Questions about PPI

[Mike_Yi]

It is critical that the inspector is looking out for your interests rather than the interests of the seller. In other words, you don't want to have the owner's normal shop do the PPI. If they "help" the seller sell the car, the seller will likely continue bringing their business to that shop. If the shop reports something major, the seller may never use that shop again. Always choose a shop that has no relationship with the seller.

If you do it long distance, most shops will discuss their process with you in depth. If they don't, find another shop.

Use the findings of the PPI to negotiate price. For example, if the car needs brakes, Genuine Porsche parts (pads and rotors) will cost just under $1000, and that doesn't include labor.

IMO, if you can avoid it, do not have a dealer do the PPI. They hope to sell you some parts and service. So they may tell you stuff is bad that is not. When I bought my car, it had 45k miles on it. The dealer who did the PPI told me it needed a clutch. It's got 65k on it now, and the clutch is still good.

[cbbepop]

If you don't have your own trusted mechanic, easiest will be to call and arrange an appt at a porsche dealership. I think they charge an hour for the PPI about $125. But careful PPI are not always accurate.

[RandallNeighbour]

Just to throw in my two cents' worth here....

Buy the youngest S you can find, and don't compromise on anything you really want in your Porsche. Colors, features, mileage, repair and maintenance records, and so forth.

If you can only afford a base model, wait and save more money. No one gripes about the extra HP but we all gripe when forced to live with less, especially in the 986's. The newer 987 base models have as much HP as the late 986 S's, which is great, but if you drive both you'll see for yourself.

I so wish I had been far pickier. I'd be driving a 2003 S right now. Drive a lot of boxsters before you decide on one in particular. Then get that PPI.

Happy Boxster hunting! This is a great time of year and in the middle of a deep recession to be looking for a pre-owned boxster. You should find a lot of excellent examples for a lot less than normal in January when there's snow on the ground and our Congress has slapped us all with higher taxes.