No matter where. Without question.

They are called Stealerships for a reason. They are better at hiding problems than the guy on the street because they have been doing it longer.

If you aren't a hardcore DIY type then absolutely yes to the PPI. Don't assume that the dealer is honest because of the Porsche connection, 99% will screw you just like the corner used car dealership.

Regarding the 996 shift feel, the stock 997 shifter is a great improvement and reduces throws by about 15%, the 997 short shifter by about 30%. Both are a relatively easy bolt in DIY.

I have a 2010 C4S 6-speed in West Marin if you want to add another data point to your search...PM me if interested.

It can get very wet out here therefore my desire to have AWD...and my SC fulfills the oversteer fun. :D

Good luck in your search!

The 996 doesnt have the same S engine as the 997. All non turbo 996s have the same 300ish HP engine.

NA 1999-2001 has 300 HP. 2002 - 2004 has a slight bump to 320 HP. My 05 S has 355 HP

I often turn off the nannies (except for ABS which you can't defeat) and I can hang the tail out at will. If you drive it right get ready to by lots of tires. My rears typically last 4K miles.

The bump from the 3.4 to 3.6 is most noticeable for the low end torque increase. The downside is that the 3.6 doesn't feel as rev happy and raw. Plus the 996.2 is heavier, which negates some of the bump. Personally I like the styling of the 996.2 better, but feel the 996.1 gives more of the old school 911 experience. Both great cars but they do feel different.

Thanks for sending info about RMG. Do you know of any place close to Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek that is as thorough as RMG for doing a PPI?

I think there was a guy highly recommended in SF that was mentioned when I was looking for a mechanic. I could dig it up if you want. RMG is ridiculous. They'll put the fuel pump on an oscilloscope. I'd suggest touching base with them regarding what to look for, etc. And review the IMS issue, too. Turbos exempt, I believe.

I have taken my car to Valhalla Automotive Inc in Lafayette. They did good work on my SC. John Maloney used to own the shop five years ago, I don't know if he still does. I plan to take my car there again soon so he can tweak idle and mixture to pass CA smog test. He does PPI's. Here is his info:

3453 Golden Gate Way,
Lafayette, CA 94549
925.284.2844

I really like that RMG is comprehensive. That's exactly what I would want when buying a used car. I'm a little concerned about logistics. If I purchase a car in the south bay then RMG is close by. If I purchase in the east bay, how does one get a car that you don't own to an independent shop an hour away?

Thanks, I'll keep this information.

It's not going to be easy. Depends on the seller and their willingness to cooperate. My suggestion would be to have an agreed upon price, subject to a PPI. Small stuff doesn't affect the deal, big stuff opens up a re-negotiation or cancellation of the deal. If a seller thinks you're going to get the car, they should be motivated to let it happen. They may not want to let you take the car to the PPI location. Having to do it themselves makes it less appealing. All you can do is try and perhaps go with a more local shop for the inspection.

Have you found a car yet?

I've personally sold cars contingent on a successful PPI. But I also pick people up at the airport and typically dedicate a good half day to selling a car. Met a lot of great people too, so it's totally worth it.

Nope, haven't found a car yet but I did test drive a 996 C4S in Walnut Creek. I liked it but wanted to compare it to a 997 with manual. No manual 997s on the lot though so I drove a tiptronic instead. Totally different feel. I did not like it. So, I'm still looking.

Try calling Paul Robles at Porsche of Livermore. My ex-boss and I dealt with him on a Cayenne order years ago and he seemed like a good guy. He invited us to drive a 997 when it first came out. I don't know if he's still there, but he's been selling Porsches for many years.