Need advice on Pre Purchase Inspection report

[Jeremy Cronin]

Originally Posted by Geof3

If it's a standard could have been a clutch. I'm not even going to start the discussion of how that might have happened...

Hmmmm.... PPI garage just called.
One of the finds is that the left transmission mount has been welded up at some point.
I'm guessing the forum's advice here is Big Red Light even before hearing the rest?

Additional Big Red Lights:
Last oil change was at a "While U Wait" type shop.
CEL light on for secondary air and O2 sensor (will wait for the written PPI report to get the codes. Not sure there's any point in paying for full diagnosis).
Sun visors/Hood struts/middle brake light all need to be replaced.
Front brake rotors need replaced (weren't changed with the pads).
Misaligned front bumper (minor accident repair), probably not OEM.

I think I will keep looking...

[MWS]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Cronin

Hmmmm.... PPI garage just called.
One of the finds is that the left transmission mount has been welded up at some point.
I'm guessing the forum's advice here is Big Red Light even before hearing the rest?....I think I will keep looking...

Big. Red. Light.

It would appear that during your search, you have done due diligence. At this point my suggestion is to perhaps (pardon my bluntness) tighten your screening process...I'm not sure exactly what else to look for, but really scrutinize both the car and the seller....I hate to see you spending time and money on PPIs that you could be applying to your car budget. Don't get me wrong, a PPI is important, but it should be the last step in the purchase process.

Perhaps a screening tool would be to propose to a future seller that you want a PPI done and that you would like them to pay for it, but you will reimburse them for the cost so long as no major defects are found. If I were selling my car (and knowing the history of my car), I wouldn't have any problem with a buyer making that suggestion. In the inverse, if the seller knows of an issue, they wouldn't even consider it.

Another thought is to start looking at (warning..."D" word) dealers...they would either have done the PPI, or would be willing to as part of the sale.

In any event, best of luck....and don't stop looking.

[Jeremy Cronin]

Thanks. The fact that IMS and top were both recently replaced is what drew me to this car, and although there was not much more detailed history, I still went ahead.
Lesson learned.

I like the idea on the PPI cost. I'll try that if appropriate.

About dealers - all the (non Porsche) dealer ads I called (around 4-5) had absolutely no documentation of the car's history and had no idea if IMS had been changed, yet their asking prices were those of a car with full history.

I am in no hurry to buy - I picked up a winter beater last week - A high mileage, single owner, full service history 2007 Mazda6 V6 Manual for $2000.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Cronin

Hmmmm.... PPI garage just called.
One of the finds is that the left transmission mount has been welded up at some point.
I'm guessing the forum's advice here is Big Red Light even before hearing the rest?

I think I will keep looking...

Can't imagine why a trans mount would be welded, except for maybe some sort of accident/impact? Odd.

And... Good call.