[Paul Crowther]

My '87 Carrera Cab has a tarnished title. Back in 2018, after dropping the car off for routine service at the dealer our area experienced torrential rain overnight and rain found its way in past the driver side window and roof seals. In the morning the shop discovered about 2 inches of water remaining on the floorboards, partially covering the ECU under the seat. The ECU was kaput.

Replacing the ECU and drying and cleaning the carpets ran up a bill of about $5000. I had two options: Pay out of pocket, or submit to insurance and since in Virginia water damage over $3500 covered by insurance must reported to DMV by the insurer, the insurance co reminded me that doing so would result in my having a vehicle title stating "water damage". Without further advice I chose the insurance coverage and the revised title. Big mistake that now, when I'm considering possibly selling the car, the tarnished title will likely make for both a difficult sale and certainly a lower selling price. I can accept a lower selling price if reasonable.

There must be interest out there somewhere for a mechanically well sorted car, with only a few cosmetic issues (try to find them) with an interior that would benefit from new leather and new window seals (!). Seven problem free years and almost 20,000 miles have been put on the car since. Mileage approx 166,000. Engine out service completed 2 years ago. If I decide to list it, I'd probably use PCA Marketplace and possible Pelican to start. Any further suggestions?