I had something similar happen to me during a PPI, however, it was the other way around. I was selling the car and the shop was a family friend to the buyer (I found out after the fact.) This was for an E36 M3 and low and behold, the shop's PPI states "The car needs a new engine." Magically, a used motor appears in the shop.

I declined the sale and enjoyed it for another 2 years.

 

I've done this a number of times and the person paying for the PPI has full rights to it. And, it is up to the payer of the PPI if they want it disclosed to any one else.

If they discussed your PPI with the seller without your permission and without showing it to you I would not pay for it.

 

Update: so to keep the sale of the new 911 to my potential seller alive, the dealer is offering to do the full IMS/RMS retrofit, at no "cost" to seller, as part of the deal. Said they've done "tons" of the retrofits in last few years.

There are still a number of other "minor/major" (their term, not mine) issues that need to be done, as per the PPI results (and as told over the phone by mechanic): Brake rotors need replacing (pads are OK), brake fluid, oil filter drain and change, pollen filter, drain radiator, left front trailing arm is worn resulting in a small pull, 2 front tires are worn on inside (alignment issue), and an undercover body piece needs replacing. Don't know how the above issues have been itemized yet, but the total is ~$4500, NOT including the IMS retrofit.

I think I'm down to 4 options:
1.) Walk away completely
2.) Have dealer to everything and try to negotiate some % of the remaining $4500 in repairs off sale price
3.) Dealer do PPI, and bring rest to indy closer to me, and who I'll likely be using going forward (try to negotiate price)
4.) Negotiate a big slug off seller's price, and have an indy do everything needed...

Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Talking again to all parties in AM. Thanks.

 

The stuff on the "major/minor" list - except for the trailing arm, which I don't understand, can all be addressed for $600 or so in parts if you do the labor yourself. You didn't mention DIY as an option, so maybe that's not your thang.

The stuff listed isn't out of the ordinary for a 12 year old car - but it does seem like there's a bit of deferred maintenance. If you really like this specific car, I'd consider getting the IMSB done and deal with the rest of the stuff yourself (or try to negotiate some additional $$ based on the outstanding items).

If you're NOT totally sold on this car (I'm guessing you're not, since option #1 is to walk) - just walk. There are a lot of 996s on the market, and some of them will be meticulously maintained - which this car clearly isn't. Unless, of course, you're getting a SMOKING deal - I didn't see that you mentioned the selling price.

 

How much do you like that car? If you really like it, negotiate. The PPI is your negotiation point.

 

Thanks 5CHN3LL,
I'm a few months in to the search, and have spent a slug of time. Car checks a lot of boxes of what I was looking for, was definitely babied (perhaps too much), and with these fixes likely could be a great car for many years. My DIY capabilities are near zero (I probably know which end of a screwdriver to use, but that's it). If I can split remaining maintenance (or have seller negotiate it at cost prices with dealer), I'm inclined to continue. Price was 29k pending PPI results. Thanks again.

 

For what it's worth, I paid $26,500 for an 04 C4S Cab (106,000 miles) with many of the same issues. I did many of the small repairs myself with help from other enthusiast, this forum, rennlist and etc. IMHO I would negotiate the seller down another 1k or so. If not keep looking. I know the C4S market 02-05 is getting very tight now for a car with that low milage for under $30,000. I think there is some future collectability in these particular models, however I bought my car to just enjoy and keep for a very long time. Therefore I was not to overly concerned about the milage. I think you will be okay getting all the repairs done and still have some equity in your car moving forward, if that is a concern. You can still drive it another 30-40k miles and get a decent resale out it.

Some things poped up after I bought the car, the water pump went out within the first 1,500 miles, no way to PPI that and I also recently replaced the AOS, belt, tires and few other misc. items. So expect to spend a little more even after you get all the stuff ( RMS/IMS) done, just part of the P car experience. Since then the car has been bullet proof and I drive like I stole it regularly.
Keep us posted!

 

Update: C4S purchased after some email tennis/negotiation, title in hand, car for pick-up on Wednesday, post IMS retrofit. Will post pics when I get car to house. Thanks to all who contributed on the thread.

P.S. We did the exchange at a dealer in NJ. Guy (not seller) was picking up his 2014 GT3 (which was obv sweet) while I was there. Before he drove it off the lot, had dealer replace the pumpkins.

 

Great HallEYA and welcome to the club. Post detailed pics soon. I can never seem to get enough of looking at C4S's, lol. Any mods planned?