Help/advice needed: I am seriously considering purchasing a 2004 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet (manual trans). The car has ~85k miles on it. Brand new engine installed by certified Porsche dealer 2 months ago - engine has very low miles on it (< 500) - car comes with 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty on the engine (from the dealer). Rear main seal has been replaced and the car appears to be in very good condition. Any one have experience with purchases such as this - any advice or words of wisdom? This will be my first 911 after owning Boxsters, this is a lifetime dream and I don't want to screw it up. Any help, very much appreciated.

 

Do a PPI and it checks out, it is probably as good as you are going to get it. Regarding the engine, it is a new engine and with the RMS replaced, as a preventive measure?

 

Thanks for the reply, tarzancoe. I am having a PPI done at an Authorized Porsche Dealer (different than the one that replaced the engine) on Monday. Yes, the engine is a 'new '04', according to the dealer and the RMS was done prior to the engine replacement, according to the warranty records and then again when engine was replaced. Additional warranty information showed that there has been 4 warranty services on the vehicle - RMS, Engine oil leak fixed, convertible top liner 'refitted' and engine replaced. All items were covered by Porsche, the engine replacement was noted as being covered under 'Goodwill'.

 

New engine is actually a PLUS But get the car ppid at an INDY with compression test, then maybe if needed a leak down

 

Thank you Tarek307, I appreciate the feedback. Scheduled to have the PPI done tomorrow and we will see what the results say. Thanks again.

 

I hope the car checks out...I understand the lifetime dream thing...good luck !!!

 

no prob, again i repeat dont take it to be ppi'd at DEALER, take it to any INDY shop

 

Thank you Tarek307, I am sorry, I should have clarified - I did make the change an INDY.

 

Thank you Carbonissimo, I am hoping it goes well.

 

Carbonissimo, Tarek307 and Tarzancoe: Thank you for your help. The PPI on the 2004 C4S Cabriolet did not check out to my satisfaction so I continued looking and was able to find a 2006 C2 Cabriolet in the color combination I was hoping for. A PPI at an INDY went very well and I purchased it on Saturday. Thank you for your advice and I am sure I will be seeking it again.

Sincerely,

Happy new owner!

 

Congrats! Pics or it doesn't exist!

 

Now, enjoy it

 

What did the ppi come up with?

 

Hey Tarek,
I'm thinking of a similar vehicle. Why should I get the PPI done at an indy shop rather than the dealer?

What about if the car is being sold at a dealer?

Thanks!
Garry

 

IMHO, it's probably possible for both a dealer and an Indy to perform a quality PPI. Some indy's may take their work more seriously since their name is on their door, so to speak.

If the car is being sold by a dealer, you must take it elsewhere for the PPI. Imagine if the seller of your future house also was the guy that did your home inspection?