What to do???

[javadog]

Originally Posted by verticalflight

Something reliable, simple, and safe.

Perhaps an earlier year 911 is the best way to go.

Hell no. The original 911 was designed with 1960 technology and the first redesign that materially affected it's safety was the 964 model. No car before a 964 is remotely safe for a kid. I'd argue that you shouldn't consider anything earlier than a 996.

Frankly, I put mine in an old AWD Audi that couldn't spin a tire on wet pavement if it tried. It was a 1990 V8, a full-sized car with pretty advanced safety features for its day, (ahead of both Mercedes and BMW) and when he wrecked it, nobody got hurt and my wallet was only very slightly dented.

JR

[hcoles]

Originally Posted by verticalflight

Thanks guys for all the input. I have sold the car to a mechanic at a loss, fully disclosed.

Got to keep this thread going. I'm anxiously waiting to see what you get for your son. In addition you should (will) get additional advice. There are plenty P-cars around here (near PA), I don't see a big need to go outside if the immediate area. Also, there are trusted shops nearby that can do a proper PPI.

[greglepore]

944 or 968. Less power, more balance.

[WPOZZZ]

If it has to be a Porsche, a first gen base Cayenne, or perhaps a base 996 with the IMS done.

[onewhippedpuppy]

For that price range I would be like looking at Boxsters, Caymans, 996s, and 997s. Even $35k is really pushing it these days for an air cooled 911. You could get a minty waterpumper for the same money, and they are really a better daily driver anyway.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by verticalflight

Sounds like a summary would be:
- Most think the seller was clearly fraudulent
- Most think the shop was grossly incompetent
- Some think I was foolish for not getting it better checked out or having different expectations
- Some think I am foolish for my parenting style

Brad has been ignoring me and clearly isn't interested in settling the matter. Even if he disagreed with my points, why not take the car back vs saying "sold as is, its yours now!"

I don't want to put good money into fixing this car, and have found a few buyers that will take it at a loss, with full disclosure of all the issues.

The real issue here, besides Brad being a real piece of work, is I need to find a car for my son. I'd like to spend $25k-$30k so the $35k I paid was already a real stretch (not counting the loss I will eat on this Brad car). Something reliable, simple, and safe.

Perhaps an earlier year 911 is the best way to go. I realize that others will suggest a 996 or a Boxster but if a reliable 911 could be sourced that would be ideal. Reliability to me means no major $$ needed upfront or on the horizon and regular maintenance over the next few years.

I feel bad that you got burned so bad by both the seller and the PPI shop, verticalflight. I hope you explore your legal options and pursue them if you have a good case. I'd suggest you deal with a trustworthy expert on the next car for your son.

I've known Todd Parkenson, the General Manager at Carlsen Porsche in Redwood City for over 20 years, although not as well as the years would imply. But I would trust him. If you want, I'll reach out to him on your behalf. An honest car from a dealership won't be a bad thing, and you'd have solid backing.

Wherever you get a car, I'd suggest dealing in northern CA and getting a competent PPI. Hopefully RMG in Sunnyvale does them. I would totally trust them. They might even have a customer's car that is available for sale.

[masraum]

Wow, what a horrible experience!

I assume everyone involved will have learned something.

Good luck in the future.

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by verticalflight

I had the PPI done at a shop of his suggestion
Kris

Let me stop you right there... I did that once too... The car turned out to be spliced, had not 2 but 3 different VIN on it, and a putrefied rat all over the engine cooling fins.
*You* pick the PPI shop, not the seller, not a previous PPI from a previous potential buyer, etc... I feel for you.... That lesson cost me $10K, more or less...

[Evans, Marv]

Guys. I assume you've read he's sold the car with full disclosure at a loss to a mechanic. Situation has been resolved.

[Deschodt]

yeah after the fact, resurrectd post I guess... So did I for that matter.

[Tremelune]

944 would not be bad at all. I had one in high school. People thought it was a Ferrari, but it was a $3500 VW...I suspect its balance got me out of some dumb moves intact. Fantastic cars, and are continuing to appreciate. The Turbos are getting serious power down with modern systems.

The only down side is that you can get 8 high school kids in it if you're clever/desperate...

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Guys. I assume you've read he's sold the car with full disclosure at a loss to a mechanic. Situation has been resolved.

Originally Posted by hcoles

Got to keep this thread going. I'm anxiously waiting to see what you get for your son.

Half resolved. No replacement vehicle selected....

My vote: https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-marketplace/1025702-2006-997-911-a.html

[911 Rod]

I can't see how a 30 year old car would be trouble free.

I'm always fixing something.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

I can't see how a 30 year old car would be trouble free.

I'm always fixing something.

Yep...this isn't over for the OP .

I seriously hope he reconsiders, but it's his money and his KID....

[greglepore]

I'm still looking for an excuse to go look at that 997, as its practically in my backyard.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I'm still looking for an excuse to go look at that 997, as its practically in my backyard.

I'm trying to sell my 996 so I can buy it...

[hcoles]

One thing to consider. Get a car that won't be used on long trips or when lots of kids need to go somewhere at the same time. This way some other parents car gets beat up and not yours. Keeps the liability down e.g. hey Dad we are in Tahoe and the car won't start. Make that some other dads problem.

[Gogar]

Sorry for your bad experience.

I had some disappointment in the past with a PPI where I got a "Multi-point inspection" and I learned that they are definitely not the same thing. It's a bummer, but now you know.

[hcoles]

I'll go out on a limb and say any car more than 9 years old is not likely to be trouble free. Especially German cars. In any case, boy kids tend to thrash things so something that was reliable becomes unreliable. Do they check the fluid levels e.g. oil - NO, do they watch for leaks - NO, do they listen for odd noises - NO, do they feel for unusual suspension pulling or wheel vibration - NO. Do they check inflation pressures and tread depth - NO. You get the idea. They turn the key and go until the car stops and then they call you.

[SeanPizzle]

My guess that it will cost about $5K+ a year to insure a 16 year old on a Porsche.