Do you get the PPI before negotiating the price or do you haggle a price first and then get the PPI to verify the assumed excellent condition?

 

My approach has been to negotiate a price pending a spotless PPI. Then upon getting back the thorough PPI, deduct for any items that need to be corrected or were discovered (like bodywork or repainted areas). Chances are, the owner (especially a dealer or second owner) may not know everything a PPI will turn up so there may be some uncertainty on the seller's part helping your cause in the negotiation. If a pre-negotiation PPI comes back perfect, the seller will be negotiating from a position of strength and you will likely pay a premium, although maybe deservedly so.

Anyway, this has been my strategy. I'm not sure there is a right way concerning starting negotiations before or after a PPI. Some people may want to see the PPI before they waste their time and energy negotiating. Regardless, I believe the key is actually getting a thorough PPI, not necessarily when to start the haggling.

Good luck,
Jason

 

I would negotiate before a PPI. The asking price is always the price the dealer/individual wants. Some people are going to waltz right in and say, "I LOVE that Porsh. (sic) Here's a check."

Once you negotiate the price down based on things such as condition, mileage, year, options, etc. then get a PPI but let the person know that the PPI can't have anything that is wrong in a major way. Maybe there should be an agreed upon limit of repair cost that the PPI reveals, say $750 max.

In this way, you've already brought the price down before the PPI has revealed a "perfect" car that would otherwise strengthen the seller's price. If you find problems with a "perfect" car, each item can be leveraged to bring the price down (or to have the items fixed.) Now, instead of starting at the asking price, you're working your way down from the already lower, pre-negotiated price.

One word about PPI's. I've had two PPI's for two different P-cars and both were less than thorough. From what I gathered from other Rennlisters, this lack of thoroughness seemed to be no big deal. A less than thorough PPI is okay?! When it's your money and your $XX,XXX car is on the line, a less than thorough PPI is NOT okay.

When you get a PPI done, you should tell the shop that you want them to tell you EVERYTHING that is wrong with the car from top to bottom. Tell them you want all problems to be noted and explained to you. They should look at the car with the discerning eye of someone who is going to buy the car, regardless if it's their money or not. Don't settle for anything less! I am appalled at the lack of quality PPI's I have received.

If you can afford a 993, then you have achieved a measure of success and probably do your job pretty darn well, and thoroughly, to boot. I think it's inexcusable that a PPI that costs $200-$250 should not have every inch checked over, or that more than one or two items should be missed. Porsche owners are generally a detail-oriented bunch and your shop should know this.

Okay , I'll stop ranting. Good luck with your car!!