Currently real close to pulling the trigger. Have run a warranty history and build info on a prospective car. Car is in So Cal. If I go to the dealer what should I make sure is performed during the inspection? Which dealer (LA area)? What should it cost? Is there a shop in So Cal that might be a better place than the dealer?

Thanks in advance

 

I would definately go to the Porsche dealer. Have the DME scanned for over revs and what type, if any. See if they have a paint meter or get one. Have the dealer complete a CPO inspection. You don't have to buy the warranty, although sometimes a good idea, but the dealer can still go through the motions for you. Find the origin of the car (selling dealer) and servicing dealer and talk to the sales guy and service manager. There are sometimes internal documents that the originating and/or servicing dealer may not have entered into the system and sometimes they remember the car. Cost should be roughly $200-$225.

 

Even before you shell out any money, just call a dealer and ask to check if there are any outstanding technical bulletins for the car. You'll need the VIN number. They won't give you any private info (owners name, etc), but can tell you when the car was put in service (warranty start date) and if any warranty repairs (ie, RMS leak) were made to the car. It sounds like you've already done this.

Assuming that info is acceptable to you, you can make an appointment for a pre-purchase or CPO inspection. The inspection has 100+ items that are checked. It's pretty comprehensive, but does not include the DME check. They usually want $300 for that CPO inspection (2 hours of labor).

I agree with 911dev... make sure you get that DME scan for over revs. A dealership will usually include this in the CPO inspection if you ask, should not be any extra charge. If your seller has been telling you that it "hasn't been tracked", but the scan is reporting level 4-6 overrevs, I'd be very suspicious! If the car has a lot of miles, or has been heavily tracked. You might want to consider getting a leak-down compression check as well.

Good luck. I hope to find a 997.1 GT3 for myself soon!
P.S. - maybe we should compare notes on cars that we've "shopped"! I've been keeping track of most of the ones available in LA/SoCal.... lol !