jmoses22

I'm currently having a PPI completed on this '95 993 tip: Used 1995 Porsche 911 For Sale at Boston Foreign Motor | VIN: WP0AA2996SS322261

I'd very much appreciate people's thoughts on whether I'm getting a good, fair, or bad deal.

The purchase price is $51k. I saw the car in person and test drove it, and it seems in very good shape. The one major issue is the fact that the odometer stopped working at some point a handful of years ago at ~79k miles. What I do know is that the previous owner spent $8k on the transmission and engine (top end rebuild) back in 2017 (I have the invoice). Since then, the car has been owned by the owner of a dealer as part of a collection, who claims that the car has rarely been driven.

The car is mostly stock other than a turbo wing, front lip, and wheels. One accident on carfax, but no details and many years ago. Car seems to be in otherwise nice shape and well taken care of.

I've done my own research on pricing, and it seems like things are all over the place, hence this thread.

Any guidance/insights would be much appreciated.

notabot

No odo is no go

Chuck W.

For over 7 years the odometer has not worked yet other work has been done on the car. For me, that is a big red flag.

tstafford

I'd have to agree. Odo repair is simple and cheap.

jmoses22

would a PPI not pick up any associated red flags?

mdude

Tippy + accident history + non-functioning odo = $40k at best even in today's inflated air-cooled market.
BTW, top end rebuild cost closer to $12-$15k years ago and probably $20k today.
Transmission rebuilds for tips are almost unheard of, not at these stated mileage.
At $7k, what most likely happened was an engine reseal to address oil leaks.
Rusted seat adjustment screws...?
Just too many red flags.

mdude

A reputable air-cooled shop will pick up many but no PPI will pick up all of them.
With very few exceptions, Porsche dealers are usually not a good PPI source; hopefully that's not where you took it.

jmoses22

For what it’s worth, attaching the invoices from the engine and transmission work.

Watson

I agree.

I would also add that you need to measure compressions at least and make a leak down test if possible. While measuring the compressions, also a good idea to boreoscope the cylinders.

jmoses22

The PPI is not being done at a Porsche dealer but rather an independent Porsche specialist.

If all these tests come back clean, will that justify the $51k purchase price, or am I still overpaying in light of the fact pattern?

TJ993

If you really like the car why not call the previous owner? Carfax lists Mileage History and other goodies of interest. Do a VIN search if really interested.
Then call the prior owner. Put on your detectives hat.
Odometers break on these cars FYI > but 7 years...hmmm
Lots of cars available

TJ

Watson

These tests would prove that the engine is in good condition which would be a plus for this car.
I am not familiar with US 993 market prices and tippy prices so I cannot give a good piece of advice on the asking price.

With respect to the accident and the odometer not working, these are 2 red flags for me personally.
If you can dig out more what the severity of the accident was and what repairs had been done, it would give you a piece of mind (or it would confirm that you need to walk away).
Should you sell this car one day, you would still have to explain to the potential buyer that the odometer did not work so your selling price would also be hurt by this in the future.

If you are really into a 993, be patient and wait for a really good one. There are many 993 sales that fell through or that I missed before I bought mine and I could not be happier with the one I finally ended up buying.

jmoses22

I'm one step ahead Spoke with the previous owner a few times now, and he seems legit. Also spoke with the shop he had the work done at. The story seems to corroborate, though I too am baffled at how he wouldn't have had the odometer fixed at the same time he spent $8k on the engine and tranny.

jmoses22

Appreciate your advice. The accident was in 2001 @ ~40k miles and has honestly not been too much of a concern for me. The carfax report doesn't mention anything about damage or air bag deployment.

ed devinney

Keep in mind that even a substantial side impact won't deploy the airbag, says the man who wrecked his first 993 quite well by sliding into a tree.

The odometer gear is a $25 part that takes an hour's labor but not done for years? That was a choice, not an oversight.