Porsche models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 1997-present | Most 2001-2005 Boxsters were covered by the Eisen class action over intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failures. |
| 911 | 1965-present | Most 2001-2005 911s other than the Turbo, GT2 and GT3 were in the same IMS bearing class action. |
| Cayenne | 2003-present | 2013-2016 Cayenne Diesels were in the 3.0-liter emissions settlement; 2003-2010 Cayennes are in shifter recall 19V446000. |
| Panamera | 2010-present | 2010-2016 Panameras share recall 19V446000: a degraded shifter bushing can let the car sit out of Park. |
Known Porsche problems that end up at the scrapyard
IMS bearing failures in 2001-2005 Boxster and 911
The intermediate shaft bearing, driven by the crankshaft and driving the camshafts through timing chains, can fail and destroy the engine. The Eisen v. Porsche Cars North America class action covered most 2001-2005 Boxsters and 911s except Turbos, GT2s and GT3s, and its settlement lengthened warranty coverage on the bearing. That coverage is long gone, so a failed IMS today means an engine rebuild or replacement. source
Cayenne Diesel in the 3.0 TDI settlement
EPA's Volkswagen Group diesel case included the 2013-2016 Porsche Cayenne Diesel among the 3.0-liter generation 2 vehicles that had to get an approved emissions modification. A Cayenne Diesel that never had the fix, or that now has emissions system faults, can be costly to keep running and road-legal at high mileage. source
Shifter bushing that can leave the car out of Park
Recall 19V446000 covers about 100,000 2003-2010 Cayennes and 2010-2016 Panameras. The bushing connecting the gear selector to the gearbox can degrade and detach, so the lever shows Park and the key comes out while the transmission isn't actually in Park, with no warning. Owners were told to use the parking brake until it's fixed. source
When a Porsche becomes a junk car
It happens less often than with a commuter car, but it happens, and almost always for one of three reasons: a catastrophic engine failure, a serious crash, or a repair list that’s grown longer than the car’s value.
The engine case is the IMS bearing. On water-cooled Boxsters and 911s from the late 1990s through 2005, a failed intermediate shaft bearing can take the whole engine with it, and the class action that addressed it covered most 2001-2005 cars. If yours already let go, you’re choosing between a rebuilt engine, a used engine of unknown history, or selling the car as it sits.
The Cayenne case is age. First-generation Cayennes (2003-2010) are now old, heavy, complex SUVs. A list that includes suspension, cooling and transmission work plus the shifter bushing recall can exceed what the vehicle is worth. Second-generation Cayenne Diesels carry the extra question of emissions equipment.
Selling a damaged Porsche in Chicago
A Porsche that can’t drive needs careful loading because of low noses and wide tires. Tell us whether it rolls, whether the steering and brakes work, and where it sits, especially for a garage with a steep driveway. Chicago winters add salt to the mix even for cars stored half the year, so mention rust on brake lines or underbody panels.
Also consider your options before you call. A low-mileage car with a single failure might be worth repairing or selling to an enthusiast. A car with collision damage, flood exposure or a seized engine is usually a better fit for a junk sale. Our guide to whether to sell, junk or donate goes through the trade-offs.
Paperwork and pickup
Have the title ready if you can, and tell us about any lien. Illinois rules decide which papers work for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call. Remove the car from My Porsche, take your I-PASS and garage opener, and leave all keys. Browse every make we buy for your other vehicles.
Selling a junk Porsche: questions
Is a Porsche with a blown engine worth anything to you?
Yes. A complete Porsche with a dead engine still has a transmission, body panels, wheels, brakes, lights and interior that people look for. We price it on those parts plus weight and condition. Tell us the model and what failed, and we'll make an offer.
Do I need to do anything about Porsche Connect before selling?
On newer Porsches, remove the car from your My Porsche account and cancel Porsche Connect services. Then reset the infotainment system to clear phones, addresses and garage door codes, and leave every key with the car.