Doc,

I'm am going to look at a 97 993 convertible on Saturday. Its at a Porsche dealership and they have assured me that all the maintenance is up to date. I asked about a PPI and a Leakdown test and they said those had been done and were good, otherwise they wouldn't be selling the car. I also asked about the 60,000 mile service since the car is at approx 66,000...again, that has been done.
When I go to look at the car, what should I look for that will confirm that the 60,000 mile has been done, a leakdown test, PPI, etc... If they show me maintenance records, which I will ask for, are there specific items I need to look for?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Well, first thing I would do is have a full PPI done a shop that isn't selling the car, lol. I hate to say this, but you can't trust anything a seller says these days, especially not a dealer. Have the car taken to another shop who knows 911's and have them do the leak down and compression tests along with the regular PPI. They should give you actual numbers for both tests for each cylinder. Have them check the filters (air, cabin) to see if they have been replaced. When they are doing the leak down and compression test, they can look at the plugs to see if they have been changed recently. I would also ask them if the distributor belt has been changed. If the dealer says yes, then you can pretty much call BS on them, since the dealers don't replace the belts, but rather replace the entire distributor assembly. The belt is a maintenance item that really needs to be done after 60k miles considering the age of the car. Obviously the PPI will include an inspection of the entire car, not just limited to the engine.

Expect to pay about $300 from an independent shop for a full PPI. When I do a PPI I include a written report with pictures of any areas of concern that I found to give to the potential buyer.

At the dealer, you can test drive the car, and when it is good and warmed up, shut the car off and pull the engine dipstick. Run your finger through the oil on the dipstick, and look for tiny metal particles in the oil on your finger. You won't be able to see it on the dipstick. This will be an immediate indicator of cam or valve guide wear issues if there is metal in the oil.

 

Doc,

Thanks...
Do you have or do you know where I can find a database of reputable service stations? The car I'm going to look at is at Mercedes Benz of Melbourne (Florida), a MB, Audi, and Porsche dealership. Going on your advice I need to find someone else in the area to look at the car...aside from a google search, is there anything better?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Unfortunately I am not familiar with too many shops down in that area. I would contact the local PCA in that area and see who they recommend for Porsche service. They usually will have the best idea of reputable shops in the area.

I believe melbourne is in the spacecoast region down there. Contact any of these guys (not sure how current this page is), and they may be able to direct you to the right shop.

http://spc.pca.org/officers/