1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe

Always do your research and read. That is one of the most important aspects of buying a used car, along with asking enough questions to cover all your bases. Even if everything seems okay at first, keep reading and asking questions. Otherwise, one might end up in a situation like today with this 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S.

This car checks all the boxes on the surface. It’s a C2S in Guards Red with 18″ Turbo Twist wheels and just under 40,000 miles. There’s no surprise that means there is also a big price tag. But there is one big problem that shouldn’t be overlooked here: the title.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S on eBay

Year: 1997
Model: 911 Carrera S Coupe
VIN: WP0AA2996VS322698
Engine: 3.6 liter flat-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 39,976 mi
Location: Syosset, New York
Price: $107,995 Buy It Now

VIN:
WP0AA2996VS322698
Stock:
1997221
Mileage:
39,976
Color:
Red
Trans:
6-Speed Manual
Engine:
3L NA H6 double overhead cam (DOHC) 24V
MPG:

Drivetrain:
RWD

I originally had a quick glance at this one and thought ‘Well, the price is a little high, but I can see why.’ Then I saw it. Mentioned once, and only once on eBay’s provided template you see the words: Vehicle Title: Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed. Excuse me? After that I’m scanning the entire listing, but there’s no mention anywhere else about it being a totaled car nor anything about the story as to why it was totaled. Thankfully Google exists and reveals that this car was totaled because of flood damage around two hundred miles ago. That’s totally fine if you want to rebuild this car and keep it on the road – but it does change the price.

This dealer is asking $107,995 for a totaled 1997 CS2. I’m lost here. There is no way this car should be near or over $100,000, even with this mileage, at least in my opinion. You also have to remember that not many banks or finance companies are writing loans for cars that carry R-branded titles, so you are writing a check in full for this one. Maybe it was something super minor, but good luck ever shedding that title now once it is done. I still don’t get it.

– Andrew