Hi,
I'm not sure how it works, getting a PPI done. I've bought many cars on-line, across the country, site unseen and so far have been lucky that I have not been screwed. But according to many on this site getting a PPI done seems to be the way to go.
Ques:
How does it work, Does the car have to be taken to the PPI'er or does he go to the car?
Is it something that the seller / dealer will have a problem with?
Is there a list of items I need to request of the PPI'er?
I searched a bit on line here for an outfit to do a PPI in Ill. (southwest of Chicago). But the few I found were far north. Can anyone suggest one closer? City where car is Burbank, Ill.
Should I, at a minimum, contact one of those inspection firms that pop up when you do a search for auto PPI or is that a no-no for our Porsches?

Anyone have any opinion on Carsource USA? (they are the dealer)

All comments are appreciated.
Al

 

I would not use anyone the seller recommends.. I would use a shop that modifies these cars, they will know what to look for. Markski is somewhere in those parts maybe he can do a ppi or put you on to someone.. PM him. Good luck with the buy!

 

If you're looking at the Red with tan interior I called about that car last week. The guy I spoke to said he had put almost $3800 worth of work/parts into it. I believe the clutch was replaced. Personally I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Nice to have things fixed, but a little worrisome that there was that much to do!!

Good luck either way if that's even the car you're looking at.

 

The car is usually taken to the PPI shop by the owner/dealer (but at the prospective buyer's expense).
If the seller/dealer has a problem with doing the PPI -- walk away quickly, they have something to hide.
Experienced shops will have their own PPI checklist, but it doesn't hurt to add your own concerns (eg download ECU data for over-revs, 2nd gear pop-out). Make sure their PPI checklist covers all the major issues.
Many of those auto inspection companies do offer on-site inspections, but from what I've heard they can be mostly cosmetic. I would take it to a proper shop with experience in working on 996 turbos for the PPI.

Good luck with your search and purchase.

 

I bought my car locally and took it to one of the shops that were recommended by members on this site. I learned that all PPIs are not the same. Some people know more than others, so make sure whoever does your PPI really knows about these cars.

The Good:
- PPI Tech found one rear rim bent. Allowed me to further negotiate on price.

The Bad:
- I actually had 2 bad rear rims with one tire not holding air.
- Tech that performed my PPI indicated that there was a code (knock sensor), but he thought it could be the fact that the car was low on gas and probably misfired or something to throw the code. If your car has any codes, do not buy it unless you know full well the extent of it (ended up costing me $1200 to fix the problem).
- PPI Tech did not give me a print out of over revs. Luckily, my car didn't have too many if the bad kind, but it looked like previous owner was not gentle with the car as I was led to believe.
- Alignment was off so I blew thru two brand new PS2s in about 5K miles.

In hindsight, I probably would've passed on this car unless the price was much better. However, these cars are pretty well built and I have not had any other issues since then.

If I had to buy another one, I would find a better place to do the PPI, pay for an alignment to be done as part of your inspection, and be more thorough on my part with my own inspection (I was buying from my heart).

If you are paying a premium, I would take the time to fly out there and do some old fashioned tire kicking before inking the deal (only you know what will bother you and having the car delivered will be too late).

Also, don't ever believe what the dealer/sales person will tell you. I have travelled to many far dealerships based on the sales person that these cars have not had any bodywork to find out they have all been repaired.

Good luck.

 

One more thing...if there is only 1 service garage/Porsche mechanic near the dealership and the dealer claims that the car is meticulously maintained at that garage, find another mechanic/friend/whatever to do the PPI or find another car. I found one that was maintained by the local "Porsche Dealership" which ended up not being a Porsche Dealership but an independent that didn't understand what Type 1 or Type 2 over revs were. Also, they were very reluctant to comment on paint quality. Later on, I found out the dealership and garage were all owned by the same owner.

 

sounds obvious but make sure they plug the damn car in, i had a ppi and they didnt, turned out it had 15 codes hidden !

 

All good points. Especially: if the car is not local to you, do not consider buying based solely on the PPI and what the salesman has told you. If the PPI checks out, you must see it in person prior to purchasing. As Simi_996 said, only you know what will bother you about the car (especially cosmetically). Good luck with the purchase, and have fun

 

Why a 2001, bumper warts, no glove box, and no update Nav disc available. Why not hold out for a 2002+. Regarding type 1 and type 2 overrevs. These are not a great indication of the condition of the engine. A type 2 overrev could mean something bad or be completely benign. A car with a flash will have type 2 over revs all over the place without any money down shifts. You can even get a type 2 over rev to occur bouncing of the rev limiter bone stock. I have first hand experience with both. That's why Porsche changed to 6 overrev range indicators on the 997 cars so they (and intelligent future owners) would know what caused the overrevs. Although I sold my 993 to a guy in Canada sight unseen with just a PPI from my PCNA dealer, I personally would not take the risk. Go see it in person. NY to CHI is a one day trip. Unless you buy it on the spot and drive it back.

 

Only the early 01s had the front bumper "warts" and they can be removed and the holes filled with the later model grilles, the glovebox is 1sq ft that rarely has anything in it, and the nav on all 996 models is totally useless and user unfriendly.

OP, Dont base your decision to buy a clean, local well kept car on these factors unless they actually mean something to you.

The range of 996tt is amazingly well engineered, you will have a blast.

 

All great info and suggestions. I love love love driving my 996turbo cab. That is the reason I am looking for another one to drive during the winter months since I do not want to ruin my lovely. I'm not really concerned about fit & finish (though it does look good in the pics, exactly like mine). If it's been beat on and has internal issues well thats where I was hoping a PPI would come in and give me insight. I'm not affraid of dropping a few bucks as long as the purchase price reflects that but combination of issues could be costly. I think now if I do go ahead with this or any other questionable purchase I will go out and kick the tires.
If I find a PPI outfit I'll be sure to let all know.

@HIX yes that is the one & I just saw it tonight in ebay (I had seen it elsewhere first). I placed a bid but it did not hit reserve. I'm sure I'm going to go near their buy it now price. Let me know if you looking to as I do not care if I lose the car. There is another really nice one in this site under A for S with only 10k miles, check it out if you're in the market.
Al

 

Wow! -- you're looking for a winter beater 996tt? Good for you! Your cab looks great. What kind of tint do you have on the tail lights -- paint or film?

 

Its called... shadow effect...

You know I was actually surfing for air shocks that I could have installed so if we got snow I could raise the car a few inches - could be viewed as sacrilegious I bet

 

If you really want a winter "beater" why not get a hooked up Subaru STi for the same money rather than having two of the same car?

 

i think having two is the sh*t. i'm hoping to pick up a 997t and keep the 996 i've got. i applaud the op's sentiment. time will tell, but i'd do it too.