This is my first post, I've been reading on the forum for a couple months. I have found a 996 i like. Could someone recommend a shop in Houston to have a PPI done and get the car checked out in general. Also, in-put from everyone on what to check and look at before buying would be great, thanks!.

I'm looking at a 2003 996 C2 Targa, 54k miles. Dealer says its certified but dont know how much i can rely on that.

Thanks in advance for everyones input.

 

Sweet! Let's go test drive it! Seriously, here are some things that I always recommend checking out on your first look at the car:

• Check for options sticker under trunk [evidence of original trunk lid and no front replacement]
• Check for excessive scrapes under front spoiler and on exhaust tips
• Make sure all parts are equally dirty [i.e., clean mufflers may mean replacement]
• Make sure hydraulics on front/rear lids work
• Check for OEM stamps on wheels [to ensure you don't have aftermarkets]
• Pull out the front and back bumper plugs (where the tow ring would go). If your bumper has been replaced with non-compliant bumpers (or non OEM) you won't find the threaded hole where the plug cover is. Then you can "suspect" something.
• Make sure all of the plastic parts are in place under the car.
• Check the plastic stuff in the door/window seal. Smokers are perpetually hitting the seal with hot butts when the window is only cracked a little.
• For older 996s - not sure if 2003 counts- gently lift the seal on the outside of the windshields (front and back) to make sure you have grey stuff in the gap. Black stuff means your 2001 car will creak [As I understand it, the grey foamy strips are the fix and might indicate a responsible owner.]
• be sure to check your in-service date (a 2003 car might have actually been a late 2002). The reason this is important is that cats are covered for 8 years from in-service date. So you might have a few more months up to a year or more on yours.
• see how far the key works from the car. The antenna range is pretty bad from the factory until the "repair is done.

And, to check for evidence of being a tracked car:

• heat cracks in OEM steel rotors - front or rear
• PCCB optioned car now with steel rotors
• slotted/upgraded steel front rotors
• upgraded or replaced splitter [check mounting spots]
• upgraded or replaced brake ducts [check mounting spots]
• upgraded brake pads [e.g., P50 for PCCB, RS19/29 for steel]
• balled up rubber in the fender liners
• balled up rubber in the radiator openings [just reach your hand in and feel around]
• underbody scrapes or missing aero
• rubber streaks on paint or windshield
• upgraded drop links, toe links, dog bones
• carpet cut outs for roll bar
• wheel studs
• "no seat belt" warning chime disabled
• over -2.5 negative camber

Most of the mechanical issues will be checked in a PPI. The pundits will chime in on the best places, as I only recenlty moved to Houston.

Let me know if you want a second pair of eyes on your car. I love checking out 911s!

Cheers,

-td

 

I used Driversource for my Ferrari. Good but not great. If you cant find anyone great use them.

http://blog.driversource.com/

 

If the car's on the north side of town, I suggest European Auto Techniks. Michael Crowley, the proprietor, has decades of experience with Porsches. I've used him for service on my '02 Cab.

For independent shops in other parts of Houston, check the advertisers in the local Porsche Club's monthly magazine (most current on-line issue here: http://www.lsrpca.com/linked_docs/pn...12%20PNaut.pdf).

Hope this helps, and good luck with your potential purchase.

 

Thanks for everyones input. unfortunately, when i got to the dealer to buy the 911 on Thursday the car was being sold. I cant believe how much these dealers make. i am sure they probably paid no more than $24 for the car and sold it for $29. Insane!

 

Bummer. Don't worry, there are lots of cars out there. Be patient and you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Good luck on your next prospect, and make sure you don't feel pressured to purchase the next vehicle until you have a PPI report in hand.