First-Time Porsche Owner: Seeking Advice
11-25-2018, 12:32 PM
#1
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First-Time Porsche Owner: Seeking Advice
Hi All! I purchased my first sportscar (2013 Porsche Boxster): I wanted to experience a convertible too. It will be delivered this week. I have 30 min to sign for it, a week to decide if I am keeping it, and 100 days with a limited warranty. So, I have four questions: 1) What do I need to look for/experience in 30 min? (My level of knowledge under the hood is very minimal). 2) What do I need to make sure I pay a mechanic to check out in the "used car check appt"? 3) How do I find the best (honest, affordable, good work) Porsche (or independent) mechanic in Montgomery, AL (beyond Google search for only a list of options)? 4)Any additional tips/advice for a Porsche/sportscar/convertible novice? (I've owned a Chevy compact, Toyota sedan and a Hyundai SUV previously...aka novice). Your time and sharing your knowledge/experience is MUCH APPRECIATED! I am super excited...and a bit nervous. Thanks!
Gratefully,
Jacqueline
Gratefully,
Jacqueline
11-25-2018, 12:48 PM
#2
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Hopefully someone in your area will chime in with recommendations for where to have a PPI and future work performed. Usually every region has one or two really good technicians that are intimately familiar with these cars and know what to look for.
In 30 minutes all you can really accomplish is a detailed walk around the car to confirm cosmetic condition and maybe a drive to confirm the engine has good power and transmission shifts without issue. Is it a PDK or Manual? I would also look for signs of overspray and poor trim installation that may be a sign of an accident.
Good luck and hopefully the car checks out.
Feel free to post up some pics here too, some can identify visually if something looks off.
In 30 minutes all you can really accomplish is a detailed walk around the car to confirm cosmetic condition and maybe a drive to confirm the engine has good power and transmission shifts without issue. Is it a PDK or Manual? I would also look for signs of overspray and poor trim installation that may be a sign of an accident.
Good luck and hopefully the car checks out.
Feel free to post up some pics here too, some can identify visually if something looks off.
11-25-2018, 03:54 PM
#4
Congratulations on your new Porsche...consider yourself a new Addict!
1) What do I need to look for/experience in 30 min? (My level of knowledge under the hood is very minimal).
You want to put the top up and down several times and check for fit and finish. Ensure the motors are working correctly. Make sure there is NO dampness or wetness under the seats as this could indicate clogged drains. Normally, I bring an OBDII reader with me to check for error codes and faults. Check the headlights for delamination and fogging. Check the door panels by the windows for warping and mis-fit. Test the PDK for proper shifting and DOWN Shifting. Make sure there is no clunking noise. Check the tires for proper wear. Take the car for a ride over railroad track to check for squeaks, rattles, etc. LOL
2) What do I need to make sure I pay a mechanic to check out in the "used car check appt"?
You can take the vehicle to any Porsche dealer and they will perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) for approx. $300. In independent Porsche mechanic will charge 1/2 of that. A PPI would test all the vehicle systems including the engine, suspension, transmission, etc.
3) How do I find the best (honest, affordable, good work) Porsche (or independent) mechanic in Montgomery, AL (beyond Google search for only a list of options)?
Check this forum for Independent Porsche Mechanics (INDY's) in your area. This forum is for older Porsches, but still appropriate for finding the right indy.
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-g...pecialist.html
4)Any additional tips/advice for a Porsche/sportscar/convertible novice?
Download the "Good to Know" Porsche APP to your iPhone and start reading about regular maintenance on Porsches. The more information you have, the more you will save.
Enjoy driving one of the best sports cars in the world.
1) What do I need to look for/experience in 30 min? (My level of knowledge under the hood is very minimal).
You want to put the top up and down several times and check for fit and finish. Ensure the motors are working correctly. Make sure there is NO dampness or wetness under the seats as this could indicate clogged drains. Normally, I bring an OBDII reader with me to check for error codes and faults. Check the headlights for delamination and fogging. Check the door panels by the windows for warping and mis-fit. Test the PDK for proper shifting and DOWN Shifting. Make sure there is no clunking noise. Check the tires for proper wear. Take the car for a ride over railroad track to check for squeaks, rattles, etc. LOL
2) What do I need to make sure I pay a mechanic to check out in the "used car check appt"?
You can take the vehicle to any Porsche dealer and they will perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) for approx. $300. In independent Porsche mechanic will charge 1/2 of that. A PPI would test all the vehicle systems including the engine, suspension, transmission, etc.
3) How do I find the best (honest, affordable, good work) Porsche (or independent) mechanic in Montgomery, AL (beyond Google search for only a list of options)?
Check this forum for Independent Porsche Mechanics (INDY's) in your area. This forum is for older Porsches, but still appropriate for finding the right indy.
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-g...pecialist.html
4)Any additional tips/advice for a Porsche/sportscar/convertible novice?
Download the "Good to Know" Porsche APP to your iPhone and start reading about regular maintenance on Porsches. The more information you have, the more you will save.
Enjoy driving one of the best sports cars in the world.
11-25-2018, 03:58 PM
#5
Marine Blue pretty much nailed it. In 30 minutes, you're looking for cosmetic concerns and any weird sounds, rattles or vibrations on the test drive. Unless something is majorly wrong, I doubt you would be able to tell much in 30 minutes even if you were a longtime Porsche owner. The big thing is that week to decide if you're keeping it. Sounds like CarMax? If so, I actually think CarMax is great for buying cars, if for no other reason than their return policy and competitive warranty prices. 7 days is plenty of time for you to line up a thorough PPI (or in your case, "post" purchase inspection) so they can get the car on a lift and go over it. A good PPI shouldn't cost you more than $200 or so at an independent shop, and yes, someone can/will chime in here with advice on a good indy in your area. I'm sure there's at least one, if not a few.
Congrats on your purchase! You're going to be hooked after this car I'm sure. There's just something about a sports car, and a Porsche in particular. You're going to love it.
Congrats on your purchase! You're going to be hooked after this car I'm sure. There's just something about a sports car, and a Porsche in particular. You're going to love it.
11-25-2018, 04:45 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
You really want to get a PPI ASAP. With that kind of time don’t Worry too much but line one up immediately.
+1 above comments. Make sure it starts drives shifts and all the cosmetic. PPI will do the in depth.
+1 above comments. Make sure it starts drives shifts and all the cosmetic. PPI will do the in depth.
11-25-2018, 04:56 PM
#7
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Thank you for your helpful responses! I am definitely prioritizing finding and scheduling an effective Porsche mechanic. I generally prefer independent, if an option, but there is a dealership in Montgomery, AL too, if necessary. I bought from Carvana, which gives a 150pt Carvana check and recent oil chg and detail, but I will get a full inspection. Thanks, algiorda, vbb, and daylorb!
Jacqueline
Jacqueline
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11-25-2018, 04:57 PM
#8
Banned
Does not appear to be an indie for a Porsche PPI in Montgomery. Ingram does have a Gold level tech (highest), Acie Key, if they will do a PPI ask that he does it. You want them to at least do a CPO level inspection. Also specifically ask them to look for any body work or rust.
Although dealers are usually not as good as an indie, especially an older Porsche, I think doing the PPI at Ingram makes sense as it appears they are your only service option going forward unless you drive a good distance.
Oh... you do not want soap wax etc on the top.
Although dealers are usually not as good as an indie, especially an older Porsche, I think doing the PPI at Ingram makes sense as it appears they are your only service option going forward unless you drive a good distance.
Oh... you do not want soap wax etc on the top.
11-26-2018, 06:46 AM
#10
Marine Blue wasn’t a standard color in 2013, I don’t believe. If it is Marine Blue, it was a special PTS (paint to sample) car that was specially ordered and would be quite a rare color. I think they offered Aqua Blue Metallic and Dark Blue Metallic that year for blues.
Definitely join PCA, at least for a year to see if you like the experience. Parade is going to be in Boca next year.
Folks here seem to like Raggtop products for the soft tops.
Good luck.
Definitely join PCA, at least for a year to see if you like the experience. Parade is going to be in Boca next year.
Folks here seem to like Raggtop products for the soft tops.
Good luck.
11-26-2018, 09:19 AM
#11
Rennlist Member
Jacqueline, all good advice above. May be a good idea to also reach out to your local PCA region with the same questions. I’m sure they’d love to help a new Porsche fan and a potential new member:
https://ala.pca.org/board-members/
A knowledgable local Porsche club member could join you and help you in your initial 30min inspection. Other Porsche locals could suggest a good local shop for the PPI. Good luck and post updates and pics here!
https://ala.pca.org/board-members/
A knowledgable local Porsche club member could join you and help you in your initial 30min inspection. Other Porsche locals could suggest a good local shop for the PPI. Good luck and post updates and pics here!
