PPI - how does that work?

[the_webbster]

Hey.
I am looking into exporting a 930 (see "first 930 advice" thread) and despite several invitations to "come and have a look at it" I won't be making the trip half-way around the world to buy a car.

What exactly is a PPI and how does that work? what sort of responsibility do they have in the process of purchasing a car? I am obviously a little aprehensious about sending so much money off to a stranger...

thanks,
jeff

[Matt Monson]

Hello Jeff,

When getting a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) it's usually best for you to choose the shop and get someone who has no history with the car. Then you avoid there being a bias and reduce the likelihood that the shop would lie on behalf of the seller. Though if the car has been serviced by a top shop, you can usually trust that the shop's reputation is warranted and that if they were to do the PPI it would be honest and fair.

In my experience (I used to work for a shop that did many PPI's) we would do the inspection with a written report. It's at the buyer's expense. If they buyer purchases the vehicle, the seller will often let them negotiate the price of the PPI off the asking price of the car. If they don't buy the car, then it's just their expense.

If you tell us where the car is located, those of us familiar with the area could possibly suggest a good shop to do the inspection for you. Getting advise from people without a financial interest in the deal is often better than having the seller make a suggestion for you. Though again, as mentioned above, if it's a really top notch shop, then there's little to worry about.

Beyond that, a PPI is a comprehensive inspection of the car with a written report issued at the end. They will put the car on the lift. They will look for rust. They will check everything to see that it works. We're talking turn signals, window switches, mirrors, etc etc. Anything that doesn't work gets noted. They test drive the car. The should do a compression test or leakdown test (or both). They should look at the plugs and distributor. They should check wheel bearings and brake pads/rotors. They should spend a couple of hours looking over the car, and you should expect to pay a couple (or more) of hours of their hourly shop rate for the inspection. It's well worth it, especially from so far away.

[the_webbster]

Thanks for the input. great insight there. Now I just need to figure out what car to buy! once I do I will post a thread looking for a PPI in that area. I will hopefully get some response to my other thread soon.

btw - spent some time in my brother's '08 STI last summer when I was home in Canada. That's a fun ride, although a little wearing after a couple of hours in the saddle. completely over-potentialled for normal daily driving!

jeff

[Matt Monson]

Yep,
I totally agree on the STi. I wouldn't want one as a daily driver. The WRX is far more road mannered. Many people complain about the cushy handling and whatnot of the modern WRX, but if you wanted to be rid of that, you should buy an STi.

It's not in my signature, but I've got a pretty prepped '99 2.5RS. It's got a 225chp NA engine in it with a bunch of suspension and brake work. I would never want to take that car on a road trip, though it's fun to flog around town from time to time. And it is way faster on the track than my WRX.

[NewfieMZ3]

My two cents on the PPI from a fellow Canuck. I have purchased two 911's in the last year from a distance, with someone else's eyes through a PPI. The first one was done at a Porsche Dealer in Oakville. While not displeased with their assessment, generally speaking Porsche Dealers are not real experts on the older cars, although one of their techs may be.

The second vehicle was PPI'd by an Independant Shop in the Kingston area, Blaszak Motorsports. Extremly knowledgeable, and reputable, Porsche guy. He knew every nook and cranny of the older Porsche and all their weaknesses to be investigated, and sent very detailed photos throughout the inspection process. As they say pictures are worth a 1000 words. A compression/leak down is critical to determine the health of your engine.

Once you have decided on a specific model, do some research here on Pelican to determine the typical weeknesses for that car. I would request a copy of the shop's PPI checklist before the Inspection to make sure it is complete and includes above mentioned areas, and anything else you would like to add. ( I'm sure some Pelicans can provide a very thorough checklist)

Make sure they will provide a written report........and lots of photos if possible, my guy even sent pics of each plug as he pulled it. That's probably not typical but very reassuring that you have an experienced and caring person digging through your car.

Do your homework, get good references, and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions of the shop. If you don't get an accomodating response.....move on.........and good luck.

[the_webbster]

Thanks for digging up this old thread and giving me your $.02
I have another car going to PPI tomorrow. I really don't know that much about what to be looking for so I am trusting the people doing the PPI. they seem like a very reputable shop and the car is supposed to be in really good condition.
I would like to get a checklist from them and think I will search PPI Checklist on the forum here to see what I come up with.
thanks again,
jeff