GWD

I'm watching a very clean looking 88 coupe with 112k miles, 3 owners in the southeast and all maintenace records. I've talked to the seller, but the end of the bidding precludes a PPI. Can anyone give me a steer on things I should watch out for or ask. The price range currently seems reasonable, as I'm estimating it will end at around $17 or $18k. I really appreciate any advice. Thanks

old man neri

As you no doubt know you are really rolling your dice with out getting a PPI. You could ask about the oil consumption but that is easy to lie about.

Around that mileage these cars start to need a rebuild, not all but some. Has one already been done?

Peter Zimmermann

My 2 cents worth; (1) Don't ever get involved with a "bidding" war unless you're at an auction, and (2) Don't ever consider a car that the owner will not authorize a PPI on.

GWD

The car is being sold by a Merc dealer as a trade-in. Because of the limited time left I've asked about having one of their certified mechanics do a PPI. I certainly appreciate that this is not the optimal situation, but the year, mileage and (apparent) condition of the car makes this risk somewhat attractive. All maintenace has been done, records kept and include recent valve adjustments and a new clutch. So, any other things to ask or consider? Thanks

Oshin11

Wow, have one of HIS mechanics do a PPI, are you out of your mind? I would steer way clear of this car. Appearance means NOTHING when it comes to these cars, a car that may seem good on paper can actually be a piece of junk inside the engine bay. Valve adjustments are standard maintainence that need to be done its nothing that should sway your decision. Clutch, still not something amazing. The car is 20 years old, dont buy it without a PPI. I'm selling my 87 carrera, and of course I tell everyone about how well I keep it, and eveyone on these forums knows I take damn good care of it. That being said, the instant someone says "I want a PPI" I say "Where do you want me to drop it off for inspection?". Someone who is confident about their car would surely allow a PPI. My 2 cents.

jester911

To be honest that isn't even that good a price considering the mileage even if it is a clean car. Having their mechanic do the PPI is a waste of time and effort. It may not seem like it now but you will be glad later if you walk away from it now.

Amber Gramps

does the Merk dealer sell Porsches too? I wouldn't fall for the "bidding" thing. if they want to sell it on the lot then they should let you inspect it first. if they don't want to step up to the world of sports cars let them send it to the auction where they wont get more than $14,000 for it. It will go to a dealer that will allow a PPI who will get $20,000 for his troubles. to let a dealer get $18,000 with no inspection, no....

theiceman

Anyone can PPI my acr .. if they say soemthing is wronf they are full of it because I know everything is spot on . In fact I would want a PPi becuase then I could point out things on the car they guy has to watch for on other cars....

Daniel Dudley

Lots of good 911s out there. No need to get sucked in.

Oshin11

I have folders full of maintainence records dating back to when the car had only 17K miles on it. It doesn't mean the car was well taken care of necessarily. I know my car is well taken car of because I understand how metals, chemicals, and materials work. It's what I do for a living. So I know to rev my engine, drive it hard, not let seals dry up. These are some of the important things that most people DON'T know. People may say their car was well taken care of, but thats because they don't know the meaning of the phrase "well taken care of" when it comes to Porsche 911s.

Now those are some priceless words.


Send me a PM I'll show you what a real 3.2 Carrera should look like

KC911

I wouldn't even consider this car under the circumstances...

No PPI = RUN away!!!
I'd NEVER buy an older 911 from a "dealer" (unless it's a specialist "911 dealer" that you're willing to pay a premium for).

Keith
'88 CE coupe