996 turbo - documentation
Discussion
Hi – I am looking at a 996 turbo. The car has a fully stamped service book, and an invoice of recent work (which is considerable and covers the typical issues that are mentioned in various threads online). Beyond this there is little paperwork from previous owners, and no invoices to support the service stamps except the most recent substantial work (those that I have contacted so far check out ok). A PPI will tell me what I need to know about the condition of the car but the question I have is how other buyers might look at turbos that do not come with a “stack" of documentation. Are they harder to sell/lower valuation point? Im sure some cars will have more documentation than others and different buyers will look at this differently etc but any experiences of this? How hard is it in practice to get reprints of invoices (data protection quoted when I tried asking for delete of personal details etc). Im sure after seeing several cars its easier to get a "feel" for this, and I tried to search and I am sure it has been discussed before so thanks for any comments!
When I was looking I too was horrified at how little documentation was kept, book stamped but no invoices. Typically it was that the cars were paid for buy the owners 'companies' and all the invoices went to the accountants in with the company accounts. Now the geeks among us would have taken copies for the file, but it is very rarely the case. I have found that unless you have a very good relationship with an OPC it is very difficult to backdate your history file.
When I was looking I too was horrified at how little documentation was kept, book stamped but no invoices. Typically it was that the cars were paid for buy the owners 'companies' and all the invoices went to the accountants in with the company accounts. Now the geeks among us would have taken copies for the file, but it is very rarely the case. I have found that unless you have a very good relationship with an OPC it is very difficult to backdate your history file.
Depends where you are buying the car. I've bought two from 911V and one from Paragon. None had the early years service invoices, just the later years when they were 'enthusiast owned. I felt I had sufficient peace of mind buying from a good independent with their 12 month warranty and reputation to fall back on.
So far so good and I had no problem selling the first two 996s.
So far so good and I had no problem selling the first two 996s.
As above really, I've had mine 5 years and have kept every invoice etc. And the owner before me, he had the car 3 years and kept every invoice. Before that, it's fully stamped, but has no invoicing.
I'd say as the Turbo's are getting older it will become more and more important, especially if your buying / selling at strong money. It's just good evidence that you've had all the regular and less regular work completed, rads, clutch, etc etc.
To the anoraks, (Of which I'm one
) seeing a file or two of invoices is certianly a "draw". I know it was to me, sitting down and reading through the best part of £10k of work, certainly eased the debit card into the machine. 
I'd say as the Turbo's are getting older it will become more and more important, especially if your buying / selling at strong money. It's just good evidence that you've had all the regular and less regular work completed, rads, clutch, etc etc.
To the anoraks, (Of which I'm one
) seeing a file or two of invoices is certianly a "draw". I know it was to me, sitting down and reading through the best part of £10k of work, certainly eased the debit card into the machine. Edited by Homer J on Thursday 3rd April 12:23
Homer J said:
As above really, I've had mine 5 years and have kept every invoice etc. And the owner before me, he had the car 3 years and kept every invoice. Before that, it's fully stamped, but has no invoicing.
I'd say as the Turbo's are getting older it will become more and more important, especially if your buying / selling at strong money. It's just good evidence that you've had all the regular and less regular work completed, rads, clutch, etc etc.
To the anoraks, (Of which I'm one) seeing a file or two of invoices is certianly a "draw". I know it was to me, sitting down and reading through the best part of £10k of work, certainly eased the debit card into the machine.
Similar story with mine Simon. Have had mine 3.5 yrs and have every invoice/job sheet during that time, (nearly £20k worth) on top of plenty of invoices from the 4 previous owners. Certainly makes for a lot of bedtime reading which I'm sure will give confidence to it's next owner.I'd say as the Turbo's are getting older it will become more and more important, especially if your buying / selling at strong money. It's just good evidence that you've had all the regular and less regular work completed, rads, clutch, etc etc.
To the anoraks, (Of which I'm one
) seeing a file or two of invoices is certianly a "draw". I know it was to me, sitting down and reading through the best part of £10k of work, certainly eased the debit card into the machine. I have always kept copies of all invoices for service/repair. However when handing the car in for part ex the dealers have told me that they cannot retain/pass on the paperwork because of data protection implications. Invoices can contain names/addresses/credit card details etc. This has applied to both Porsche and BMW dealers I have dealt with recently. This might help explain the lack of paperwork.
Johnthepotter said:
I have always kept copies of all invoices for service/repair. However when handing the car in for part ex the dealers have told me that they cannot retain/pass on the paperwork because of data protection implications. Invoices can contain names/addresses/credit card details etc. This has applied to both Porsche and BMW dealers I have dealt with recently. This might help explain the lack of paperwork.
I would expect that from the main stealers but not the independents.So surely the best thing is to retain all the documents if trading with a main dealer and leave contact details for the next owner? I would take that approach but dare say many wouldn't/couldn't be bothered.
I am looking to buy the car privately, but would agree that if there would have been a well-known independent behind the sale of a car with little documentation, it would provide comfort. But the point made above that if the car had previously been sold by a dealer that might have chosen to not pass on any paperwork then it could possibly explain things. I keep all invoices too didn't realise that was an anorak thing to do Those of you that have bought 996TTs recently, how big part did documentation play in your decision (assuming the PPI was ok)?
Those of you that have bought 996TTs recently, how big part did documentation play in your decision (assuming the PPI was ok)? I've never heard of dealers saying they're not allowed to pass along documentation willing given to them with a car.
I do know however, that if a dealer doesn't pass along everything given to him with a car and some of it would have benefitted the buyer in being more informed before deciding to purchase, that he can be later accused of making a "mis-leading ommission", therefore it's deemed appropriate to pass everything along.
You're damned if you do and damned if you don't?
I do know however, that if a dealer doesn't pass along everything given to him with a car and some of it would have benefitted the buyer in being more informed before deciding to purchase, that he can be later accused of making a "mis-leading ommission", therefore it's deemed appropriate to pass everything along.
You're damned if you do and damned if you don't?
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