Hi, I’m a new subscriber to this forum and a Porsche enthusiast. I just wanted to share my experience buying my first Porsche Boxster S in the Richmond area and would like to emphasize the importance of having a pre-purchase inspection.

After several weeks doing some research on the Boxster and their IMS bearing problems, I decided to start looking at a 987 model. To my surprise, I found a nice looking one from 2006 in the parking lot of a German brand car dealership.

The dealership didn’t have any problem in handing me the key of that 987 to take it for a full day to have it inspected. That was for me a good starting point. I was excited to drive for my first time a Boxster, and I was convinced that car would be my first Porsche.

Without a doubt, the most important decision I made was to take it to a trusted German auto repair shop, PMW (Perception Motor Werks) in Powhatan for a pre-purchase inspection. I live close by and see every day all kinds of German brands in their parking lot. People from this area have said a plethora of great things about them.
Michael and Rachel, the auto technicians and owners of PMW were so professional and willing to giving me the best advice. After two full hours of a thorough inspection, they found some parts needed to be replaced from the 60K miles, but most important was what they discovered from the Durametric test. That car was over-revved. Porsche cars from 2005 (987…) have six ignition ranges that represent RPM. This car showed red flags in all over the six ranges.
Knowing the truth about the car’s condition, sadly I had to walk away. When handing the keys back to the manager of the Dealership, I showed him the report and told him about the car that they are trying to sell. He apologized and told me that he never heard about the Durametric tests and “didn’t know what to do what that damn car”.
To my surprise, two weeks later, I got an email from CarGurus stating that that very same car had been sold. I feel bad for that guy who may not know anything about that car and didn’t make a PPI.
I finally found a 987 S, manual, black, loaded in a great condition. So, you can guess where I took the car for a pre-purchase inspection. I’m glad I found these professionals PMW in Powhatan who have been helping me through the whole process of purchasing my car.

I hope this may help others before spending some money on a car. PPI is the best money you can ever spend prior to purchasing your car and you can receive this and the most professional and efficient service.

 

This is absolutely the truth. If you're going to spend the money to purchase a vehicle like this, you NEED to do your due diligence. It will save you untold headaches and $$$

 

How much was the PPI?
Thanks,

 

Thanks so much for posting this. I am in the market to purchase my first Boxster S and have never heard of a duremtric test. In your opinion, would this be something to look out for even buying a CPO from a Porsche dealership?

I'm in the market for a 2017/2018 model.

Thanks again!

 

Good work! I've been looking for 987.1 Cayman and I won't buy unless I have PPI as well. +1 for durametric test

 

I don t think it will pass the CPO with abusive rev ranges. And if it s a dealer CPO car then have them show you the ranges. Really only have to worry about this on a manual trans.. Rev limited will protect a PDK car. 99.9% of over revs are on manual car with a down shift into the wrong gear, then it mechanically over revs and the limiter can t help.

 

I guess I better pose the question: Just how damaging is "over-revving"?
Obviously, if you throw a rod or valve during the revs, that's easy to understand.
But I can't help but think that AT SOME POINT in every manual-shift car's life, it is highly likely it was over-revved, and yet, without leaving a "fingerprint", it most likely continued on to a happy carefree life without incident.
If no bolt was loosened, no bearing thrown, no obvious manifestation of damage, etc, how would you know if damage was done, IF ANY?
Truly, am I not correct?

Maybe I better ask, what is the definition of over-rev -- just how many rpm's is that?

Personally, I'd see the diagnosis as a great bargaining point to greatly reduce the asking price of the car; but honestly, if everything else checked out OK, including leakdown test (which in itself is even questionable), I'd probably buy that car and be happy about it for my 20-30K mile ownership before selling (actually, I'm finding out that my Porsches get about 3000 miles a year, IF THAT).

 

+1 for PMW in Powhatan, very professional and reasonable pricing to have a ppi done . Highly recommended !