PPI how much?????

[ed bates]

I am looking at TimB's Targa in the forsale section. I talked with the shop that is performing the smog repair (Poorboys German Auto) and asked what they get for a PPI...They quoted me $110. - $130.....Not that I am complaining, but that sounds cheap.....Besides the headnut check, which is extra, what should they be checking on a PPI...>Do they do a compression test???????

LEt me know...

Thanks,

Ed

[FenderGuy]

Update on is the search over? that says it all

[ubiquity0]

For 110-130 they're probably not planning on pulling the valve covers to check studs. This is normally an 'extra' so you'll have to ask them specifically. They should have a standard checklist- ask them to fax you an 'empty' copy. If this is the current owner's regular mech I'd probably consider getting someone who hasn't worked on the car before to look at it. Sounds like a great car though.

[caliber60]

$150 was the quote. The shop toll me they would charge $500 to make money. I was at the shop, Redline service in Santa Monica. The check list was very comprehensive. Probably take them one afternoon. My friend when to other local shop. The mechanic said he is too busy that day. He looked over for accident damage. Found none and charge $75. None of the detail stuff. PPI means different thing to different shop. It's a good idea to get a list of what is going to be checked. It even better if you know exactly what you want to check on top of the check list. Items such as compression, leak-down, broken valve stud and prior accident damage or body shop repair.

[unimog]

PPI depends on you and the car. If it is a 'driver' perhaps not as much cosmetic stuff, but you want all the mechanical stuff covered.

Compression test, and if it passes that, then a leak-down check
Head studs (yup pull the covers, it is nice to look in there anyway)
Drive test of transmission, clutch, and starter ring gear
All lights and gauges (might be cheap bulb replacement, but you want to know wiring issues)
On that line, a GOOD look at all the wiring, for condition and if the PO has 'messed' with it (ie; radio, alarms, etc)
Wiper, sunroof, powerseats, window movement (power or crank) cruse control, AC (if equipped)
Glass (also rust around seal, or bad seals)
Body for signs of repairs, repaint, rust, and a detail look underneath for damage
Suspension; wear, all there, rubbing, weird changes
Interior, not only wear but also sighs of rust or water damage (pull the carpets)

I'd guess $200-$500 depending on shop and area.
Do not have the shop that maintains it do the PPI, a good change of bias (I'm a mechanic so no offence meant to mechs)

BTW get 'Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide' by Randy Leffingwell, it covers all the problem areas for every year.
Good Hunting,

[FenderGuy]

I had the shop that maintained the 911 i was looking do a PPI, now when they checked it out the replaced some parts on the car that needed to be replaced and give it a good bill of health. I wouldnt trust shops that have a shady background, this shop I feel i can trust because some members on the board recommended them and gave them praise, FYI a PPI doesnt always catch everything

[Jdub]

List everything and have each checked in order of "deal killer." This means putting the valve cover removal/broken studs first and bulbs and the like next to last. This is especially true if you are being charged hourly. You want your tech. to know to call/stop work if something major comes along. Be close to a phone. Bring beer and doughnuts.

A PPI is only performed on a car you have more than an 80% interest in. Be sure to gauge your interest and do not hesitate to spend money to have the car thoroughly checked. If a valve job has not been performed recently then split the cost with the owner if the price is reasonable.

John