I have my eyes set on a local 2007 911 (tested today) that had recently water pump and drive belt replaced. I am scheduling on Monday a PPI from the closest Porsche dealer.

Is the change of the water pump and serpentine belt a big red flag? Should I just stay away, or is it still worth going forward with the PPI considering that I liked the car otherwise?

 

Look at it this way....if the PPI comes back good and the water pump was NOT replaced, would you buy it? What if the pump went out after you purchased? You would feel it was missed in the PPI.

I say if PPI and DME comes out within your acceptance....buy it. One less item to worry about going out

 

My water pump was replaced at 30k.

 

I would think that would be a good thing.

 

Thank you guys. I am moving forward with the PPI. I really hope this is the one. I loved everything of it.

 

How about details on the car....

I have an 07 as well.....interested in the specs.

Mileage being one of them!!

 

The only concern I would have about a water pump/belt replacement is if it was done just very recently and the engine has very few or no real miles on it since.

While it is highly unlikely my thinking is there is some "collateral" damage to the engine that has prompted the sale.

For instance the engine was allowed to overheat before the water pump was finally replaced.

Or even the pump failed and shredded its impeller and the repair didn't get all this debris out and there is still a problem with the cooling system.

If the repair was done at a reputable repair shop -- dealer or highly regarded indy -- and comes with a transferrable warranty that's good.

Even better is if the car/engine has accumulated some miles/run time since and enough that one can feel somewhat comfortable there is no problem lurking.

Still... You want to give the car a thorough road test, as a passenger and then as a driver. While you focus on everything you want to be sure you get the engine nice and hot -- at idle when your hear the radiator fans come on that's "hot" -- and then turn off the engine and wait.

What you want to do is after the hot engine is shut off let the heat load raise the temperature of the coolant and at the same time its pressure.

If there is any coolant leak this has a good chance of turning it up.

Even better is if you can arrange to drive the car or run the engine at least after this heat soak "pressure test" to check for any engine symptoms.

Then the PPI is done and if there are any issues remaining from the water pump change out -- like a leak perhaps or worse -- they have a better chance of being spotted compared to if the car was not used much prior.

 

The repairs were done recently (about one month ago). The car comes with a short safe sale warranty of 30 days/1000miles. Does it make any sense? mileage is 50K

I drove it for 15-20 minutes. Seemed fine but you never know.

I was provided with the name/number of the repair shop if I want to talk with him, actually allowed to take a picture of the work invoice. The vehicle was towed in so this is a red flag, since something may have failed.

The porsche dealer for the PPI would be 15mi. away. I have a list of questions but can also add that they warm up the car nicely before inspection. What do you think?

 

Good luck with your PPI today

 

The PPI is probably not going to happen today (more likely tomorrow) unless the dealer can get a driver. However, I did two things. First, I was able to talk to the indy who changed the water pump and belt. He is not associated with the seller since the previous owner, not the seller, did the repairs. Mechanic thinks that the car is in very good shape.

More importantly, I put a small DEPOSIT down to hold the vehicle. So, if I like the inspection report, it is mine. Stay tuned.