doherty224

Hey everyone,

I'm headed to go look at a 959 tomorrow and have been doing research as to what the cars typical problem areas are, what to look for in the inspection etc.
I just wanted to drop a post on the chance that their are any 959 owners/ experts that could possibly share their own experiences and help me with my knowledge base before I go inspect it. The car is a very low mileage example that just received an extensive service.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

MikeGT

My good friend Eric knows a lot about these cars. If you pm me, I'll get you his info and let him know you will call.

Flachbau

- recent full service
- tires condition
- paint work

C.J. Ichiban

What is the previous ownership chain?

Has it been modified to meet EPA?

What kind of condition does the engine bay show?

How do the seats look?

Does the active suspension lift and lower?

The 959 is like a cross between an airplane and a 993TT and a WRX. there are a lot of little buttons and switches, if you are seriously interested in buying it you should be allowed to verify the 4WD stuff works etc.

CAlexio

Why not call up canepa, they probably restore more 959's than Porsche does. Ask to speak to one of their guys and have him give you the list of critical items. Then bring that to your run of the mill dealership mechanic and have him follow the list.

Notmelo

I have owned a 959 for three years. In my opinion, there are only two people in the country truly qualified to give a thorough inspection: Jerry Pellagrino on the east coast and Tony Callas on the west. Feel free to pm me with your phone number if you want more information.

Flachbau

Canepa knows the cars better than anyone else ... but they wont do a ppi without you buying something from them (e.g. a suspension or engine retrofit) ... which means they will ppi the car after you buy it which obviously defeats the purpose.

Bottom line is that unless you are near a knowledgeable shop - and there are only a few - you have to do a paint meter check, understand the service history (who did what and call them to discuss) and recognize the fact that its very hard to get parts even such as tires so condition matters ... well unless you want Canepa to do wheels upgrade of course then tires are easy ...

Notmelo

Doherty224: So, did you buy the '59? Curious what you paid, mileage, and condition, as I have mine for sale...

rey

Nice to see Jerry's shop EPE mentioned. Every time I'm there there's a couple of 959s being serviced. Some quite extensively.

TCallas

A paint thickness gauge won't do you a lot of good on a 959 except for the doors and front hood.

CAlexio

Check for authenticity certificate also

violin959

The ONLY facility qualified to work on a 959 is EPE. Jerry and Bill. They have all my 959 tools and expertise. Only them. Don't make the mistake others have made!

Notmelo

Violin: Have you had any experience with Callas Rennsport? I sense your east coast bias showing.

Flachbau

Why is that? Just have to have the right paint meter.

Edit: Filler lids are ferrous also ...

violin959

Yes, much experience. I know who did the cylinder heads on your car. What else did they do? Where do you get "east coast bias"? If the shoe fits, wear it. EPE is the most qualified.