I was looking for a shop to do an inspection on my current 996 targa to see if its still worth upgrading. If not, time to hunt for a 996tt!

 

Do not use Rector Porsche unless you are very specific in what you want them to check.

 

Sonnen Porsche in Marin did the PPI on my GT2.. Did a great job.

 

I really like Real Mean Garage (http://www.realmeangarage.com/) over in Sunnyvale. I live in San Francisco, and he's not the most convenient to get to, but I like his communications style and what I perceive as his integrity. He's VERY thorough -- he'll even take the existing oil filter off and saw through it to check for metal flakes.

Give Bob a chance if you don't find any others that are more desirable geographically. I continue to take my car to him as my indy because of the rapport that I feel he gives.

Repeat: he is VERY thorough. He can run compression tests, too, any everything else.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with RMG except as a satisfied customer.

 

I would not recommend Steven's Creek Porsche.

They did my PPI and the results were very generic... It was sooo nice to know the level of tread remaining, he windshield fluid is low, pads are good, etc. Right. I really wanted to know some things that require their specific porsche expertise, such as concerns from service history, inspection for paint thickness/repaint (which they did afterward at my request), known 911 issues, etc. I asked about the 2nd gear popout issue and was told "oh no, it must be fine otherwise the tech would have said something". I would have liked to know positively that these were checked, vs assuming all is ok because they didn't mention anything. The inspection was more of a first time car buy basic checklist. I think I would have gone with an independent specialist if I had to do it again. Someone who doesn't have to worry about souring the relationship with the current owner should you choose not to buy it.

That being said, it was a large purchase and I did feel some peace of mind by having them review it. I didn't feel that their level of attenction on the couple hour inspection was worth the $350+ however.

Best of luck!

 

I would highly recommend Bauer Porsche in Oakland. They are a small Father/Son independent repair shop and they are very honest and thorough. They do care about relationships and getting to know your car. I have been using them for 2 years since I moved to the area and only go there.

 

Seems like I should stay away from Porsche Dealers in general, except Sonnen. I will give both bauer and RMG a call.

Thanks for yours advise

 

Agreed on RMG, they're very thorough

 

i would say that's a good general rule to follow, when dealing with a car out of warranty. they do everything by the book, as opposed to an indie using their experience to guide them as to what to "look for" in a ppi. i go to a dealership if i have no other choice, now that my car is out of warranty coverage and is modified.

for example, 2nd gear popout as mentioned upthread could VERY easily escape a cpo checklisted ppi at a porsche dealership.

also, you may have sharkwerks near you up there off the 880.. is it? why go anywhere else.. if you're near them.

 

Also, not mentioned yet, but has a great reputation, Tony Heyer in Mountain View. http://www.heyerperformance.com/

Have not had Tony work on my car, but I know him from my daily dealings and he is a straight shooter.