Hi everyone, I posted a couple weeks ago on the 996 forum, because a 996 is also under consideration for my first 911. No offense!

However, I'm "flexible" I guess you can say, and like all 911's. I'm in the middle of my search for my first. I've wanted one since I was a kid. Now I'm able to get one, albeit an aged example. My philosophy to some extent is to get the newest I can manage all other things equal.

So, the other day I ran across a 2006 Carrera (non-S) locally. Test drove it, awesome. 45XXX miles, 6 spd, PASM, Xenon, sport shifter, sport exhaust (4 tips). Great exterior condition with no indication of bodywork (they did paint depth test over car). Clean carfax, but 8 previous owners...wow. Interior is in overall very good shape w/exception of sticky jacked up climate control and radio *****/buttons and unfortunately a hosed rear view mirror that is now permanently half dark on the bottom half due to I'm guessing an electronics failure. $900 part I'm told...ouch! No documented service history of which I'm aware (receipts), aside from carfax summary.

Anyway, I have not yet proceeded with a PPI, which I definitely will do if I decide to go forward. The seller, who is respected in town but not a Porsche specialist, already had it checked out at a place called Autoscope (not sure how thorough that would be) with an "all clear" aside from the mirror issue. I'd make things contingent on getting it over to RAC Performance for a check if I take the next step.

Asking price seems reasonable in the mid 30's. Wondering what else I'm missing here as I potentially navigate this one? Any suggestions on what else I can do/research/look for? I must say I like this one and to my very untrained lookover and test drive I'm encouraged albeit cautiously.

 

***** can be refinished for $100 or you can buy a replacement for $200. Rear view mirror can be replaced as well for cheap. Try car-part.com or eBay.

If you like it, get the PPI. May want to add borescoping to the PPI with a DME (manual over rev count). Price wise I would try to get down to low 30's as its a non S model.

Good luck!

 

mirror can be repaired by sending out for about $100-200.

 

Since it's an 06 it has the larger non replaceable IMS. Bore scope at least cylinders #6,5,2,3 since they are easy to access. Check coolant overflow tank for cracks, Check all pulley bearings for lateral play including water pump, power steering, alt etc... Run DME for over rev report and post results here for feedback, check brake rotors for wear, check tie rod ends for excess play, check motor mount condition...

 

8 owners in 11 years with no service history available would concern me. One thing I'd definitely want is someone in the know to go over it top to bottom checking for signs of collision. I'd also want to negotiate the price, because when you go to sell it, potential owner #10 is going to have the same concerns.

 

I agree with this 8 owners - means 8 different driving styles.

You would have to really let somebody go over the car in fine detail.

Perhaps you should continue to look - personally I would

good luck

 

Yes, the 8 owners concerns me as well. I asked the group here because this isn't the first one I've come across with 5+, so wasn't sure that it was necessarily rare on these cars.

The PPI is $350, and if I want borescope, another $300 = $650. So I really don't want to chase a car that otherwise may be questionable. Maybe a negotiated price at some price close to $30k or even less it would be worth the risk? I continue to look.

 

Ask the place doing your PPI to only look at #6 cylinder and for that your willing to give them $50 extra. It takes me less than 10 minutes to get my borescope down #6. Charging anything more is a complete rip off. If the $350 doesn't include a full compression check or leak down I would look for another shop to perform the work. Not saying $350 isn't a fair price but it needs to come with something other than checking the brake pads and fluids...

As far as 8 owners goes. The car has no idea how many owners it's had. Makes no sense to discount a car based on that. Look at the car objectively for what it is and it's condition period! Nothing else matters. Use 8 owners to your advantage when negotiating if the car pans out. Do your homework and root out it's condition.

Enjoy this part of the process as you will be learning many things that will serve you well once your an owner...

 

Thank you German888, as far as I can tell it does not include compression test. I have the list of what's checked in the basic PPI. If there's a way to send it to you, I'd like to do that so you can give me your input. This is coming from what's considered a pretty solid Porsche shop in this region of the country. I don't know of others but will look around now.

 

Would be glad to look over your list. Feel free to PM me with your email address and I'll walk you through a comprehensive list of things you can check yourself. Then you can focus the $$ spent at the shop in a more constructive way.

 

FWIW, I bought my 2007 C2S with 31k and 1 owner for 45k....mint condition. Hold out for another. They can be found. 8 owners is ridiculous.

 

This is sage wisdom from decades ago: "Buy the newest Porsche you can afford."

Technology improvements, etc., arrive at all sorts of periods in the car's development so try and get the newest one that fits your budget.

 

Have you looked at the CarFax and confirmed that is 8 actual owners? The car I bought 2 years ago claims 5 previous owners but a scan of the CarFax shows that 2 of the owners were car dealerships and their ownership period's were for the few months the car sat on their lot racking up next to zero miles during that period.

 

Is that true ?

Type it up.


Let's make a list of all the possible items in a PPI.

Anyone know of such a list ?

Wonder if this book has any good information ?

 

Leak down tests rarely pics up anything if engine is running without lights. Boroscope is where it's at. Scoring does not cause low compression.