Wonky panel gaps. Would this put you off buying?
Discussion
I went to view a 996 last week. MY02, C4. Lowish miles, kept under Porsche warranty its entire life and, ergo, full OPC SH. Replacement gearbox under warranty 3yrs ago (clutch and seals replaced at same time). It all seemed pretty good, really. Except one thing...
The current owner has had the car for 7yrs. He openly mentioned to me that a couple of years ago he did have a "bump" in the car, with the impact being at the front passanger-side of the car. He claimed it was minor, nevertheless, as a result the car needed a new front bumper and front passanger-side wing - all fixed by Porsche. The front passager-side headlight was not damaged.
Now, I'd noticed this before he'd mentioned said bump, but the panel gaps around headlights/front bumper don't quite line up properly. Quite easily detectable to my eye. The owner mentioned that he'd noticed this too and pointed it out to Porsche after they'd repaired the car, but they claimed the gaps were all within tolerence levels.
I've attached a couple of photos to illustrate. Presumably the bumper could be refitted to make the panel gaps better? I've also noticed the passenger-side headlight doesn't quite line up with the bonnet (the bottom of the headlight and bonnet should be flush - and they are on the other side).
It looks like a good car, and a good price. But the panel gaps bug me. Am I being anal about these panel gaps, or are they something to be concerned about? Also, could they realistically be improved if I were to pay for someone to refit the bumper? Not sure if I should buy the car, or steer well clear.
Thanks for any help/advice.
The current owner has had the car for 7yrs. He openly mentioned to me that a couple of years ago he did have a "bump" in the car, with the impact being at the front passanger-side of the car. He claimed it was minor, nevertheless, as a result the car needed a new front bumper and front passanger-side wing - all fixed by Porsche. The front passager-side headlight was not damaged.
Now, I'd noticed this before he'd mentioned said bump, but the panel gaps around headlights/front bumper don't quite line up properly. Quite easily detectable to my eye. The owner mentioned that he'd noticed this too and pointed it out to Porsche after they'd repaired the car, but they claimed the gaps were all within tolerence levels.
I've attached a couple of photos to illustrate. Presumably the bumper could be refitted to make the panel gaps better? I've also noticed the passenger-side headlight doesn't quite line up with the bonnet (the bottom of the headlight and bonnet should be flush - and they are on the other side).
It looks like a good car, and a good price. But the panel gaps bug me. Am I being anal about these panel gaps, or are they something to be concerned about? Also, could they realistically be improved if I were to pay for someone to refit the bumper? Not sure if I should buy the car, or steer well clear.
Thanks for any help/advice.
I'd be quite surprised if that is within tolerance levels. If the work was done at a Porsche approved bodyshop it should be warranted for life. Ask for details of who did the work and then ring them. There's no real shortage and unless it is very cheap (and the C4 isn't that popular as opposed to the C4S) then I'd be tempted to think twice. At the very least you'd want to get it on a ramp and have a good look underneath to confirm there isn't more to it than just the panel gaps....
The front PU looks to have been fitted a bit too far left. My OPC fitted mine a bit like this after replacing my radiators under warranty, I just asked them to refit it to line it up. No problem, it took them about 15 mins...
Still doesnt help you with whats under the skin!
Still doesnt help you with whats under the skin!
Edited by David Hype on Sunday 10th March 16:12
The work was done by an OPC bodyshop. I might give them a call and find out what was done/whether they'd be willing to rectify free of charge.
It strikes me that the passanger-side headlight, while not being damaged in the bump, has been shifted a centimetre or so up/left (i.e. in the direction of the steering wheel).
It strikes me that the passanger-side headlight, while not being damaged in the bump, has been shifted a centimetre or so up/left (i.e. in the direction of the steering wheel).
I doubt OPC would want to get involved again, there could be any number of issues going on...bent/broken mounting points/bracket for front bumper/wing/headlight etc. There is a bit of jiggling you can do with front bumper, but if everything's straight it should be fairly easy to get it back on in correct position everytime. Issue looks to be with wing/light to me.
Without taking it to bits you'd never know, personally I'd buy a straight car.
Without taking it to bits you'd never know, personally I'd buy a straight car.
They don't have gauges - it is done to dimensions: http://www.hamilton.myzen.co.uk/pics/panel_gaps.pd...
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