Obtaining historical records

[rexcramer]

I know from experience that PCNA are very stingy with historical data. The problem, as I understand it, is due to privacy concerns and protecting previous owners anonymity. With out the prior owners permission, it won't be released. As for the notion they don't have 'documentation that far back' that is just plain horse feathers.

I agree with previous posts. Porsche would never use anything but OEM parts on a warranty repair. Without proper documentation, assume it didn't happen. Adjust your offer accordingly.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by rexcramer

I know from experience that PCNA are very stingy with historical data. The problem, as I understand it, is due to privacy concerns and protecting previous owners anonymity. With out the prior owners permission, it won't be released. As for the notion they don't have 'documentation that far back' that is just plain horse feathers.

I agree with previous posts. Porsche would never use anything but OEM parts on a warranty repair. Without proper documentation, assume it didn't happen. Adjust your offer accordingly.

Several years back, there was a legal case the ballooned into a class action over who actually owns and should have access to vehicle records. Basically, the outcome was that the records are the property of the vehicle owner at the time they were recorded, which means that a dealer can legitimately be taken to court for sharing the information, even after the vehicle has changed hands. That has made most dealers totally gun-shy of sharing information.

Our legal advisors require us to get written permission before we share any data, which is often difficult as people move and you cannot find them to obtain permission. Net result is that it has become easier to just say no than spend the time for which you are not going to get paid.

[Starter986]

A reasonable dealer, agent, or authority would release/reveal the service records absent any personally identifiable information.

But, nooooooooooooooooooo.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Starter986

A reasonable dealer, agent, or authority would release/reveal the service records absent any personally identifiable information.

But, nooooooooooooooooooo.

If they did, they would be in direct violation of the court ruling. The issue is not the owner's identity, it is the fact that they own the information, not the dealer.

[ty_wheels]

why would an owner of the car 12 years ago care about releasing information now,
it's directly related to the car, not the owner.

It is very natural that a car will have multiple owner during its life,
and the information about a car's history since purchased new should
be available to any new owner.

I don't understand what is the big deal here

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by ty_wheels

why would an owner of the car 12 years ago care about releasing information now,
it's directly related to the car, not the owner.

It is very natural that a car will have multiple owner during its life,
and the information about a car's history since purchased new should
be available to any new owner.

I don't understand what is the big deal here

The "big deal" is that the federal courts ruled shops cannot release the data without permission, period. So regardless of anyone's opinion on the subject, it is what we have to deal with. This has even cost the shops money as we are now required to store all such data "in a secure location which complies with federal guidelines".

It is no different than a four lane, wide open roadway with a 25 MPH speed limit, you ignore it at your own peril...………...

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

"in a secure location which complies with federal guidelines"

I know that burden. Thank you for the explanation.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by ty_wheels

why would an owner of the car 12 years ago care about releasing information now,
it's directly related to the car, not the owner.

It is very natural that a car will have multiple owner during its life,
and the information about a car's history since purchased new should
be available to any new owner.

I don't understand what is the big deal here

Looks like the big deal is because of the lawyers.

[ty_wheels]

when I wrote "big deal" I did not mean to disrespect the law,
I understand this had a ruling, my question was why, what is the big
deal in keeping these records confidential ?