I am buying a 2006 c4 cabriolet.. 68k miles, arctic silver and black .. Still under warranty till 2013. All service records and mint condition. I am in sacramento area and look fwd to club events

I am super excited and picking it up tues or wed.

The star shield was removed due to yellowing.. How impt is starshield and are there better options. Dealer offered to do it at cost $800

Is there a cheap place to get extended warranty for a few more years? Dealer mentioned $3800

Somewhere to get ecu programming for a good deal

Any other suggestions are welcome...

 

Never ever buy a used Porsche without getting a PPI and DME scan. I am sure nearly 100% of 6speed members will agree.

 

Hi, welcome and congrats

..keep a close eye on threads here, its really invaluable stuff. You can do searches and everything, people are mostly really helpful. I have heard good things about several warranty providers but don't yet have one myself so I won't comment there, other than to shop around if you can as the prices seem to vary. Good luck!

 

Is a ppi necessary if you have a certified car warranty ... Clean carfax, clean dme

 

Should you insist on a DME printout even if the car has a PDK transmission?

 

For the ECU Programming I recommend Softronic. I just flashed my 07 997.1 C4S and the improvements were worth it. Not to mention I did it myself with my laptop and internet connection. Don't know if you have the Sport option but it's a huge difference between being on or off. I'm in Brentwood, so I'm local for you kind of...send me PM's if you have further questions about the flash.

 

I recently purchased a low mile 996 a few days ago, I had a PPI done at Midtown Autoworks in Sacramento. I don't know if they do ECU programming, but they were very thorough on the pre-purchase inspection, took their time, to show me the car at the end of the inspection, and also made me a great deal on an extended warranty.

 

I just purchased and did a PPI and DME (DME from dealer and 3rd party shop). I think a PPI is still important as it is hopefully an impartial look at the vehicle. Personally when I look at the CPO checklist, its all perfect, clean paper etc. I just am a bit skeptical at how thorough the car was looked over. For a purchase like this an objective overview of the car was important to me especially since I financed and plan to keep the car.

Paint metering is another thing to consider doing on a used car, this way you can determine if there was a repaint on the car. Repaint could be the result of a number of things that might be worth digging into.

 

A software change will void your factory warranty.......

 

Many posts going in 10 different ways in this thread.

Do not agree with the above statement. There are many different schools of through on PPI & DME scans. I purchased my C2 from a dealership and had the PPI & DME completed. However, I picked up my C2 at 9:30, test drove it till 5:00PM, in that time I had a PPI & DME done. Spending almost 8 hours with the car, I had a pretty good understanding of exactly what I was buying. Spending $300 so that Porsche can tell me my rear tires are at 40% and windshield wipers are going was a complete waste of money. My DME didn't reveal much, numbers were in line.

If you are buying a PDK (Automatic) do not waste your money on a DME report. The ECU will not let you over-rev an Automatic downshifting, So I really don't see the point.

If you're getting a warranty and it's an Automatic than I'd opt out of paying for an independent PPI. PPI is for peace of mind in this situation, for $300 if you don't feel totally comfortable than do it.

And Yes, an ECU flash will void your factory warranty.

 

Personally I would opt for the PPI and DME.

Previous posters are correct in that a flash will void the warranty. As my CPO expires in about six weeks, I am looking at the EVOMS flash.

 

Just a note that there is a local club in Grass Valley and we're having a breakfast this Saturday morning at 9am at Tofanelli's. Come join us with the new car.

 

A DME scan on a PDK car will never show ignitions above range 1. No benefit from a DME on a PDK.

Always borrow a paint meter and check every panel in multiply locations. PCNA allow Porsches to be CPO'ed even with paintwork.