Buy 993 with prior accident???

sbpirish · 01-18-2020, 04:46 AM

Really need some help here. Found exactly what I was looking for, a 1998 993 convertible with 50,000 miles. Exact color combination I want. The problem is CARFAX shows an accident in 1999. Being so long ago I can’t find any info about the accident. I would obviously get a PPI in hopes of finding out how intensive the repair was. I wouldn’t even be considering this car but it had a $21,000 engine out rebuild in 2018 so having that piece of mind is what is making me consider it. Thanks in advance for your help

Matt Monson · 01-18-2020, 04:49 AM

What does the seller know about it? I’m not risk averse, so I would still look at it. Many would move on automatically. To me details matter.

sbpirish · 01-18-2020, 05:24 AM

The seller is a dealership and they know absolutely nothing about the accident, I’d be relying on the PPI for any insight into how extensive any damage was from the accident.

Matt Monson · 01-18-2020, 05:31 AM

Proceed with caution and make sure whomever does the PPI is thorough. Never trust the seller. I got burned doing that...

1979-930 · 1979-930's Garage

And keep in mind whatever savings you get will stick with the car and make it difficult to sell when that day comes.

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DerkPerk · 01-18-2020, 07:27 AM

If it all checks out and you plan on keeping the car as far as you see into the future, take advantage of the savings now.

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littleoldman · 01-18-2020, 07:58 AM

I agree with
And keep in mind whatever savings you get will stick with the car and make it difficult to sell when that day comes.

an

If it all checks out and you plan on keeping the car as far as you see into the future, take advantage of the savings now.

ENJOY the car for yourself but know that the same savings you are getting versus a No Accident Car will be needed when you sell it.

ENJOY the great car you found - BUT Get the PPI to confirm no structural/mechanical/frame damage. Find someone with a Clewett Bench and ask for them to check tub/frame alignment

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

Not the end of the world, but I would assume the dealer isn't discounting it enough (at all?) for the accident.

I'd make sure the PPI includes a well informed body guy as well as a mechanic. One doesn't always have the knowledge that the other does.

Tread very carefully. I'm sure this car isn't cheap.

Unobtanium-inc · 01-18-2020, 09:49 AM

My 993 got a salvage title in 2002, it's clear now but will always be branded with salvage history. If you like the car and the price is good, buy it and enjoy it. Personally I would much rather have a 25 year old car with a fresh motor and 20 year old wreck, than a 25 year old car without a rebuilt motor. If it happened in 99 and the car is still out there it's probably fine. Get a PPI, but like I said, buy it and enjoy it.
My 993 is the finest Porsche I've ever driven, I love it, the most refined air-cooled 911 ever built, it really gets no better.

---Adam

rgofast · rgofast's Garage

So what are we supposed to do if we have a nice car and it gets into a wreck. Totally dis own it? What I would like to see is it taken to someone who can see if the tub is bent. Have some one trail behind you and drive over water to see how it tracks. Are sure it’s going down the road straight. Have a check done on the alignment, to make sure it can be aligned to spec. A good body man will also be able to spot non factory paint work. If a car is repaired properly, and it was not a salvage, or pieced together car, what is the worry? If it was a major incident, then it should be able to be spotted by a competent person. I might walk away if it was major. When we bought our 993, I had the dealership put it in the shop, where I performed a quick detail of the body, then we racked the car, and I checked everything underneath. I did discover that the car had driver side forward quarter panel damage. I could see it in the gap, and edge next to the lock post. That came out in the Carfax as well. I’ve since had that area re done and it is perfection now. Got a nice 993 cab for 27k.

trader220 · 01-18-2020, 08:37 PM

The cars been on the road for 20 years since this "accident" and you're concerned? We're talking about a driver here right? Not a 4000 mile collector car, right? You're not really thinking this is an "investment" you can drive right?

Sheesh.... for starters, buy yourself a paint meter and see which if any panels were painted. For you you know the :"accident" could be a big nothing.

soxfan39 · 01-20-2020, 06:19 PM

I just sold my 96 993 that carfax showed with an accident during my ownership. Except the "accident" was side mirrors getting stolen. no structural damage. The accident designation could be a lot of different things.

speedster911 · 01-21-2020, 06:17 PM

my .02

Don't let the " New Motor" sway you. Regardless of a PPI, was it rebuilt by reputable P expert for that MY? is there paperwork reflecting a rebuilt to see what parts were / weren't replaced or just an expensive invoice?. My last two projects came with " rebuilt " motors, I promptly rebuilt to my standards.

If you plan on driving and enjoying who cares what Carfax says if the purchase price is OK and it checks out go for it. Good luck

stutt911 · 01-22-2020, 10:00 AM

if had accident and properly repaired whats the big deal? its been so long since the accident anyways

KNS · 01-25-2020, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unobtanium-inc

My 993 got a salvage title in 2002, it's clear now but will always be branded with salvage history. If you like the car and the price is good, buy it and enjoy it. Personally I would much rather have a 25 year old car with a fresh motor and 20 year old wreck, than a 25 year old car without a rebuilt motor. If it happened in 99 and the car is still out there it's probably fine. Get a PPI, but like I said, buy it and enjoy it.
My 993 is the finest Porsche I've ever driven, I love it, the most refined air-cooled 911 ever built, it really gets no better.

---Adam

^^ This

I've got a '95 993, it is such a pleasurable car to drive. It was repainted sometime during its life - I couldn't care less.

When you're an old man unable to drive anymore looking back at the cars you've owned and the joy they brought you, you're not going to care one lick what the Carfax may have said.

zedsn · 01-26-2020, 04:46 AM

My 89 951 was in a front end hit in 99 and was repaired properly with a glass out respray done at the same time. If you can't see any evidence of any issues by now i am sure the car is just fine. I could see a little hesitation with a rebuilt title but cars get into accidents all of the time and get repaired. This isn't a trailer queen but a driver. If you like it buy it and drive it.