[Otter74]

OP,

As someone els epointed out buying an old 911 is a bit of a gamble, but you can improve your odds. I was in your position last spring when I started shopping for a car. I bought my car without a PPI, but the way in which I bought it (BaT auction) gave me a lot of information about the car, enough that I was willing to bid on it without seeing it in person, trying to get a PPI done, etc. Again, life is a gamble. In my case it paid off. I got a car that was extremely well-sorted mechanically, had no significant needs, and I have driven it 4000-something miles with no costs other than gas and insurance and about $25 for shift linkage bushings. With limited mechanical knowledge, I agree that you will really want a PPI unless you have a higher-than-average risk tolerance and can afford that. A rebuilt trans, chain tensioners and valve covers are good. i would definitely want to know about the head studs. And if you have to register the car in CA, I would want to know that all of the original emissions equipment is there. It ought to pass if it is all there and in good tune.