First day out test driving cars. Notes & Questions.

[mikefocke]

In the Boxster, there are ways of lowering the seats and a kit that deletes the center console allowing your right leg to splay out to the side. Note the seat position relative to your head and the rollbar.

You are looking at cars that are 15 or more years old. Great cars but parts age as well as wear.

The '00 you describe sounds like a nice car from what you say. But priced a bit more like an S (bigger engine, bigger brakes, etc). I owner a '99, totaled it. Then a '01S just because. Both great cars, very trouble free. I did the PPI with a great mechanic and knew I was going to spend $2k on a 60k plus complete brakes. Then added tires and an alignment really nothing much for around 5 years. I sold the car because of my age and changed parking situation. But I knew all those things before buying and factored them into the buying price. And so did the seller as they got the same printed report and in-person walk-through I did.

In both my Boxster purchases I bought from a private owner (neither the first/only owner, BTW) and I verified the reason for selling (kids, parking space, need for an outside salesperson's 4 door car, etc).

[paulb]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

In the Boxster, there are ways of lowering the seats and a kit that deletes the center console allowing your right leg to splay out to the side. Note the seat position relative to your head and the rollbar.


The '00 you describe sounds like a nice car from what you say. But priced a bit more like an S (bigger engine, bigger brakes, etc).

- thanks Ill look into lowering the seat, I'd rather keep the center console but I'll have to make that decision after some time of ownership

-It is a nice car & I'm considering an offer, I'm ok spending a bit more for one that isn't showing its age & putting 2-3K into the maintenance right off as I'll consider that in negotiating my price. In your experience is a PPI enough without actually knowing whats been done previously?

[nadams]

Originally Posted by paulb

- thanks Ill look into lowering the seat, I'd rather keep the center console but I'll have to make that decision after some time of ownership



-It is a nice car & I'm considering an offer, I'm ok spending a bit more for one that isn't showing its age & putting 2-3K into the maintenance right off as I'll consider that in negotiating my price. In your experience is a PPI enough without actually knowing whats been done previously?

I should add I have the console delete installed.

And Mike's blog was a definite read prior to buying.


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[mikefocke]

Glad it helped.

For ease of access a link.

[mikefocke]

Tough question. Even with a PPI, stuff happens. All you can do is reduce the chances for the obvious and testable at the time items. A lot depends on the quality of the PPI. I spent probably 3 hours of labor costs and the guy preped P-cars for racing and his shop was filled with engines in one state of assembly or another. I had seen his 3 page PPI sheet and so I knew of the measurements he'd be doing. The guy doing the job matters ... how many times have you heard that.

I'd suggest finding the mechanic before the car. Often they can point you to a car whose history they know and whose seller motivation they can attest.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Tough question. Even with a PPI, stuff happens. All you can do is reduce the chances for the obvious and testable at the time items. A lot depends on the quality of the PPI. I spent probably 3 hours of labor costs and the guy preped P-cars for racing and his shop was filled with engines in one state of assembly or another. I had seen his 3 page PPI sheet and so I knew of the measurements he'd be doing. The guy doing the job matters ... how many times have you heard that.

I'd suggest finding the mechanic before the car. Often they can point you to a car whose history they know and whose seller motivation they can attest.

The last part is very good info. Check with your local PCA for mechanics and go talk to them. They usually know of an owner that may be looking to sell. I would call the dealer of the '00 Base to see if they have any knowledge of the car's service history or better yet, show up in person. I was able to talk to the garage that took care of my car and they were able to assure me that it had been well taken care of. Patience is the key in your search, wait for the "right" one

[thstone]

Originally Posted by paulb

In your experience is a PPI enough without actually knowing whats been done previously?

Yes.

Not knowing the service history shouldn't be a deal killer. The vast majority of Porsche's live lives of great care and attention. If the car is in good shape, it was also probably well serviced.

Get a good PPI. It will be the best $300 that you ever spend.

[356Guy]

A PPI can only determine so much. Don't forget to look at date codes on tires on low mileage cars (ask me how I know). Having a maintenance history might save you some money doing things that were already done and help you sell when you are done with the car. As always, plan on spending at least $2k over and above what is found on the PPI plus $$ for any upgrades your are likely to do.