Datsun350Z Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 I'm buying an 87 Porsche 944 tomorrow, I called my insurance company to get it legal to drive home. The guy e-mailed me the vin# so I could insure it. The insurance company said they needed the vin again because there was a problem, I gave it again, and they were ok with it, and it came up as an '87 944 in thier system. So it's insured, but I decided to do a carfax because the word "problem" set off a red flag. Carfax tells me it's an invalid vin#. So do all the other sites (which are mostly powered by carfax). Right now i'm very wary of this car... any comments, suggestions as far as finding out if the car is legit before I go there tomorrow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 My first thought is import. Was the car imported into the US from Europe at some point? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S30TRBO Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Double check the VIN from under the hood and in the door jamb. My g/f sold her Porsche it was an 85.5 944 here is that VIN for comparision: WB0AA0946FN451209 Good Luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 I know carfax has no clue about old car VIN numbers. My 1970 comes up with nothing. Their computer records only go back so far, and they don't like numbers that don't follow the current convention. Like HLS30..... Maybe the car is just too old. Check with you state motor vehicle association. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 I know carfax has no clue about old car VIN numbers. My 1970 comes up with nothing. Their computer records only go back so far, and they don't like numbers that don't follow the current convention. Like HLS30..... Maybe the car is just too old. Check with you state motor vehicle association. Nah, the limit on carfax is 85 I believe. That's when they went to a national standard on VIN number length. It should be coming up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsun350Z Posted January 19, 2007 Author Share Posted January 19, 2007 2 numbers were mixed up in his original e-mail, he e-mailed me a scan of the title. Looks good, insurance, and carfax pick it up. Now I guess i'm going to buy a carfax membership. Unless someone wants to run it for me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Well, does carfax say anything negetive? Usually if something comes up it will say there was something reported on this vehicle and you have to purchase the report to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsun350Z Posted January 19, 2007 Author Share Posted January 19, 2007 It says 16 records, but those are usually mileage reports at inspections, and when the vehicle changes owners... I hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoov100 Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 ive got a new z that needs a carfax, because of a few body mods that where done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparks280zt Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Carfax is worthless anyways, dont get me started, anyways have fun with the 944, used to have a guards red 87. Prepare for $$$$ maintence bills and great handling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsun350Z Posted January 22, 2007 Author Share Posted January 22, 2007 I wouldn't call it worthless... if you know what info you're getting. It's by no means a know-all end-all service. It's good to use loosely. If something comes up, at least you know you've got issues. If nothing comes up, well your issues are hidden better. You're right though, for the most part. If you run a carfax thinking its a god that sees everything (like 90% of their customers) you're in for a suprise or two. So anyway, I picked up the 944 (Black on Black, Black tint). Runs well, handles good. I am confused though... It handles well for an 80's car, but... well it's not exactly living up to the porsche handling hype. I didn't exactly buy it either... I traded my 300zx for it and a mitsubishi starion. The 944 is soooo much nicer to drive than the 300zx. I'm very happy with it. I'll post pics as soon as I get it washed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Vegano Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 Next time try to use this tool: http://vin-location.com You can find there hundreds of car and its vin number locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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