I've said it before and I'll say it again. I just love the internet. The amount of information available at your fingertips is amazing (if not overwhelming). It's not only information that is available, it's product and merchandise too. In the case of this post, used Porsches. You may have notice that I recently added a new page to this site (Porsche 993s for sale). This is just a simple sampling of certain Porsches for sale on EBay. I'm sure you can imagine that this is just a tiny fragment of the overall used car market and a drop in the bucket given the overall number of Porsches available on the secondary/used market.
Porsche PPI Information
It is possible to conduction your own PPI using a thorough Porsche Buyer's Guide. While we are affiliated with the company that sells this Porsche PPI Buyers Guide, we do think it is one of the best available. So, if you feel like doing the PPI on your Porsche yourself (or just want to know more about what you should be looking for, these are great Porsche buyers guides to walk you through the process.
Why is a PPI for Your Porsche Important
Well, besides the seemingly limitless number of horror stories from both current and past Porsche owners who chose not to conduct a PPI, it is the single best insurance policy you can get for your "new to you" Porsche. Using a qualified Porsche mechanic (independent or otherwise) to inspect your potential new purchase prior to consummating the deal can literally save you thousands in needed repairs that are not obvious to the naked eye or the inexperienced.
The number of Porsche sales via the internet is surely growing. Technology has allowed even the "little guy" to have a global presence on the internet. The days of only having one or two local options for a good quality car are long gone. We now have Porsche brand exclusive forums such as Rennlist, auction sites like EBay, price comparison sites like Edmunds and dealers across the country with their inventory on-line. There is an overabundance of pre-owned Porsches available to us. How can you possibly, tell a good Porsche from a bad one, especially when viewing remotely? The only way is with a Porsche specific PPI.
Who conducts PPI(s) on used Porsches?
A PPI can be done at any authorized Porsche dealer. You can locate one any where in the world at this site (just choose your location). Alternatively, and more popular (at least on the forums and chat rooms that we frequent) is to have a local independent Porsche mechanic perform the service.
How do I find someone to conduct a PPI on the Porsche I Located?
Again, a PPI can be done at any local Porsche dealer. If you're looking for an independent mechanic it's a great idea to ask those people who would best know. Resources you can use to locate established and credible independents are:
Rennlist
PorscheFile
PCars Chat
The Forums of Pellican Parts
Early 911s
911UK (for those of you on the other side of the pond)
Porsche Club of America
Lastly, you can supplement your Porsche PPI with information from various buyers' guides available on-line. WARNING!!! Not all guides are created equal. Adrian Crawford's 911 Secrets Revealed, while not the least expensive, is an oft mentioned publication that has had many great reviews and is discussed frequently in many of the more popular and respected Porsche forums and chat rooms.
In my next post I'll outline what a Porsche PPI should cost, things to avoid during a PPI and the basic things that should be included, along with some Porsche model specifics (including a checklist you can download and use as you need).
Related Porsche Posts
Porsche Buyer's Guide. 5 Reasons to Walk Away
Porsche Deferred Maintenance. The True Cost
Advise for the First Time Porsche Owner
Our experience in Houston, Texas (the Lone Star Region PCA) is that dealers will not perform PPI’s on cars they are not selling, and expecially not on older (air cooled) models.
We recommend the independent mechanics who advertise in our local region magazine for PPI’s, and we have had several eagerly accept the offer to perform them, even arranging to visit the car, where it is located for sale.
If you want a PPI, a contact with the local PCA Region (find them on http://www.pca.org) or a look through their magazine or newsletter (usually on their website) can be helpful.