richri929

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/car/524158074.html

73-911E-Targa

I think I'll state the obvious. Get a PPI! The seller says "the motor does not ... use oil" All air cooled (really oil cooled) 911s use oil! Either the seller is really new to Porsche or worse he's, I'll be kind, misstating what he's selling. Either way, GET A PPI!!

In addition to the many PPI references here and on Pelican, I'll add these questions for you to ask the seller before you spend the money on a PPI. *I found these questions on the internet at some past time and didn't note the source or I would credit the author.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE PURCHASING A USED 911

1) Are the wheels stock/OEM Fuch, sizes front/rear?
2) How old are the tires? What size?
3) Has the transmission ever been rebuilt? How extensive?
4) Was the clutch replaced? When?
5) Do you notice any grinding after engaging reverse from neutral?
6) Are any of the forward gears difficult to engage when moving?
7) Was the engine ever cleaned (if so when)?
8) Have any warning lights on the dash been disconnected (i.e. oil pressure warning, alternator warning). If so, why?
9) Does any electrical component in the car int/ext not work (i.e. lights, fans, sunroof, windows etc.)?
10) Does any gauge/dial not work?
11) Does the odometer work, has it ever been replaced, disconnected?
12) Do you notice any tendency for the steering to pull to one side or the other while driving? Has an alignment ever been done?
13) Is there any looseness in the steering rack?
14) Does the car smoke at start up (if so how long does it last)?
15) Have you noticed any roughness or hesitation after the engine has warmed up?
16) Has the car ever overheated?
17) Have the shocks ever been replaced? When?
18) Have the brake lines been replaced? When?
19) Has the frame ever been damaged/repaired?
20) Any accidents? When? Where/how was the car damaged?
21) Any body work? Where?
22) When were the valves last adjusted?
23) Have the valve covers ever been replaced? When?
24) Any oil leaks? Source/location known?
25) For SCs (Have the chain tensioners been updated? Has the airbox been updated?)
26) List all mods done to the car?
27) What is the condition of the exhaust system (i.e. muffler, cat, manifolds, shields, exchangers etc.)? (Probably PPI)
28) What is the condition of the oil reservoir (any leaks by the sending unit)? (Probably PPI)
29) What is the condition of the belts? (Probably PPI)
30) What is the condition of the engine and transmission rubber mounts (have they been replaced)? (Probably PPI)
31) What is the condition of the suspension, stabilizer bar bushings and mounts? (Probably PPI)
32) What are included in the service records (i.e. receipts for work completed, description of work, how inclusive, what would not be included)?

flatsixnut

I'll add that when you do go to look at a 911, you can learn ALOT about the car from the owner.
-How is the car stored...
-What kind of care does the owner give for the car, like how he opens/shuts doors/hood...
-How does he/she cold start the car...
-warm up before high rpm....
-shifting, etc.

Tons can be learned just from observing someone drive their car. I could have added more but you get the point.

73-911E-Targa

Here are a couple of resources for you to review before purchase:

Porsche Pre-Purchase Inspection

MUSSBERGER

Take the advice that was given!

Brett San Diego

I was thinking the same thing.

Looks good in the pics and ad text, but that's not even half the story. It may be a great car, but one must do the right things to find if that is truly the case.

Brett

Rick K

IMO, an SC w/ 200K+ miles shouldn't fetch much north of $10K, if that, regardless of the condition (unless the thing is fully restored, which this one wasn't).

For reference, I sold an SC last year w/ half the miles, great leakdowns, literally needed nothing - for that much money. Also, "the miles are not accurate"...yikes. Tough to resell something like that...