Need advice on Pre Purchase Inspection report

[mikefocke]

I guess it all depends. I posted two car ads on the Raleigh CL and both cars were gone inside of 4 hours. They were fairly priced, accurately described, and not even pictures. One Boxster, one Acura. Sold a set of 20 year old speakers in 3 days. All at 95% of asking price.

Are there fake ads on CL, sure. But there are good buys too.

[husker boxster]

I sell 95% of my Wheeler Dealer cars on CL. Lately been finding my WD cars there too. You just have to wade thru the riff-raff. Some sellers just aren't too accommodating. Either move on or keep trying (or both).

[Jeremy Cronin]

Bouncing this thread up again as I am looking now at a 2002 S with similar miles to the previous one, asking price $9800, IMS bearing has been changed recently. Couple of minor collisions that needed repair at the extremities. Having a PPI done locally to the seller tomorrow.

Looking at the car fax report, back in 2005 there is a note that the gearbox was removed and reinstalled.
Any idea why this might have been done? (Since then the car was kept by one owner for 8 years, and then the seller for another 2)

Thanks,
Jeremy

PS. Both this one and the previous one I had looked at had been brought as graduation gifts for daughters.
First time that someone told me a Boxster is a girl's car I laughed it off, but now I have 2 data points proving it.
Can anyone explain to me how a car like a manual Boxster S becomes a car for rich young graduates? (I'm new to America...)

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Cronin

Bouncing this thread up again as I am looking now at a 2002 S with similar miles to the previous one, asking price $9800, IMS bearing has been changed recently. Couple of minor collisions that needed repair at the extremities. Having a PPI done locally to the seller tomorrow.

Looking at the car fax report, back in 2005 there is a note that the gearbox was removed and reinstalled.
Any idea why this might have been done? (Since then the car was kept by one owner for 8 years, and then the seller for another 2)

Thanks,
Jeremy

PS. Both this one and the previous one I had looked at had been brought as graduation gifts for daughters.
First time that someone told me a Boxster is a girl's car I laughed it off, but now I have 2 data points proving it.
Can anyone explain to me how a car like a manual Boxster S becomes a car for rich young graduates? (I'm new to America...)

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...

[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.