I've been shopping for a 996 for about 1 1/2 years now - at times more seriously than others. The only P-car in the garage currently is my son's 951 (which I steal for a quick drive from time to time). Love this 996 forum and have read it nearly every day during that time, but only post once in a blue moon since I don't own a 996 yet. Twice I've agreed to a price on out of town cars, but the deal fell apart at the PPI. Not expecting a perfect car, just one that's in reasonably good condition, which I've explained to the seller.
The first time, when I told the seller I wanted it taken to a certain indy mechanic for the PPI, the seller said that indy "had a horrible reputation" and refused to take it there. My gold, my rules - seller doesn't want to take it to a Rennlist recommended indy for the PPI, then no deal. A Rennlister local to the seller confirmed later that I didn't want that car.
Yesterday, nearly the same thing happened. Found a car in Chicago. It had some bodywork mods (Mk 2 conversion), so I figured it had been in an accident. Bought an Autocheck report that confirmed a previous front end collision, but with no frame damage so not a deal killer on an 80,000 mile, 14 year old car at a $16,500 sale price. Private seller, Ebay pics looked good, the description included the following phrases:
"I've had this car for a few years now, I know it inside and out, I guarantee you will not be disappointed, and you will not have to fix anything! We purchased a newer 997 and don't need this one anymore. Technical condition is perfect, runs and drives great, no problems. No noises from the engine or transmission, no leaks, no overheating, no gear slipping whatsoever. I've taken really good care of it".
Seller was responsive to e-mail messages, sent me a photo of the option codes sticker, photos from a clutch replacement supposedly done 3,000 miles ago (but with no IMS upgrade ). Said he used all OEM body parts on the conversion, not aftermarket, done to a very high standard. Everything's looking good at this point - apparent Porsche enthusiast owner selling his "precious" 996 because he bought a 997. I've bought several other European cars on the internet over the years without a PPI (including my 964 and my son's 951), and not had a problem always buying from private individuals who are responsive to questions. After agreeing to the price, I bought my airline tickets to Chicago for my wife and I to fly-out, drive home this Friday. The wife says "You are getting it inspected before you pay, right?" I told her that I thought I could skip it on this one, but she insisted, so I humored her. Boy, am I glad I did. I called to speak with the seller (all but one of the previous communications were via e-mail) about a scheduling issue, and he mentioned for the first time that although he was a perfectionist and most people wouldn't notice, there was a small paint issue with the left front fender. Hmmm. Well, I tell him let's run it by a local mechanic for an inspection - again, not expecting perfection here, just checking that it's in overall good shape. Please take it to Fischer Motors in Lake Barrington. Then the excuses start: too far away, use Motor Werks new Porsche dealer instead because they are much better, etc. Red flags are now flying. I told him no deal if he didn't take it to Fischer Motors (don't know them from Adam, I just found them highly recommended here on Rennlist). He grudgingly agrees.
I get a call from the seller right after he leaves Fischer's wanting to know immediately if I'm going to buy the car. I tell him I haven't heard from the inspector yet and I want to see the report. He tells me he doesn't want me to wait - he wants me to call Fischer's immediately to make up my mind immediately. I call Rick at Fischer's and he gives me a quick verbal report - basically, no way, not at any price. I get his written report about half an hour later. Highlights:
Metal Particulate in oil filter housing
Coolant leak at passenger side cover plate
Wheels/tires not correct fit/tires rub at rear suspension/inner fender covering/support
Tires dry cracked
Front and rear bumpers not secure/poor fit and finish
Left subframe at sway bar mount is cracked
Body damage found at left inner fender well
A/C line right side crushed
Right front strut mount noise
Left fender paintwork is cracking/separating
Center console hinge is broken
Sunvisors broken
Clutch pedal mechanism squeak
Passenger seat belt rattling noise
Driver's window seal bad

There were some other minor items as well. Yikes! After comparing notes and doing a little more research, my opinion is that the entire backstory on the car was an outright lie. Moral of the story - don't skip the PPI, even for a car that you're willing to accept a few warts on (e.g. - minor accident history). This car would've cost me a bundle to make right, assuming we'd have even made it home in one piece. The $115 PPI was money well spent and would recommend Fischer's wholeheartedly.

 

Ah, the sub-$20k 996...

Glad you listened to your wife!

 

You should post the ebay link to that car for other RLers who might be looking at the car. I think another great point in buying a car that is not close to you is to always call the seller. Emails are easy to hide (minus you have a written record). First thing I did when I was interested in a car was call the seller. You can get a real quick vibe on the seller that way.

 

Glad to hear things worked out. Caveat Emptor as I am sure you know.

 

Just imagine what you might have found if they did a leak down and fully tested the motor! A PPI is a MUST for any car (even a local purchase)

 

For all water cooled Porsche engines up until the 9A1 engine, I'd really recommend pulling the plugs and having a look at the cylinder walls as a part of any PPI done. Body, suspension and wear items are minor compared to the engine which is at least 13k.

 

Hey your TOO cautious. Just kidding. Great save.

 

Wow! Nice move.

I've been burned in the past without a PPI. Skipped it on the 996 and the only downside was more rock chips on the front than expected.

 

Very true, excellent advice.

As to the OP - I've bought and sold several cars with PPI. My rule has always been that the buyer picks the place, and as a seller I bend over backwards to accomodate them. It makes everyone feel better about the transaction.

There are plenty of 996s out there. Finding one that meets all of your criteria may take some time. As long as your price point isn't too low, you'll find one!

 

I remember seeing that ad too locally. I could've checked it out for you had I known you were intereseted. Hopefully you can get your airline tickets refunded.

 

Hope everything is alright!!

 

Thanks for this insight as I have been tempted not to get one on cars I've looked at, so far havn't even made it to the PPI stage yet. Just getting a seller I feel good about is hard enough. They all 'seem' to be PCAR people until you ask questions.

 

Great thread and info. PPI is extremely important!