Gray market Porsche question...
 

I was at a Porsche swap meet today and there was a really nice 1982 930 Turbo for sale. It looked stunning and was priced at 30K firm. It had 29,000 miles on the speedometer. The problem is, the title showed 000000 miles ( not actual mileage ) because when the car was first shipped over, it had to be converted from KpH to MPH along with all the other EPA requirements.

There is plenty of documentation from the dealerships from 2,000 miles up to the current mileage tieing the VIN# dates and mileage together.... so I believe the mileage is correct, the only thing is it's not on the title. A car fax says the same thing ...... not actual mileage. :(

The car is pristine, but hate to take the plunge because when time to sell comes, I may have problems moving it.

Are there any other typical Gray market car issues? :confused:

This problem will stay with the car as you ultimately try to sell it.

If it were me, I would forget it.

:)

I currently own a gray market 911 and have owned a couple others in the past, do your research to ensure you have a clear title and you wont have any problems. As far as the price differential, there is a lot of "old wives" tales about that, with a turbo it is a bit different as they were imported for limited years so a gray market is all that is available for some of those years. Do your research, get a PPI and enjoy the car if you buy it.

take care

Thom

I too owned a "gray market" car but mine still has all epa/dot certifications and a "accurate" title.

Any 911 Turbo from 1980-1985 is NOT us spec. However, they are fantastic cars. The reason "gray market" cars are cheaper is because of problems like this one.. or incomplete federalization or missing paperwork (assuming there ever was some). This should be taken into account when finalizing a price.

I am sure you could find equally nice "US" car for equal money. If you fear of buying is because of fear at resale, this car is not for you.

Thanks all.

I am going to check about licensing requirements and if I can register it as a classic car to avoid the smog checks. Too, I need to see how the insurance companies handle a European VIN numbered car. It has some very nice upgrades ... new turbo and a $2500 upgraded exhaust. Interior still looks new except for the leather on the dash is somewhat warped.

Here is a picture of it.

http://i15.tinypic.com/688dxs1.jpg

Nice car!!!!

Gorgeous car. How's the interior?

I like the one to its left.

:)

thats a nice car.
but keep in mind, there is a buyer for everything, so selling it wont be a problem, as there will probably beanother person like you and they will buy it

As long as the car has a current valid title and registration it should not be a problem registering it. I registered my euro SC in several states and never had an issue. Same with insurance coverage. No once asked to see my old epa/dot paperwork . It seems its only really needed the first time the car is titled. But, it is of great peace of mind for subsequent owners.