Jarg1

Hi there,

I have located a 993 I am interested in purchasing in L.A. from an individual. I live 300 miles away in the Bay area, so I'm struggling to sort out the logistics of the purchase. Specifically, I want to have a PPI done on the car but it isn't very convenient for me to fly down. I may try to get the current owner to take it in, but would prefer not to commit to the expense before having someone familiar with the model taking a look at it.

I have spoken with the owner, but don't have the address yet. The the listing is Los Angeles, CA 90036. It is on Autotrader, as a blue 1997 Porsche 911 $32,900 with 71K miles.

Any help is greatly appreciated. And I welcome recommendations on a good local mechanic to do the inspection.

Regards,
Scott

Chuck W.

If it helps any that Zip code is for the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles just south of Hollywood. Sorry I can help you out, but I know someone will recommend a good place down there for a PPI. Good luck...

ZombiePorsche44

Bad form old man ,

I traveled all over Cali for 4 1/2 months looking at 15+ different 993's before I found mine. There was much pleasure in the hunt alone. Taking the time to personally check the car out is absolutey mandantory when buying a 911, especially a 993. If you're not willing to do the leg work you shouldn't try to get someone else to do it for you.

I cannot help you because you might base your purchase on my recommendation, then have something go wrong (break) on the car and blame (sue) me, no thanks. This is not a reflection on your character, it is more of the fact we don't know each other and this is a large purchase with passions for the marque thrown in.

I'll tell you what though, if you fly to San Diego to check out a 993, let me know and I'll pick you up in mine, take you to see the car, then show you to the best independent Porsche shop in San Diego (The Black Forest) for a PPI.

Cheers,
ZP44

ca993twin

ZP44,

I think if someone were to drive over, photograph the car in detail, drive it and describe their personal opinions, it would be a great favor to Scott, and shouldn't open the door for legal action. I have done this for several Rennlisters, and had this done for me on two occasions (one a Lexus that I didn't buy, and Rufus that I did buy). If all looks good on the car, then indeed Scott should get on down here and see it for himself, and get a proper PPI done. This is more of a prescreening and a recommendation for a shop to do a PPI.

Are we really this gun shy?

Jarg1

Sorry if I offended anyone with this request. I'm not clear on the etiquette in such matters (or many others as my wife would surely confirm).

I'm not trying to avoid the work, but my schedule is such that it is tough for me to get away, so I was hoping for a bit of help with a pre-screening. Of course I intend to look at any car I consider purchasing, and no, I wouldn't sue someone if their judgement was flawed.

Anyway, if someone knows of a good mechanic in the area, please let me know so I can try to schedule an inspection.

Thanks,
Scott

kkim

Scott,

Rennlist is made up of a host of different characters and hopefully you will join us later when you purchase our car to find that out for yourself. That said, everyone has their own ideas on different subjects... I'm sure some kind Rennlister will eventually step in to help you out with your request as there are many great guys in the LA area.

Good luck with your search... I would ask the same if I were in your position. And I do agree... the hunt is half the fun.

jrgordonsenior

Jesus Christ, What a bunch of scared-of-the-dark(or lawyers) litigation types-well except Your Honor Steve....

Scott I'm in West LA and driving around most of the time so I'd be happy to take a cursory look for you. PM me the details and the guys number and I'll try to see it Thurs or Friday AM. I'm off for the weekend mid-day Friday....

chris walrod

I feel having a local P-car nut look at the car ONLY for a first wave filter, so to speak. After photos etc., maybe even a PPI, I would THEN make the trip to have a look at the car for reasons stated above. Everybodies perception of -clean- is different.

dpkoby

If I understand the process, Scott is just asking to see if this car merits further consideration-not necessarily a definitive statement to purchase the car. There are many poor examples of 993s out there and it would get expensive to go searching all over the place to eliminate the less than desirable cars. That said I think buying a 993 from a fellow Rennlister takes SOME of the risk out as most of us are particular about maintaining our cars.
Dave

Jarg1

Dave,

I think you are correct that buying from a Rennlister would increase my chances of aquiring a clean car. And I do check the classified section regularly. But I haven't seen anything that matches my preferences, in the price range I can afford. I would like a 993 coupe, 6-speed, and under $35K. If anyone knows of a clean one that fits the bill, I would be happy to consider it.

Scott

Edward

Scott,

I am only 45-minutes away from there, AND that is my parents' zipcode! Be glad to swing by, take pics, and give you my disinterested opinions (for what that's worth ). As for a PPI, TRE Motorsports in North Hollywood (<30 minutes away) is a superb choice. Ask the seller if he knows TRE as they have a superb reputation in these parts. PM me if you like ...would love to help you out.

Edward

kkim

Edward... I knew this would have a happy ending.

Scott... can't do much better than Edward to help you out... one of the kind Rennlisters I was referring to.

Jarg1

Thanks so much to those of you that have offered suggestions and assistance. This really is a great group. Hopefully soon I can transition from a lurker to a contributor.

Scott

kkim

Scott,

Better yet, become a member.

Good luck with the hunt. Talley Ho!!!

jrgordonsenior

Scott,

I met Steve and looked at the car a few hours ago. It's a really good looking car! I'm not a body expert, but the panels are straight and the paint looks original and in great condition. Steve was very straight-forward showing me all the invoices from the previous 2 owners including the recent clutch job. He shared the recent PPI done by Rusnak Porsche in Pasadena for a buyer who flaked out on him. It lists a few items incuding a possible oil leak and the door latch issue, but nothing about a CEL. The CEL light is operational, but it did not come on while I was in the car. I didn't want to drive it, but I engaged the clutch and shifted it and it felt perfect. The engine sounded fine too with the motorsound package. I like the car!


It is definitely worth flying down to look at.