PPI Questions

VaSteve · 11-03-2003, 06:25 PM

Hello,
I am planning on looking a car out of my area. Having bought no significant used cars before (from a dealer only) I need some advice on the PPI.

I guess I make the deal contingent on a positive outcome. BUt how positive? Everything I have heard is that all these cars have problems of some sort. (It's an 80 SC, but I want to apply this to any situation.) What bar does the car have to get over for me to accept. Also, assuming that I go out of town to do this, and the inspection shop isn't open on the w/e, do I have the seller get it done at a place of my choosing? Or is it like a home inspection, where it's better than I'm there?

Any advice would be great, you guys have been very authoritative thus far!
Thanks!
Steve

David · David's Garage

I would have the seller take it to a shop of your choosing. Ask on this forum for a good shop near the car and if that doesn't work call some local shops and try to get a feel for them.

I think the big issues are wreck damage and a bad engine. The wreck damage should be obvious for a good shop, but I don't think most PPI's include a leakdown or compression check so the engine evaluation can be suspect.

The other items are a good check over of the car to check for maintenance and bad repairs (strange wires, etc). After the visual inspection is the test drive, this is were a Porsche knowledgeable shop is critical. A good driver can tell if there are suspension, brake problems, and engine.

HarryD · 11-03-2003, 07:27 PM

Well it's sort of subjective what an acceptable PPI is. I would look for things the owner did not disclose but should have,. This would include evidence of major mechanical problems, prior accident damage not properly repaired, missing parts, etc. Most PPI's will find a few hundred dollars of items to address in any car but I wouldn't worry about those unless the seller has represented the car as absolutely perfect with no known defects.

Jim Richards · 11-04-2003, 03:56 AM

When the PPI turns up issues not covered by the visual / driving inspection by the buyer, the cost of repair should be evaluated, and, if it's non-trivial vis-a-vis the purchase price,, you should either renegotiate the purchase price or rescind the offer to purchase the viehicle.

VaSteve · 11-04-2003, 08:38 AM

I contacted the shop he uses to do some due diligence and they said they knew the car. They are faxing me some records on it. Does anyone know a shop in the VA Beach/Williamsburg area that you like?
Thanks
Steve