[Zeke]

If you know the car you are buying because you had one or worked on one, you are just as good a judge as a PPI. Maybe better. I would know how to check out a Boxster or a 911.

But, not having a lift makes it attractive to spend the usual 200 for a pro PPI. Then do what you can yourself to back it up.

In the case of the Jag, I knew nothing and the PPI turned up some critical stuff, mostly underneath.