in the book and documented by a notary. That said, when I sold it about half of the potential buyers decided they weren't interested due to the odo replacement and the mileage discrepancy.

[jmitro]

Originally Posted by jeff968

I have found that they do care. I had a 94 968 that had the odo replaced at the dealer. Was noted in the book and documented by a notary. That said, when I sold it about half of the potential buyers decided they weren't interested due to the odo replacement and the mileage discrepancy.

I'm not surprised to hear that. I think there are some buyers that are so caught up in documentation and maintenance records they'll pass up good cars.

[TibetanT]

Originally Posted by LandonL

I got rid of my 1985/1 944 back in 2015 and looking to get back in the game. I found an '87 944S for a relatively decent price, and everything seems to well taken care of mechanically. However, the owner says the odometer stopped working @ 90K miles and estimates she's put about 40-50K on it since then.

Once I buy it I will be forced to check the box of "incorrect mileage" on the title, and any title after that will be branded with an incorrect mileage listing. Some people take that very seriously, I just was wondering if the 944 community really cares as long as the car is in good shape, and if I would have trouble ever re-selling it.

Thanks, and hopefully, I'll be part of the 944 family again soon.

LandonL:

My first thought about this question you have, regarding purchase, is:

How do you know for sure the car has been taken good care of?
(Please do not think I am a jerk for asking this, but without good records then you would be in for some $$$.)
Point and fact, the current owner says the odometer stopped at 90K miles and estimates another 40-50K put on the car. THIS alone would make me wonder if the timing belt is about ready to snap, which would put you in a very bad situation. This is a 16-valve car and not cheap to fix.

Also, what do you mean by "a relatively good price?"
Is it being sold for less than say, $4,000.00 ?

Like I said before, not trying to be a jerk about this, but I do know from my own experience a long, long time ago...there is some hidden costs involved with an odometer that is not working.

If you have good mechanical skills and can get records, as well as a PPI that would be the best advise I can provide.

I am no expert. So, "Good Luck" and I do hope you find a good car to welcome you back to Porsche ownership.

Hope this helps.