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Originally Posted by EricF
I guess my major question earlier applies to any future cars that I look at: How much of a "safety net" does a PPI provide in scenarios where a car lacks consistent maintenance records? Aside from any noticeable leaks, wear, and general aesthetics, are the guys conducting the PPI able to give me a solid indication of internal problem areas that might fail down the line (water pump, shocks/struts, yadda yadda)? Should I just steer clear of cars and sellers without a full history of maintenance in hand entirely, or is some of this risk offset by scheduling a good PPI? I'm not much of a gambling man, but I do realize that at this price point at age of vehicle I'm always going to be taking my chances.
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There is definitely risk offset by the PPI; I bought a 2003 without complete maintenance records; the PPI turned up about $2K of work that the seller was kind enough to take care of (super nice guy); some of it from being under-used (CV Boots cracked) and some miscellaneous things that typically need attention on a Boxster of this age (oil filler tube, horn, alignment).
However the inspector noted it was one of the driest 986's he's seen; no oil seeping anywhere, very confident of the engine.
This was a month or so after I had a PPI done on a different car where there was an RMS problem, and the seller wouldn't budge on the price -- I was even willing to meet him half way, since the car was in excellent condition otherwise. To me, that was a pass, it was already priced pretty highly for it's excellent condition, and I wasn't willing to immediately tack on the cost of the RMS job.
My advice; ALWAYS get the PPI, and be prepared to walk -- have some patience, and you'll find one that you'll be satisfied with.
I'm not certain I would have had problems with that other car, but so far (knock wood) the one I bought has had only 1 issue -- I found a bent convertible top push rod that probably was there at the time, but that the inspector missed -- regardless, that was a $50 part, and a few hours of my time to fix. Something I would consider extremely minor.
Had I bought it without the PPI, I would have spent about $2K instead of $50. The PPI is money well spent for good expert information on the car -- what you do with that information is up to you, but the information itself cannot be a bad thing.
Just my $0.02.