I am going to start searching for a 997.1tt(2007 with 30-50k miles) soon and have a few questions. I've decided to go for a CPO one for peace of mind and the CPO warranty. I've purchased 2 CPO BMW's before so I know that dealers are not very careful inspecting cars that are certified. Both BMW dealers would not let me take the car off site to get an independent PPI. I didn't make a fuss about it and luckily no issues came out of it. I'm a bit more cautious searching for a clean 997.1tt though. At the very least I would want a DME report, carefully inspect the CPO checklist and do a paint meter check. I don't mind purchasing my own paint meter gauge for a few hundred if need be.

My question is, assuming they won't let me take the car off site for an independent PPI, is there any point in having the dealer selling the car do a PPI? I want the car to have a PPI but just not sure what to do if the dealer won't let me take the car offsite for the PPI. Should I demand to do an offsite PPI or have the dealer do their own PPI?

 

Scott,

What state do you live in and/or are buying the car from? I ask because almost all states have a LAW that you are able to take the vehicle off site to be inspected by a mechanic of your choice. You want to ask for something called the "Buyers Guide" which is by law, required to be on all used cars. There should be something on there (check the back) that says you are legally able to take the car to be inspected and this has been disclosed to you. Most dealers even make you sign this during the purchase process.

With that said, I want to make sure that you know you can only get a "CPO" unit when purchasing from a Porsche dealer and not another manufacturer type. With that said, if you don't have experience with that Porsche dealer, you can demand an offsite one. However I personally would let them do it unless you are in a major market with multiple Porsche stores close. Reason being, the sales and service dept are two completely separate "companies" and it is very rare that the service dept will lie for the sales dept at a reputable Porsche store.

-Sayajin

 

I strongly recommend getting a PPI elsewhere than the selling dealership. I have read stories about people assuming the CPO meant the porsche dealership had made sure it had no issues such as paintwork, etc and this turned out to be incorrect. Some of the CPO cars had been beat on but sold as "excellent condition" through the rigorous CPO inspection program blah blah blah

 

I'm located in Los Angeles and I'm willing to drive a few hundred miles to find the right one. I do plan to buy from a Porsche dealer, I've heard that a CPO warranty is not transferable if you buy from a private party. I see your point about having the selling dealer service dept. doing the ppi. It's not the ideal scenario though.

 

CPO only from Porsche dealer. And only good for 6 yrs from car's first sale date- I don't think an 07 or 08 would qualify-past the 6 yr term.

 

100% California law REQUIRES that ANY dealer allow you to take your vehicle to a 3rd party of your choosing for inspection. California is one of the most dealer UNFRIENDLY states and is a huge customer advocate state. I actually purchased my last Porsche in Beverly Hills and took it to a different dealer for a PPI. With that said, if you get it locally, your in a big enough market to not have to go too far to another Porsche dealer to get a PPI.

What I normally do is compromise with the dealer if it comes down to it. Many dealers are understandably wary to let someone potentially run off in a $60-90k car. I offer to let the salesperson come with me or even drive the car and I will ride shotgun. You make the appointment with the Service Dept directly and then tell the dealer you want to take the car XX date at XX time to get inspected. If they tell you that you can't take it alone (normally they have something called a Bailment Agreement that allows you to drive the car alone) then suggest that the salesperson come with you, just make sure they know that you are going to sit and wait for the inspection to be completed.

Just keep in mind, at the end of the day the dealer is required BY LAW to allow you to get the vehicle inspected by a 3rd party of your choosing.


-Sayajin

 

I really wouldnt waste money on a PPI. Unless the guy inspecting can be held liable when something happens.

The PCA CPO is a lot different than others. I would ask for the CPO paperwork, they are very strict on things like accidents correct tires etc. Here is what happens if something goes wrong. They will ask you for the CPO paperwork, if the paperwork is correct and its easy to see because the checkboxes have what is supposed to be there, then PCNA will base their decisions off that paper.
So lets say you burn your diff, they will ask for the paper and if you have the correct tires they will decide to give you a new one. Guess who EATS the labor? The dealer.

Again ask for the CPO paperwork ensure its in good order, question anything that isnt correct or checked yes and ask for notations as to why or call PCNA and get in the system so you can use it later.

Enjoy no deductible and a loaner everytime you bring the car in. Porsche CPO is the best Experience I have had.

And I agree with you on BMW CPO: total joke

 

Based on the language from the Porsche site I should have 2 years of coverage:

CPO Warranty coverage:

1. Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty covers up to 6 years, or a cumulative 100,000 miles, from the original in-service date (whichever occurs first), if the vehicle is still under the new car limited warranty at the time of purchase.
2. For vehicles no longer under the new vehicle limited warranty at the time of used retail delivery, Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty coverage extends until the earlier of:
   • 2 years from the date of used retail delivery
   OR
   • 50,000 miles from the mileage at used retail delivery, but not to exceed a cumulative 100,000 total miles on the vehicle