Game On
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
Game On
I have been doing some gentle posting and AVID reading of all the 997 stuff here. I am officially looking for my 997. As I scour the net for the right car (at my right price) I keep expanding my search to the whole USA. Pretty easy to find a handful this way BUT...the distance scares me a little. Brief phone interview with the seller but then a PPI. If I am hundreds of miles away, what is the best way to get an inspection? Simply google the area and look for a P-shop? Or, reach out here on this forum? I backed away from a purchase last week for some reasons but, some great people here offered to go put eyes on the car and even suggested some mechanics. Is that a normal procedure for long distance purchases? I am asking because I don't see a lot of people asking these questions (i.e. "hey where do I find a good PPI mechanic in Atlanta, GA"). I would think I would see more of these questions. PART 2 of my question. I see an ad for a (as an example) 2008 C2S with 50k miles. Detailed pictures show the car is very stock and well taken care of. CarFax shows maintenance trips done at P-shops. Do I even PPI this vehicle? I would definitely hold the car with a deposit and fly there to check it out before driving it back (or have it transported). But when is a PPI not necessary. Sorry so long here but I have a lot of respect for the smart 997 people here. Thank you ahead of time. Ted
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,878
Likes: 2,799
From: Pittsburgh, PA
There are no circumstances where you do not want a ppi on the purchase. I did not get one on mine last summer when I bought it, because I bought it from the dealership that maintained it, I know the Service Manager personally, and I know the guy at the Indy shop who also maintained it personally, and lastly, I knew the prior owner (wish he would have told me he was selling it, but that's another story
). It also had a full file of service records.
In short, unless you have all of the service records and know everyone personally that maintained the car over most of its life, get a ppi. Besides the normal stuff to look for, look for compression and a bore scope of the cylinders. The sheer number of things that can make a good buy 911 turn into a financial nightmare are large. This is not to say Porsches are bad cars - they aren't; in fact, they are world class. But they are expensive sports cars and when things go wrong, it costs a lot. Always get a ppi.
). It also had a full file of service records.In short, unless you have all of the service records and know everyone personally that maintained the car over most of its life, get a ppi. Besides the normal stuff to look for, look for compression and a bore scope of the cylinders. The sheer number of things that can make a good buy 911 turn into a financial nightmare are large. This is not to say Porsches are bad cars - they aren't; in fact, they are world class. But they are expensive sports cars and when things go wrong, it costs a lot. Always get a ppi.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21,607
Likes: 7,336
From: Seattle, Washington
There are lots of new buyers posting threads for PPI recommendations and where to take said car for PPI.
**In my previous post on your thread, I spent 10 minutes explaining how to move forward If you find a car you really like. DO NOT buy a car without a PPI. You'd be a fool to do this especially since you have little experience buying a car long distance.
Don't be in a rush because that will be your 1st mistake. You're not shopping for a collector Ferrari that might slip thru your fingers. Lots of good 997's on the market.
Whats your budget? You want an "S"? Coupe/Cab?? 6 Speed I hope
- Where are u located??
Open up/explain don't be shy dude...
**In my previous post on your thread, I spent 10 minutes explaining how to move forward If you find a car you really like. DO NOT buy a car without a PPI. You'd be a fool to do this especially since you have little experience buying a car long distance.
Don't be in a rush because that will be your 1st mistake. You're not shopping for a collector Ferrari that might slip thru your fingers. Lots of good 997's on the market.
Whats your budget? You want an "S"? Coupe/Cab?? 6 Speed I hope
- Where are u located??Open up/explain don't be shy dude...
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 657
Likes: 98
From: Arlington, Texas
I think you need to be more specific in your search first. Are you looking for a 997.1 or 997.2? Which model (Base, S, Turbo, Targa)? Transmission? Color? What are your "must have" features? What are your "nice to have" ones? What's your budget? You get the idea. You could put those in a spreadsheet, then start listing prospect cars closest distance first.
Will you be doing any DIY work on your car, or have to pay someone else for it? Many of the common maintenance tasks (fluid changes, brakes, etc.) are pretty straight forward on these cars from what I've learned so far. Have you looked at cars listed for sale on this forum? In my opinion you're much better off buying from an enthusiast owner. PCA has an introductory six month membership ($40 I believe) that allows you to contact members who have cars listed for sale. Excellence Magazine could be a source for good ads.
Be more specific about what you're looking for, then search for the right owner. You'll find the right car.
Will you be doing any DIY work on your car, or have to pay someone else for it? Many of the common maintenance tasks (fluid changes, brakes, etc.) are pretty straight forward on these cars from what I've learned so far. Have you looked at cars listed for sale on this forum? In my opinion you're much better off buying from an enthusiast owner. PCA has an introductory six month membership ($40 I believe) that allows you to contact members who have cars listed for sale. Excellence Magazine could be a source for good ads.
Be more specific about what you're looking for, then search for the right owner. You'll find the right car.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 313
Likes: 4
From: Wash DC Area
Bought my car in TN (I live around DC) and through PCA contacted the local president who kindly redirected me to the correct chapter. The president there gave me three recommended shops that local members used. I had my PPI done at one of them before I showed up to see the car. Then bought it on the spot with confidence ...and drove it home. But I was ready to ship it if required.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
A couple years ago I bought a boat and, I bought it based on the price and the way it looked. I did not do a lot of research on the engines. It has been nothing but a headache to me since. So, I have a lot of anxiety about buying this car LOL… As you can tell. I will calm down a little. I believe I am a victim of the Internet. I look at people with bore scoring issues, IMS issues, and engines that have been over rev’d or raced. My budget is slim at $35k. This is my perfect car (they have not got back to me so it’s probably gone); https://charleston.craigslist.org/ct...482219224.html
Cab, manual, 2007 +, 50k Miles or less, C2 or C2S, proof of mainetenace, 2-3 owner. Silver, gray, Or black. Excellent condition. Body issues, interior issues, and cab top issues will drive me nuts.
I can can do my own maintenance without many limits.
I am am in north Ohio.
I will chill and be patient. I read your responses and appreciate the comments.
Cab, manual, 2007 +, 50k Miles or less, C2 or C2S, proof of mainetenace, 2-3 owner. Silver, gray, Or black. Excellent condition. Body issues, interior issues, and cab top issues will drive me nuts.
I can can do my own maintenance without many limits.
I am am in north Ohio.
I will chill and be patient. I read your responses and appreciate the comments.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 113
Likes: 4
From: Houston
Even if PPI doesn't raise many red flags, it can be a great tool for negotiation. My PPI recommended replacement of alternator clutch: not immediately a problem, but would have to be done soon. His price to replace was $550. My PPI was $338. Seller agreed to $500 reduction in price because of this, even though we had already agreed on a purchase price. The price reduction paid for the PPI plus part of the alt clutch job, which I've already taken care of. And I have the peace of mind knowing the precise condition of my new 997.1. I'm not a gearhead, so I would never consider buying a Porsche without the PPI. Why worry about saving $300 for a PPI when you're willing to spend $35K on a car?
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21,607
Likes: 7,336
From: Seattle, Washington
A couple years ago I bought a boat and, I bought it based on the price and the way it looked. I did not do a lot of research on the engines. It has been nothing but a headache to me since. So, I have a lot of anxiety about buying this car LOL… As you can tell. I will calm down a little. I believe I am a victim of the Internet. I look at people with bore scoring issues, IMS issues, and engines that have been over rev’d or raced. My budget is slim at $35k. This is my perfect car (they have not got back to me so it’s probably gone); https://charleston.craigslist.org/ct...482219224.html
Cab, manual, 2007 +, 50k Miles or less, C2 or C2S, proof of mainetenace, 2-3 owner. Silver, gray, Or black. Excellent condition. Body issues, interior issues, and cab top issues will drive me nuts.
I can can do my own maintenance without many limits.
I am am in north Ohio.
I will chill and be patient. I read your responses and appreciate the comments.
Cab, manual, 2007 +, 50k Miles or less, C2 or C2S, proof of mainetenace, 2-3 owner. Silver, gray, Or black. Excellent condition. Body issues, interior issues, and cab top issues will drive me nuts.
I can can do my own maintenance without many limits.
I am am in north Ohio.
I will chill and be patient. I read your responses and appreciate the comments.
I would be surprised if this isn't a scam car - That car is probably $8-9K below market - Something smells wrong - Also car looks like it is in Florida with the type of plants/trees in back ground - Who knows maybe snowbird who drives it down there? Either way there are lots of Scam Porsches on CL and you need to be super careful - I just tried contacting seller of one here in Seattle and it's always the same scammy BS - I have no phone number, I'm deaf and can only text, I need deposit via credit card but can't talk because I'm out of country, blah blah blah.
BUT this car you see on CL could be true and real. I got a great deal on my 05 997S for an unbelievable deal so they are out there.
Start slow - Contact seller and proceed with caution - Get a phone number/vin#/have him show you copy of title and if looks good have him send copy of his drivers license and you offer to send your license too - Let us know what he says and we can help you along.
Call me if you need some real help 206-914-9000
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21,607
Likes: 7,336
From: Seattle, Washington
Or it could very well be a real car - do you have sellers phone number??? Thats a good start because most scammers won;t give a phone number for contact.
In my case the seller had an Aston Martin on order and anxious about selling it and moving on - He was in Houston TX and me in Seattle. But like I explained I've done this probably 20-30x I can't remember - Started when I was 26 and I'm 59 now
I'm also pretty much retired and have too much time on my hands - I love the hunt and also love driving Porsches home - I drove from Houston to LA 1600 miles and then shipped it home from LA.
In my case the seller had an Aston Martin on order and anxious about selling it and moving on - He was in Houston TX and me in Seattle. But like I explained I've done this probably 20-30x I can't remember - Started when I was 26 and I'm 59 now
I'm also pretty much retired and have too much time on my hands - I love the hunt and also love driving Porsches home - I drove from Houston to LA 1600 miles and then shipped it home from LA.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
Or it could very well be a real car - do you have sellers phone number??? Thats a good start because most scammers won;t give a phone number for contact.
In my case the seller had an Aston Martin on order and anxious about selling it and moving on - He was in Houston TX and me in Seattle. But like I explained I've done this probably 20-30x I can't remember - Started when I was 26 and I'm 59 now
I'm also pretty much retired and have too much time on my hands - I love the hunt and also love driving Porsches home - I drove from Houston to LA 1600 miles and then shipped it home from LA.
In my case the seller had an Aston Martin on order and anxious about selling it and moving on - He was in Houston TX and me in Seattle. But like I explained I've done this probably 20-30x I can't remember - Started when I was 26 and I'm 59 now
I'm also pretty much retired and have too much time on my hands - I love the hunt and also love driving Porsches home - I drove from Houston to LA 1600 miles and then shipped it home from LA.
The hunt is fun but stress. As the response says above, this is not a super rare Lambo. Sonething will pop up.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,870
Likes: 367
From: San Diego <->Knoxville
I was looking for over a year before I found "the 911" that met my criteria. Be extremely patient, do you homework on these cars and know when to walk away.
Just like your current situation, I was filtering searches throughout the U.S. I was looking specifically for a 997.2, coupe, Aqua blue or Carrara white, S, 6 speed, no brown interior, condition had to reflect mileage. I found some nice cars that met my criteria and looked good in the pictures. After contacting them to inquire about the car, certain things during the process didn't flow correctly.
Here is a situation if a car is not local to you. I've gone through these steps more then I should have been.
1)Find the car that meets your criteria.
2)Call the dealership and talk to them about the car. You can get a good vibe about the car and the salesman within the first several mins
3)Google search the dealership to see if they are shady or legit
4)If you feel this is the one, ask them how much they require for a deposit. Have them forward you a 100% refundable deposit that's contingent on a clean PPI and your approval form with their signature or agreement. $1000 was the norm
5)Search or post up here for a PPI recommendation in that area
6)Be very patient
7)Always get a 3rd party Porsche Independent Specialist. The PPI agreement can either be the dealership brings the car to the independent Porsche specialist or the Indy comes to the dealership onsite to do the PPI
8)Once the PPI comes results come back and you have talked to the shop and has met your criteria, book a flight to go see the car in person.
9)At this time, it's good to get quotes and schedule for transportation, Reliable, Intercity, Uship etc since it can take a week or more before it's picked up
10)If you're detailed oriented, go see, hear, touch, drive the car in person, take pictures, spend a lot of time go over the car by yourself before you finalize the deal. Most of the dealerships, left me alone so I didn't feel any pressure
11)The flight home, the anticipation of when the car is finally picked up and then when it's on route to be delivered to your home will eat you alive.
Just like your current situation, I was filtering searches throughout the U.S. I was looking specifically for a 997.2, coupe, Aqua blue or Carrara white, S, 6 speed, no brown interior, condition had to reflect mileage. I found some nice cars that met my criteria and looked good in the pictures. After contacting them to inquire about the car, certain things during the process didn't flow correctly.
Here is a situation if a car is not local to you. I've gone through these steps more then I should have been.
1)Find the car that meets your criteria.
2)Call the dealership and talk to them about the car. You can get a good vibe about the car and the salesman within the first several mins
3)Google search the dealership to see if they are shady or legit
4)If you feel this is the one, ask them how much they require for a deposit. Have them forward you a 100% refundable deposit that's contingent on a clean PPI and your approval form with their signature or agreement. $1000 was the norm
5)Search or post up here for a PPI recommendation in that area
6)Be very patient
7)Always get a 3rd party Porsche Independent Specialist. The PPI agreement can either be the dealership brings the car to the independent Porsche specialist or the Indy comes to the dealership onsite to do the PPI
8)Once the PPI comes results come back and you have talked to the shop and has met your criteria, book a flight to go see the car in person.
9)At this time, it's good to get quotes and schedule for transportation, Reliable, Intercity, Uship etc since it can take a week or more before it's picked up
10)If you're detailed oriented, go see, hear, touch, drive the car in person, take pictures, spend a lot of time go over the car by yourself before you finalize the deal. Most of the dealerships, left me alone so I didn't feel any pressure
11)The flight home, the anticipation of when the car is finally picked up and then when it's on route to be delivered to your home will eat you alive.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 319
Likes: 26
From: Edwards, CO
I was looking for over a year before I found "the 911" that met my criteria. Be extremely patient, do you homework on these cars and know when to walk away.
Just like your current situation, I was filtering searches throughout the U.S. I was looking specifically for a 997.2, coupe, Aqua blue or Carrara white, S, 6 speed, no brown interior, condition had to reflect mileage. I found some nice cars that met my criteria and looked good in the pictures. After contacting them to inquire about the car, certain things during the process didn't flow correctly.
Here is a situation if a car is not local to you. I've gone through these steps more then I should have been.
1)Find the car that meets your criteria.
2)Call the dealership and talk to them about the car. You can get a good vibe about the car and the salesman within the first several mins
3)Google search the dealership to see if they are shady or legit
4)If you feel this is the one, ask them how much they require for a deposit. Have them forward you a 100% refundable deposit that's contingent on a clean PPI and your approval form with their signature or agreement. $1000 was the norm
5)Search or post up here for a PPI recommendation in that area
6)Be very patient
7)Always get a 3rd party Porsche Independent Specialist. The PPI agreement can either be the dealership brings the car to the independent Porsche specialist or the Indy comes to the dealership onsite to do the PPI
8)Once the PPI comes results come back and you have talked to the shop and has met your criteria, book a flight to go see the car in person.
9)At this time, it's good to get quotes and schedule for transportation, Reliable, Intercity, Uship etc since it can take a week or more before it's picked up
10)If you're detailed oriented, go see, hear, touch, drive the car in person, take pictures, spend a lot of time go over the car by yourself before you finalize the deal. Most of the dealerships, left me alone so I didn't feel any pressure
11)The flight home, the anticipation of when the car is finally picked up and then when it's on route to be delivered to your home will eat you alive.
Just like your current situation, I was filtering searches throughout the U.S. I was looking specifically for a 997.2, coupe, Aqua blue or Carrara white, S, 6 speed, no brown interior, condition had to reflect mileage. I found some nice cars that met my criteria and looked good in the pictures. After contacting them to inquire about the car, certain things during the process didn't flow correctly.
Here is a situation if a car is not local to you. I've gone through these steps more then I should have been.
1)Find the car that meets your criteria.
2)Call the dealership and talk to them about the car. You can get a good vibe about the car and the salesman within the first several mins
3)Google search the dealership to see if they are shady or legit
4)If you feel this is the one, ask them how much they require for a deposit. Have them forward you a 100% refundable deposit that's contingent on a clean PPI and your approval form with their signature or agreement. $1000 was the norm
5)Search or post up here for a PPI recommendation in that area
6)Be very patient
7)Always get a 3rd party Porsche Independent Specialist. The PPI agreement can either be the dealership brings the car to the independent Porsche specialist or the Indy comes to the dealership onsite to do the PPI
8)Once the PPI comes results come back and you have talked to the shop and has met your criteria, book a flight to go see the car in person.
9)At this time, it's good to get quotes and schedule for transportation, Reliable, Intercity, Uship etc since it can take a week or more before it's picked up
10)If you're detailed oriented, go see, hear, touch, drive the car in person, take pictures, spend a lot of time go over the car by yourself before you finalize the deal. Most of the dealerships, left me alone so I didn't feel any pressure
11)The flight home, the anticipation of when the car is finally picked up and then when it's on route to be delivered to your home will eat you alive.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
Ok. Here the story. The guy is a pilot for British Airways and is now out of the country. He has a freight company handling the sale of this car and needs the money for a new home in the UK. Sheesh.....I can sure find the winners here lol.
Heres my vow to everyone who has tried to chill me out; I will take everyone’s advise here and the right one will pop up. The next time y’all here from me will be me asking for a local PPI guy or....I found my car. Thanks again everyone.
Heres my vow to everyone who has tried to chill me out; I will take everyone’s advise here and the right one will pop up. The next time y’all here from me will be me asking for a local PPI guy or....I found my car. Thanks again everyone.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 982
Likes: 100
#11 is the worst advice EVAR!
11)The drive home, the satisfaction of climbing behind the wheel and then driving a couple thousand miles en routeto be delivered to your home will connect you to the car even more!
Fixed.
11)The drive home, the satisfaction of climbing behind the wheel and then driving a couple thousand miles en route
Fixed.
