On my way to see/test drive a 2013 C4S, 8k, one owner (leased). The car is certified and with extended warranty. What should I be on look out for, or what are the important and less obvious questions to ask in order to avoid unpleasant surprises after taking the car home.

Please chime in.

 

my 2013 C4S has been flawless, so I don't have anything to put on your list. Carefully look at the build sheet to make sure you understand what options are/are not on the car. Since it was leased, there are likely no mods on the car. Make sure you exercise a little "spirit" in your test drive!

good luck!

 

Let it warm up.
Watch for hesitation / dead spots in the power band between 2-3k rpm (under normal driving).
Listen for rattles in dash and headliner.
Make sure the funky fuel gauge issue has been addressed.
Inspect the tires.

 

Good info Thank you

 

Will specifically look for modes

 

Also have them confirm that all the Porsche campaigns and s/w flashes have been performed.

 

Dealer and I talked about this and he assured me that the car would not have been certified with
outstanding factory issues. I hope this is true.

 

"Dealer", "Assured", "Truth".... seriously?

 

I hear you!

 

Certifying the car requires a rigorous examination of the car. Porsche is not interested in certifying a car that is likely to come back numerous times for warranty work. It doesn't make financial sense. The dealer will spend $1000 +/- for certification. Not all cars qualify.

 

Check carfax to make sure it wasn't in an accident. I am always a bit suspicious when a leased car comes back in a year. Also, if possible find out if it was tracked. Where was it serviced? Ask to see the service records from Porsche.

 

I'm pretty sure if there's an accident on Carfax, it can't be CPO.

 

Agreed, ask for the documentation to confirm.

Not true, at least not from what I have seen and experienced a couple of years ago.

 

CPO or not, I'd still have a PPI done.

 

I agree with that. Look at the thread titled "CPO - How important is it?" in the Panamera section.