Found a scheme with some used car dealers that not everyone truly gets the full disclosure. I'm searching for an unnecessary family wagon, specifically a 2018-2023 Panamera Sport Turismo. Using all the online services I find one locally in Atlanta just to check out, mamba metallic green not my color though. At the lot I first spot multiple rows of Porsches, all models. Also see groups of Mercedes AMGs, some Lambos, two Maserati MC20s, BMWs and other nice Asian brands, all listed with NO Warranty. I then wonder how this dealer acquires such nice inventory.
Since the Sport Turismo is unique and in low resale numbers, I have a talk with a salesman, trying to see if he can check dealer auctions or other ways to research availability. Early in our discussion I ask how they get such nice inventory. He then asked me if I ever heard of dealer buybacks, I said lease turn-ins, sure. I was partially right, he was more specific about repurchases in the form of vehicles with past defects, warranty issues, lemons, unhappy buyers, or some with title issues. Boom, big red flag! Nothing mentioned about theft or flood vehicles. I start thinking, all these nice cars here have or had something wrong. Further research needed. As I found in another PPOT post, Carfax is somewhat of a joke about documenting vehicle history. AutoCheck reports are known be a bit better. To this Atlanta dealer's credit, they explain the repurchase procedure here:
https://www.driveadream.com/manufacture-buyback.htm
They have no issue with potential buyer getting a PPI. With these types of cars however, the inspection needs to be beyond thorough, including engine and transmission oil analysis with hope there was not a recent change. Google reviews on this dealer are mixed just as I thought. Lucky ones got a dream ride with no issues; others bought a mechanical nightmare and are very unhappy. Not sure about what types of owner warranties are available with repurchased cars. I do know the specific buyback repaired issues have a 1-year/12k warranty.
Seeking comments on this type of car with a "former" issue, my take is a big gamble, also depends on category of the issue. Very likely I won't be purchasing from them unless the vehicle problems are clearly stated, with proper repair documentation, and I can find a service contact to discuss what was done. Now thinking that the Porsche CPO premium price is worth it, if vehicle has all Porsche dealer visits and excellent service history.