PPI's

[zqqz00]

As someone actively hunting for a good used 911 but looking all over the country is there a comprehensive list of who conducts good PPI's for Porsche models in different states and cities? If not is it worth starting one with this thread where all chip in to create a comprehensive list. There's a good list of technical establishments on another forum for TLC owners. Just a thought and any help appreciated. Thanks.

[bbturbo]

I think this would be a great thread for people to have, if it didn't get gummed up with comments and make it hard to search for the information.

[Tremelune]

It'll be a list of hundreds, most without anything more than an anecdote. Best bet is to search the nearest city in these here or the regional forums.

That said...it'd be handy info if intelligently compiled into a wiki...

[kenikh]

PPIs are such a crap shoot.

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[mickey356]

Why not contact the local PCA in the area you're looking? They'd probably be your best bet in steering you in a good direction.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by kenikh

PPIs are such a crap shoot.

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This. Unfortunately there is no common criteria for a PPI. Anybody can check brake pads. Oil leak? Check.

Ideally, what you're paying for in a PPI is the expertise of knowing what to look for and ask about. You want to find the person that knows to look out for broken head studs on certain cars and IMS bearings on others. I would be pretty pissed to get a PPI and find that I was told the car needs new tires and the A/C isn't really working well but the guy missed 3 broken head studs. Know what I mean?

Still it is an interesting idea and I agree it would be of immense value. The problem is it would need to be a living document so I'm not sure how easy it would be to maintain. On our local PCA Facebook page I still see people recommending a shop I wouldn't send my enemy to so not sure how you vette the list and get any meaningful consensus either.

[hcoles]

What might be helpful is to develop lists of sets of questions for given years/models.

Somebody said here, you are buying an engine and transmission. IMO - if you are worried about the tire condition a Porsche might not be the car for you.

Possibly
E.g. G50 3.2 Cars
- top end and/or bottom end work receipts
- transmission work history
- CV/drive shafts/rear wheel bearing history
- AC system condition and/or conversion
- suspension bushing work
- what panels are repainted
- recorded or reported accidents
- track use history
- results of driving test, noise when hot, noise when cold, runs smooth/etc.
- compression test and/or leak down results
- check head studs
- check oil leaks
- electrical functions: e.g. rear wiper, all lights, cig. lighter, sun roof, backup lights, AC and heater blowers, high beam, low beam, fog lights, blinkers, brake pad sensors, etc. etc. This is a big list but not easy to remember all at one time.
- general engine cleanliness
- in CA, recent (in last 6 months) smog report
- length of current ownership
- tire wear patterns
- tool kit, pump, spare, jack
- who has been taking care of the car, e.g. owner, shop, combination
- oil type used, trans. oil type used

[Joe Bob]

Unless the ride is a roller, I would always do an onsite inspection even if it was still going to be shipped. For obvious reasons never do a PPI with the wrench that services the owner...PCA region is always a good idea for PPI leads or post an inquiry here on Pelican.

Good luck with your search.