PPI - does it really work ?

This is probably a dumb question. does PPI really mean anything these days? just can't imagine for a couple of hundreds (less than an Porshe oil change), Porsche mechanic will do much work other than just a simple visual inspection. my question is this: 1. does anyone ever had PPI caught an issue that's not obvious ? 2. how often does PPI said there is no issue, but you have an issue within a month? thanks !!

had a PPI done (for a BMW 740iL) and it got a clean bill of health, passed with flying colors. A few weeks later, the radiator crapped out (a known, common issue) but it was fine during the PPI (which could not have predicted it) But IMHO, having a PPI done is a whole lot better than none at all since I know I do not have the expertise/experience to do one.

Unless the car is CPO. But search the forum there is a horror story or two.

I actually had a great experience having mine done by an indie who happened to be a Porsche specialist (and had owned several and raced them). I got a six page report FULL of checked items I wouldn't have known how to look for or evaluate. Plus he drove it for me, and gave me a subjective impression about things like the suspension, tranny, clutch, steering and 'feel' of the engine. That was critical for me, since I'd never driven a Porsche before and this one had some miles on it. It was a very well spent $135, IMHO, and gave me a great starting point for my own maintenance. I'd do it again next time, for sure.

6 page reports for $135 !!! you can't even get that at Walmart. I was thinking more of dealer's PPI, think it is a 1 page report, with mostly visual inspections.

I'm not mechanically inclined so for me a dealer PPI was the only way I was going to be able get an idea of the car's health status. I also paid a little more for a compression test. I got a warranty history, location of the original selling dealer and other useful information. I used the list of issues and repair estimates to negotiate down the vehicle price another $500 which more than paid for the cost of the PPI. I'd never buy any used vehicle without a PPI.

yeah I think you have the concept of a PPI confused...PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION is just that an INSPECTION... They are not supposed to do any WORK..or LABOR...they are supposed to take the car around the block maybe...take it on the lift give it a once over..and look for things on the car a regular joe would not look for. You are paying for the mechanic's professional eyes and ears and time. That is about it...

I did a PPI at the dealer when I bought mine. I went in with a whole list of items I wanted them to look at also. When I got the report back, there were at least two items on my list that they didn't even have marked down. Kinda pissed me off. I won't do it from them again. I would have one done by my indie though. I checked around, found a reputable guy that works on porsches and have had him do several itmes for me. He's told me more just by listening to the car and taking it on a test drive than the dealer ever did.

i think if you are planning on buying a P-Car without a PPI, you're asking for trouble unless YOU KNOW P-cars and know them well..... PPI for a small price and at the right location will aid you in choosing the right car for you..... Nothing worse then having a car in the middle of the road after you just purchased it......

I passed on two purchases due to things uncovered in a PPI. One was a 993 and one was a 996. Both cars had been described as "meticulously maintained" and/or "trouble free". The 993 had problems discovered during a compression test (I think that's what it was called) and the 996 was discovered to have previous damage (repaint and suspension repair). I bought my CPO without a PPI in hope that I would be OK and everything seems fine. I personally worry more about how thorough the dealers go over a car to CPO it, but at least you're protected if something goes wrong.

When I sold my 993 the buyer had me take it to the dealer for a PPI and he (the buyer) was very upset at the rather superficial inspection. However the car was pristine and he was happy in the end. I think it's a good idea and money well spent on a very expensive car. I've had more thorough PPIs done through indy shops and I prefer that. On a newer car, I'm not so concerned. I didn't do it when I bought the 993 or the 996. But again, I bought them locally, so I was able to thoroughly inspect them and test drive them myself before buying. Michael

i would have one done!

I agree - I used indy shops as well. It was cheaper than the dealer and I think the indy shops care more about looking out for the guy paying for the PPI.

Didnt have a PPI, engine died first day I owned it, dealer gave me another car, engine died after 6 months. I bought the warranty so I was fine. There will be a more descriptive thread about this with the name of the dealer once everything is all settled with the new engine.

ALways do a PPI

Had an independent recommended by the local Porsche club inspect two C2 cab's at once. One private vendor, one a wholesaler. Paid just under $300. The private car had been hit on passenger side. Nothing showed on Carfax. Owner claimed not to know (he was third owner). The PPI included a test drive. Bought the 01 and used the PPI to knock another $500 off the already reduced price. Alternator died within a month, but that was likely caused by the non-Porsche, tiny battery the wholesaler had been driving the car with over the summer. C'est la vie. Everything else was just as the PPI predicted. Get a PPI.

PPI by P-car dealer revealed a slight valve leak that indie dealer paid to fix. Even better, P-car dealer didn't charge for the PPI b/c the repair work was done with them. I was a skeptic but am definitely converted. Am helping my dad look for a 911 and have told him it's a must. In the big picture of Porsche ownership costs, it's a small price to pay.

I had a PPI done at a Porsche Dealare which uncovered very few issues. 8K miles later, the motor needed replacement (on my dime). My buddy bought a similar car 3 months later, no PPI and had no issues. I think it is a good idea, but it does not catch everything and cannot predict the future. It can let you know if there is something currently wrong. Even though mine didn't work out, I would still recommend it, especially if purchashing far from home. Let someone else be your eyes and ears when you cannot.