stairmasterman911

I'm looking at a '98 993 at Porsche West Houston and wondering about getting a PPI or not. I've looked it over carefully and driven it. Drives, shifts, and brakes very well. Has a few paint flaws. Clean one owner carfax. I know shops especially in the Houston area are gun shy on doing PPI's from a legal standpoint. I feel like this car needs me - like a cute puppy with big ole eyes in that cage at the pound, so hate to not jump. Wanted to get the group's consensus. This will be my sixth 911 in twenty five years of PCA membership so not a complete newby, but far from a mechanic.

notabot

Car’s over 20 years old. Get a PPI from a shop that’s experience with air-cooled 911’s.

pp000830

Hi StairMasterMan,
Here are my thoughts on the subject:
https://993servicerepair.blogspot.co...-purchase.html
Andy

rk-d

YES

These aren't proof of a car without issue -- my PPI missed things and after you drive a car, other issues will present themselves. But I consider them to be an invaluable part of vetting the car.

uniquenamehere

How deep are your pockets? Look up costs of suspension refresh, transmission/engine rebuilds and decide if spending $500 (or whatever it is) for a thorough inspection is worth it to you.

I wouldn't buy one without a PPI but that's just me...

gonzilla

Why would you not get a PPI?

NC TRACKRAT

If you have reason to believe that it'll get sold out from under you, here's a suggestion: Do your own PPI. Have them run a diagnostic off the OBD port. Does it throw any codes? Does it pass State inspection? Have them put it on a lift and let you look at the underbelly w/o the engine and tranny panels. Any leaks from engine, valve covers, tranny, half-shaft boots? Tires in good condition and with no uneven wear? Brake pads and rotors in good condition? Any signs of bodywork or paint overspray? How long have they had the car? LocaI or out of state? If it's got high mileage (over 60-70K), factor in $10-15K for potential engine and clutch job.

centerpunch

Looks like a one-owner car that was recently sold at auction and that dealer bought it.

Maybe they could unofficially pull up the service records for the car and show them to you.

I'm not loving those wheels- seems like maybe they stick out too far, too, but that's an easy swap if desired.

olsonreels

They are pricing as pristine and original condition. It isn’t original. Aftermarket stereo- how much of the original hifi was hacked to make the switch? Wheels? Hood/frunk gasket line doesn’t look perfectly square (could be camera angle and could be signs of repair). PPI should allow for a more informed decision. Eyes wide open or move along.

Gbos1

Independent PPI from a reputable shop that KNOWS AIR COOLED 911s! Can’t stress this enough!!! These cars are not cheap to fix!

stairmasterman911

Great advice all. Thanks. Yes I detest those wheels and the goofy radio. It does come with the original stereo but not the wheels. The tires are five years old but have good tread - car only has I think 28K miles. Has a few paint scuffs and scratches. The engine cover shocks are dead. I'm not at all familiar with that end of Houston (Dairy Ashford/ IH 10) as to air cooled shops.

cgfen

I've bought two 911s with "no PPI" other than my own inspection.
only surprise was a LSD rebuild needed on the GT3 = $1100.00

It depends on how much you trust your own diagnostic judgement.
If they won't at least let you put it on a lift and do an inspection then = no purchase for me.

"They are pricing as pristine and original condition.".

of course they are, they are a dealer who typically deals in new 911s with high ADM.

olsonreels

My comment was intended as buyer beware (regarding pristine and original listing price).

Tlaloc75

I bought my 993 without a PPI. I did talk to servicing mechanic and that gave me some peace of mind, but I know that's not an unbiased opinion. The car was pretty much as presented but I still needed to do some work, simply due to age. Mostly suspension.

I think if you like the 993 and it presents and drives well you should buy it. PPI in that case is more about negotiating price (if something is found) vs buy/no-buy. If there is no room for negotiation and you want it regardless, then PPI provides less value.

Nothing that I've had to do on my car would have been caught on a PPI btw.

sgt1372

I bought my 996 C4 Cab w/o a PPI and have had no regrets (yet)!

A PPI is "insurance" but it is NOT a guarantee. Sh*t happens and even if you get the most thorough PPI in the world (and pay accordingly for it), the engine could still BLOW UP!

Just depends on the risk you are willing to assume.