What exactly do I ask service manager about PO and his car?
 

I'm looking at a 911 that is quite a distance from me. The owner is being very helpful--gave me the number of the service manager for the Porsche dealer that does all the maintenance on the car. I'll get a PPI, but I'd also like to speak to this person.

So what should I ask the service manager to get the most out of the conversation?

I can't find any help in the archives about this topic, please help.

Thanks!

Ask what is on your mind. Explain the situation to him and ask him if he could provide any background info on the car from a service perspective. I would also enquire about the PO's willingness to get things fixed right away or let it go for a while. Ask him about the overall impression of the car...

R/
Dustin

How about starting off with- "What can you tell me about this car?"

You will probably gather more information by letting the service manager talk than by asking a bunch of yes/no type questions.

It is not recommended to talk to the current mechanic. Even if the seller is being up front and honest the opinion of the current mechanic will not be objective and it may sway your opinion about the car. Instead, take it to a disinterested third party mechanic.

For example, the current mechanic and the seller may be involved in a love affair and the current mechanic wants to appear helpful to support his lover's sale of the car.

"For example, the current mechanic and the seller may be involved in a love affair and the current mechanic wants to appear helpful to support his lover's sale of the car."

You are not joking. I had the actual experience. I had the suspicion the seller and the shop mechanic are lovers. They don't need to be opposite sex.

Ditto. But it's always good to talk to the PO's shop. Just be sure to get an ind. evaluation elsewhere.

Granted, I was assuming that indeed, the shop was a recognized, professioanlly run shop. I had a chance to speak with Dave Modderman on the West coast (PO had it serviced by Dave). The conversation was honest and frank, and I doubt very seriously if Dave Modderman would stake his reputation on a single sale of a 911.

R/
Dustin