2006 911 Carrera S Coupe X51 6-Speed

The successor to Porsche’s 996 generation 911 represented a significant “relaunch” of the 911 as it veered away from the similarities the prior car held with the Boxster of the same period. Initially, two engines were available at launch: a 325hp 3.6-liter and a 355hp 3.8-liter. And if that wasn’t enough normally aspirated power for you, you could always check the box for the 376hp X51 Carrera Power Kit.

This 2006 911 Carrera S Coupe 6-Speed is one such example with the X51 box checked. Finished in Basalt Black Metallic over Black full leather, this 40,500-mile car features optional PCCB brakes, a Sport Exhaust System, 19” Carrera Classic Wheels, Adaptive Sport Seats, a Sport Shifter, and plenty of extra leather and aluminum for an original MSRP of $124,000.

With an option list like that, one would expect this car to sell at the higher end of the 40-50k-mile price range, somewhere in the neighborhood of $55k plus. But this car sold at a high bid of $44,250, so what gives?

According to the CarFax vehicle history report, the car was in two separate accidents with “moderate” damage noted. The seller also provided a Lemon Squad report that showed minor flaws consistent with mileage but noted that the repair work was “sub-standard” and contained some dust in the paint and a poorly prepped surface.

While those who saw the car in person said this was a very nice example, and it looked so in the pictures, one can’t help but feel that the paintwork affected the car's sale price despite all the optional goodies. Kudos to the seller for being very transparent and providing the extra report. Even with it, I think this one was well-bought, although I would have made the trip to view this one for myself before placing my winning bid.

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