$2800 to reprogram ECU???

[surf40]

I found the following Boxster ad on Craig’s list in the SF bay Area.
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Here is the story: Car was lightly hit on the front passenger fender, really a fender bender, vehicle runs perfect before the hit, then I took it to EMC in Fremont to get a quote on the repair, to claim insurance, but it took over 4 months to get that scored away, but when it comes down to fix it, EMC told me that the ECU is dis-programmed due to battery dead. So I am now stuck with a non running vehicle.

I want it gone. It is now at the shop where I was going to have it repaired, but they quote me 2800 on the reprogram. Please note, engine and tranny are in
working, smooth working condition, true miles 91K on the car, check the carfax on your own.
selling it as is for 4000
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Please explain how the ECU can lose its program due to a dead battery. Also, does it really cost $2800 to reprogram an ECU??? Is this guy just out to lunch?

[rayner@r2specracing]

I'd be more concerned about a boxster selling for 4000.00

The ECU is irrelevant, if that car is legit which i doubt it is that would be an awesome buy.

4K down another 2K for any standalone ems you want and you're good to go.

A running boxster for 6000 priceless

[JFP in PA]

Just for reference purposes, ECU's (in this case, a DME) do not lose programing because the battery is disconnected..................ever.

[Topless]

It all sounds like a complete fairy tale. Might be a good purchase for someone with experience to uncover all the hidden gotchas. Might be a never ending nightmare for a potential first time owner looking for a bargain. Approach with caution.

[jhandy]

Weird....
His phone number is to a car dealer in California.

Jason At BMG auto Sales
4239 Peralta Blvd
Fremont CA 94536


Surly as dealer he could source a ECU for a few hundred $.

His story stinks, so therefore the car does also.

[Oaktown 986]

I'd buy that as a parts car. Seems like a great buy... for $400.

[Jager]

There are three pictures posted on craigslist of this vehicle. Looks like front and fender damage. They claim the motor and transmission are good but I would want to hear the motor running before making the purchase even at $4000.

[urban_legend]

totaled boxster with a running engine was 5K. So maybe someone who bought a totaled car and thought they could get it back on the road cheap...then they found out the cost and just want out for close to what they paid.

[zilla]

Heard a very similar line of what was b.s. once upon a time on the M3forum. It was from craigslist originally. It was an M3 and someone local checked it out for giggles and it was just a load. The car was garbage.