I've read through this forum for years, and it seems like a valuable thing to new 964 owners would be a checklist they could have when reviewing a potential purchase. So I thought it might be nice to have everyone contribute their thoughts on things they've found out about their car, that would be helpful to inspect when looking at a 964 to buy. Here's the start of the list of things to check based on 4 groups. Soon we can have a nice big list covering everything!


Test Drive Check:
car starts up without pressing accelerator pedal with no smoke - watch the tail pipe
idle speed is fairly level
engine is not overly noise on startup or running - no real difference between starting the cold engine, or a running warm engine
all gauges register properly
all warning lights appear when ignition is on, and extinguish once engine is running
smooth shifting when warmed up
no shuddering of the clutch upon take-off from start
clutch pedal does not hang - returns to normal position
brakes in straight line, with no shuddering even under hard braking at high speed
drive at high speeds with all windows shut to listen for air leaks and other noises
C4: go over 70mph for several minutes to be sure no ABS/PDAS issues are present with the longitudinal accelerometer
cruise control check - be sure it works
go in reverse at full steering lock in both directions to see if there is rubbing or bad noise
with engine off in quiet area, activate clutch to listen to its function - shouldn't hear much
check C4 PDAS lock switch function at a stop, then drive to 20mph to see the locking deactivates
check A/C function including all sliders to adjust flow, heat and cold


Mechanical Check:
C4: hydraulic pump & warning activates after pumping pedal hard 4-5 times
tire wear acceptable and even
brake pad and rotor wear - inspect pads with flashlight, feel rotors for lip
remove engine & tranny undertrays and evaluate engine oil leaks
inspect CV joint boots to see if they're cracked
remove front underside panel to look for steering rack leaking
inspect engine belts condition
in darkness, spray ignition wires with water when engine is running to see if there is arcing present
***unplug one ignition module at the coil pack - engine should idle evenly without backfires on one coil***

Exterior Check:
all labels present with serial numbers on later cars on all body panels
label present with option codes under hood
body panel gaps are consistent on body
rear spoiler wall intact - check with spoiler extended
paint appears consistent in bright sunlight
window seals not pulling up or bubbling
if cabrio top - close top and spray hose at the front windows and roof where it meets the windshield to see if it leaks

Interior Check:
all warning lights work
all electrical functions work: window motors, sunroof, cabrio top, mirrors, radio wipers, etc.
in dark setting, turn on headlights and see if gauge backlighting is even, and gauge faces are not cracked (not noticeable in day light)
any pitting of windshield or cracking
seat adjustments work properly
emergency brake properly adjusted - goes 3 clicks before it takes a lot of resistance to pull further/higher
radio speakers work with no electrical noise/interference

 

I got a few to add:

1)Request car to be cold before inspection. Start car when cold to eliminate cold start problems.
2) Restart car after test drive to eliminate hot start problems.
3) check for dist. vent hose upgrade.
4) On targas, remove top, check fitment, make sure all parts or in frame, headliner and cover in good shape.
5) Spare tools in trunk? Condition of spare tire and jack?
6)Check output of alternator with volt meter. Could be good battery w/ bad alternator.

oh yeah, make sure an owners manual is in the glove compartment, review all vehicle history and service records.

If everything checks out good, look the owner in the eye and ask him if he ever drove the car hard and over the speed limit. If he says no, you know somethings fishy.

 

Get the car on a lift and inspect the belly pan, brake lines, suspension. Look for fluid leaks (engine, transmission, PS, brakes, shocks).

Shoot the 4-wheel alignment to make sure the frame is straight.

Check ride height

 

Car should have the compressor in the trunk; otherwise, the collapsible spare is worthless. Check for water in the taillights and that the surgical tubing hoses are hooked up to ventilate them. Check that glove compartment light and luggage compartment light works. Check that windshield washer works. Check fog lights. Check that spoiler rises at around 50 mph. Look for leaks in the steering rack and leaks from the power steering hoses. Check color of power-steering fluid (if it's black looking, it hasn't been changed). Check if air filter has been recently changed. Check for gasoline odor. Check air pressure in tires (if not correct for the size wheels fitted, suspect the owner didn't take care of the car in other respects). Check wheels for curb rash; at 55 mph check for tire imbalance. At speed (70 mph?), check for correct alignment (front-end floatiness, etc.) Check for hanging clutch pedal when everything is very warmed up. Check for exhaust leaks. Check records for distributor belt replacement.

 

- pull back seals at windshield and check for corrosion.
- pull back seals at side windows and check for corrosion.
- look at rear engine bay at top, and around hinges for corrosion.

 

For a Cabrio, make sure the top retracts, closes, and fits properly, and is not torn, or the stitching coming loose.