Gray market vin

[redstack]

I am wondering if I post my gray market car's vin, can anyone give me any worthwhile information? The neighbor I'm buying it from says that because it's a euro vin that carfax won't have any thing to reveal.

[djpateman]

Well, we might be able to determine what it is, year, model etc.
Also provide the engine serial # and type # to verify the model.

[docrodg]

Being Gray market there are a few things to contemplate...

Year
Any conversion for DOT/EPA
Possible fraud
Usual PPI stuff

I would suggest posting pics of the actual VIN plates and stampings. There are people on these boards that can tell you if they are authentic. There are unfortunately frauds out there.

Some conversions can ruin the car or cost lots of $$$$ to return to stock if you want to. example, my 68S had no smog mods but had the lights replaced with US tail lights... over 1000 bucks for NOS or similar replacements if I want to bring back to Euro spec. Smog mods can raise hell with the engine performance.

Depending on year carfax may not be available. Even then, they are not truly reliable as they go off of volunteer reporting from insurance companies. This can swing both ways... a guy with a regular insurance policy on a classic gets in a small accident but replacement parts are big bucks so the company writes off the car as totaled for a lot less money than to fix it. Shows up on the carfax as totaled.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Yep, post the VIN. If your nervous about privacy use "xxxx" for the last four digits.

[redstack]

OK as I had said in my intro posting. I am still in the process of buying the car. The PPI showed no big issues, and the price is such that I think I can bring it up to the level of Driver/ Autox/ DE car without being in too bad a shape value wise. My next door neighbor has owned the car for 10 yrs and keeps it in the garage.

I'm curious what the vin will show,

WPOZZZ91ZES101736

[redstack]

Oh the engine # and other info is on the car 3000 mi away and will have to wait until I return home next month.

Thanks for your help.

[djpateman]

1984 ROW coupe with 3.2-Ltr, Flat 6-Cyl, 5-Spd Std, DME Bosch L-Jetronic

[Helios59]

I have an RoW car and it has plenty of data on Carfax. Your car should be in there, too.

As has been said, however, Carfax is a resource of limited usefulness.

[Va_Powerman]

I also have a RoW car, and there was plenty of info on the Carfax as well. Was valuable in checking/confiming information prior to purchase.

But...mine also came with all the appropriate DOT/EPA, etc., letters and certs...

[redstack]

Thanks to all. No real surprises there I guess.

What is the story on the Cert of Authenticity? Would one be available for this car? Is there any reason to apply for it?

[Joe Bob]

My private import has 3 Zs......I get grief from every new insurance rep.

[redstack]

I know, I have been filled with fear and trepidation when I tell the insurance guy the vin. They have already given me a quote based on the car, without the vin of course.

We will only have two cars for two drivers, so I can't get Hagerty, any other suggestions?

[Laneco]

We have our cars thru state farm. One of the 911s is a European VIN. The State Farm system wigs out a little one the O (changes it to a zero) but we work around it just fine.

angela