Hannibal

What is a typical cost for a pre purchase inspection? I had a shop in BC quote me $950 for a PPI on a 99 C2 with compression check, and $425 without compression check. He highly recommended the compression check, but I don't see any of these motors failing because of piston / cylinder / compression problems. If it was a leak down test it would tell you more, but just a compression check? Is it worth it?

Kazual99

Wow, I'm in North Carolina and my PPI was less than 200.00 USD. It was done by Eurowerks and Zuffenhaus a independant Porsche race/repair shop. I did not have a compression test, however the shop owner spent quality time with the car and a compression test wasnt recommended but he did offer.

targa996

I had 1 hr PPI done in Californa for $125 ... they checked chassis, body work for damage, looked for leaks, electircals. tires, test drive etc. No compression test however. I've heard as high as $250 if you want to do memory readout and compression test - but car was running stong, no smoke etc. and had full service history so I skipped that.

At my first service I found a couple of other minor issues (weak window regulator, exhaust rattle) that PPI didn't catch - so it pays to go to a real specalist (not just generic german auto shop) - but $950 sounds excessive.

I'd get a couple of other quotes in the area and make sure you understand what they cover - even get a copy of the blank checklist before deciding which one to go with.

ivangene

drive south a tad and hit up rodger's in Bellingham... call for a quote and compare

Barn996

My PPI was done in Conn. by a Porsche dealer...in 2006 for $165. They checked fluid levels,brake lines,fuel lines,power steering hoses, cooling system, hood latch,road test, lights, horn etc.,tire condition, suspension,brakes and so on. They listed items needing attention, but mine were all small ie, broken center console latch,vanity mirror covers won't stay up and others. The PPI prices and thoroughness can vary greatly from one PPI to another.

j beede

I am shopping for PPI too... $950 is beyond anything I have heard quoted. 8 hours of labor for PPI? Given the cost of repairs, I am inclined to pay extra to get sensible checks done. Several people have noted that exhaust rattles turned out to be catalytic converter issue$$$. Local P-dealer said there is no need for compression/leak-down testing unless the CEL is lit. I would rather check compression/leak down as I would rather know now versus after the title is re-issued!
..j

himself

I typically see (About 2 hours of work) X (whatever the standard billing rate).

-td

AckyE

I had a PPI done also recently, however this was a Post Purchase Inspection (long story) . I paid $100 for mine at an Indy: Midwest Eurosport here just outside Chicago. They did a full inspection same as Targa996 quoted "they checked chassis, body work for damage, looked for leaks, electircals. tires, test drive etc". No leakdown/compression. Overall it checked out fine, a few ingnition coils showed some cracks developing. They also checked the onboard computer for over revs etc. $950 sounds like a lot, even $450 without the compression/leakdown. I also had an oil change done and they cut the filter to look for debris. Mine already had the LNE IMS changed about a month before so it was good to go. The Oil change cost $180 which included a magnetic oil pan nut (?? dont know technical name) that can capture small bits of metal. So for $280, got PPI and oil Change.

I would heed ivangene's advice and check elsewhere. He provides great support.

Good luck.

targa996

I'm hoping exhaust rattle is just a loose bolt somewhere. I had a bad cat on my Mercedes and know what that sounded like - this is more an occasional vibration at idle and has never done it when I have been able to crawl under the car to look. I had the car smoged and it easily passed - if I had bad CAT would I get CEL light or smog readings starting to get high ?

ivangene

wow, thanks!

dennis hiip

Had mine done at Park Place Porsche in Dallas. $200. No leakdown or compression test. I got a verbal report from the service mgr, but they NEVER sent me the hard copy report. I called numerous times with a promise from them to send the report and they never followed through. I was told there was a leak at the oil pump and quoted $3000 to fix. Seller scrutinized for leak and declared no leak. Guess what. Car does not leak or weap oil. But, this helped me to negotiate the price down another $1K. I was also told driver's window regulator was defective. It's not defective. They missed a defective turn signal indicator and they test drove it?? If I lived in Dallas, I would not take my car there for service. I think they were trying to get work at my expense. I'm glad I had the PPI. It saved me money and the cosmetic report proved accurate. My point is to use someone you can trust. I thought I could trust a PORSCHE dealer. Wrong. It feels good to vent that complaint.

Peter 642

Going to assume you're not quoting Canadian dollars, if you're in BC?
In USD, $100-plus (one hour's labor) for a look-over without compression testing, etc.
Another $100-plus for compression testing plus additional time for whatever else you want.
Total ranges from $100 to $300, having had three PPIs prior to my final purchase, on three separate vehicles.

morganabowen

I just had one done a couple of months ago on my 996 C4, and without the compression check the cost was $200. I was there while he did the PPI, and it took a little over 2 hours. Previously, about 5 years ago, when I bought my 928 S4, I had a different shop do it, and they charged me $150 and it took about 90 minutes.

Gaspasser19

Not necessarily. I had two separate cats replaced due to rattles. Neither threw a code.

Janusz

Which shop was it, Hannibal?