[ntmatter]

I'm in the market for a 993 C4S, and found a nice looking example near where I work. This being my 5th Porsche (2 of which were restorations) I figured I knew enough to inspect the car on my own without the expense of a PPI. I looooovvved this car - literally my dreamcar.

However, I noticed a few oil drips from the valve covers plus a little waviness in the windshield gasket so I had Redmond European (in WA) do a PPI. About 20 minutes in they gave me a call and described how several oil leaks (including the through-bolts) we consolidating into a few points under the motor, plus highlighted some quality issues with some aftermarket work that could indicate other issues. We didn't even bother doing a leakdown test at this point.

R.E. was super-professional, and saved me - literally - $20K. I would cheerfully pay the $240 for the PPI but they weren't having it. I could not force my money on them. I was unaware of R.E. before this week (Seattle area has a number of very good independent Porsche shops) but they have earned my business.

Moral of this story: Just like you shouldn't be your own lawyer, you shouldn't do your own PPI. The money you spend is well worth it, even if you only find an issue on 1 car in 20.