Detailed 996 Pre-Purchase Inspection video. Your input requested.

Hello, fellow M9X owners! This is Bobby � lead producer for The Knowledge Gruppe and Rennvision. We are currently in the planning stages of this project and need your input. We�ve had many people request that we produce a video(s) on how to conduct your own Pre-Purchase Inspection of M9X based Porsches. No one wants to get stuck with a lemon or money pit and a PPI is the best form of protection in any car consideration. Unfortunately, in some cases (e.g. auction rules), an off-site professional pre-purchase inspection cannot be achieved. Therefore, you�re stuck with conducting an on-site inspection yourself or getting someone do to do it for you (i.e. Rennfax). These are great cars, but buyers must be mindful of the problematic areas and things to check during the inspection. Please submit a list of areas that you would like covered in the video. We�re also making every attempt possible at making this video a practical and affordable resource for you. There are many ways to distribute video content these days and we understand people like options. Please complete the poll and respond with constructive comments so that we can report back to Jake Raby on the findings. I thank you for your time and contributions. We value your input! Poll descriptions: Basic Detailed � This would give the buyer a general overview of the exterior, cosmetics, electrical, and mechanical areas to inspect before a purchase. Highly Detailed � This is would involve a more thorough overview of all known problem areas and what to look for when examining the car�s exterior, interior, electricals, and mechanicals including a more invasion inspection of the health of the M9X engine. This would include the following: � Tools needed for the job � The �Jake Raby�s� step-by-step bore scope procedure will be demonstrated. � An advanced ECU interrogation � Overrevs, Camshaft Deviations, Fuel Trim, etc. � Your best defense against IMS bearing failure. Identifying what bearing is in the car. � How to identify the condition of the fluids, belts, and ancillaries. � How to check for a failing AOS. � How to catch a catastrophic problem in the making. � What to look for when doing an oil sump inspection � What are the top modes of failure and how can I protect myself � Being attuned to the senses. What�s that sound? Smell? Engine Only PPI � This video would be for the more experienced purchaser that understands how to inspect for exterior and interior damage, but just needs a more detailed overview on the M9X engine and mechanicals. The video would cover the engine/mechanical portion in the same detail as the � Highly Detail � video.

Personally, I think the average joe would benefit from the Highly detailed version. I personally would choose the engine detail if I where in the market again not knowing what I do today (which is 1/4 of what I should know) 99% of the younger generation don't even know how to change a tire let alone read a date code on one.

Highly detailed. This is a bargain when you compare the cost to video courses offered from companies like Racecraft.

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Agree.

I'd like and be willing to pay for a "highly detailed" version, but I don't have a good sense of what others would be willing to pay for.

With these cars I think when it comes to a PPI go back or go home. Do it right to save yourself headaches later.

+1 for Highly Detailed.

I already know the basics (and more) of doing a PPI. But I’d pay for the detailed version just to pick up any extra knowledge.

I originally voted for the lesser version, but after reading the answers above I'll go with the super engine detail also. I know how to PPI the frame/body.

detailed, but I think the price is steep. A good idea for a product..

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The last PPI that I did with the amount of detail that will go into this video, cost the purchaser 1500 bucks. I gave him a deal, too. You think a video illustrating all this, and how to do it yourself is too "steep" at these prices in the poll?

The money is in the engine & if this is the buyers 1st M96/97 buy he needs to learn all he can.

Highly detailed! Even if you have an Indi to do the PPI it would be nice to make sure he knows what to look at and how.

Jake, you have to stop reading every comment as an attack. Yes, I know a good PPI costs a lot.... Honestly, I guess, my thought was that someone who buys this video, even the detailed one, probably would be more interested in it as "step one" (as an education) to help them weed out the more obvious chaff and might still rely on a 3rd party to complete a PPI. Let's face it, someone who is truly capable of doing a quality PPI probably already has the tools for the job, knows how to interrogate the ECU, can understand the condition of the fluids, belts and ancillaries, know how to scope the bores from below, and would know what to look for in the sump. Some specific knowledge about 996's might not be there, sure. Anyway, Wildbilly pretty much summed up what I was thinking the average buyer of such a video would be doing. Anyway, my opinion and we all know what opinions are like so disregard or digest as you like.

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If that person can't swing $30 for the rental, then I would have to say the 996 cost of ownership may be out of their budget. A tank of gas, oil, headlight bulb, etc. all cost more than that.

Yup and it is just one more thing on the list. I didn't even think of the rental...I'd just buy it.

Also agree

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My feelings. Plus too late on me performing the PPI I SHOULD have done a couple years ago, but would purchase in a sec if I thought I could learn something more from FSI about my car. So maybe consider adding a bit or 2 to the detailed version to entice folks that already own an M96. Thanks for being so active here. -Majicb

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I just don't think there is a market for it. No seller is going to let some guy off the street check even the compression let alone more involved checks. You know as well as I do that just because many people will come on here and say they want the highly detailed one doesn't mean they will actually buy it.

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That will happen. In those cases that is a car that should be questioned. I have a way to test the cylinders for equal compression without doing more than opening the frunk. Scratch your head on that one!

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Interesting, the only answer I could come up with doesn't involve opening the frunk, and doesn't actually test equal compression just kind of a good check (rough running numbers). I would have no problem dropping my car off at a reputable shop for a pre sale PPI, but I wouldn't let some guy even hook up a durametric, because that guy is inevitably the guy who somehow manages to fubar your car with 0 liability.

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Oh, you old dog...

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Ultimately I believe the video series, (with the checklist and worksheet that will accompany it) will end up being watched by the purchasers, then they will help outline what they want the PPI shop to do in regard to the PPI. This is the best possible scenario, as they have been presented with the full meal deal, and they can pick the areas they feel are more important to them. For instance, one of the items that is on my list includes checking the brake lines, and underside components for corrosion from winter operation. This is something that could be omitted if a Carfax check indicates the car has never seen a climate where it would experience salty roads. The good thing about too much information, is you can pick and choose what is important to you. The checklist I see provided as a PPI for a normal shop is a joke, and won't find any of the issues that we hear about just after a vehicle purchase, all the time. It also won't help the person avoid being ripped off by a seller that already knows he has a problem car. This is the thing that must be avoided, and it is happening all the time. That said, a PPI like this, with detail, will take time, and that time has to cost money. Is it worth 600-800.00 (or more for some) to avoid buying a car that could instantly have a 20K buck issue upon purchase? Keep that in perspective.

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I know how...I know how... ...however I can't actually do it!

The more detailed video would at least help the majority of PPI purchasers understand why a $120 PPI isn't the same as an invasive/thousand-dollar PPI...and why sellers balk at the latter more often than the former ("you want to do WHAT to my car...that you're not necessarily even committing to buy?")...

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That's fair. I would market it that way. You can do it yourself is unrealistic. Remember many shops are just going to look this thing over thats all youre getting for $150 if you want more you have to know to ask for these things is realistic.

Generally people are lazy, and lack attention to detail. They would rather take a risk on a car purchase and just hand over the money, rather than taking the time, and spending the money to save themselves thousands. They are literally "too busy for business". The stupidity tax for that one is assessed at a high rate..

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It was done to your car before it left here with it's new engine.. Actually, twice.

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Considering how many threads we have on here that are "What is a PPI?", "What should I expect in a PPI?", I could see this video being just as much an educational video for the buyer as it is a how-to video for the inspector. This video would teach you where everything is, what it is, why it's checked, etc. so that a potential buyer understands the information that is given back to them after an inspection. I would imagine Jake would include how to read the results as part of this series and that would certainly be valuable to a novice buyer.

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Did it pass?

Jake - I voted for the cheap one as I think that you will sell more of them. Knowing what I know now (which is still not much in the grand scheme of Porsche knowledge) it would be best to have the highly detailed version. My only concern is that the price will keep too many people from buying or renting it. Also agreed that the amount of effort put into this type of video would be worth many times the selling price. But with modern editing technology it should be possible to offer all three versions. Maybe even offer a “trade-in” if someone buys the basic version then decides that they need more info?? In any case this is a great project! Daryll

$60 for the highly detailed video, or less to rent it, doesn't seem too high for a prospective buyer to learn all that should be inspected. For most buyers this will also involve a shop to do the actual work ( no seller would let a buyer do that invasive work themselves). So the actual PPi will be much higher that a typical PPi. But, avoiding a catastrophic issue would make it worth it. Heck, it would be worth owning to keep a better eye on your own car.

I would think the people needing it, are first time porsche purchasers? How are they going to know about it? I get it as a great resource, but people here (RL, RT, Pelican etc..) already should be able to search and find your excellent videos/ posts on what to look for. like others said, I'm especially not letting someone (new porsche owner) show up and drop my sump, start disconnecting stuff and do their own ppi in my driveway. no problem delivering my car to a porsche specific Indy. really miss the days of EarlySman, Grady Clay amoung others on PP 911 Technical Forum. You could find just about all you needed to know searching the Forum. Threads stayed on topic. Good luck. I would not be a customer. Next Porsche most likely a 991.2 T. I do own the LN Retrofit IMSB, LT thermostat, Spin on Oil Filter Adapter and magnetic drain plug.

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Word gets around pretty quick for those searching about buying a Porsche. That said, many will find this after it is too late, and they already have a car. The Knowledge Gruppe has been better about marketing than I ever have been. Its my goal to spend less than 5K per year on advertisement, and 4,200 of that is spent here on RL, being a site sponsor. Yes, forums used to be better. People used to be not quite so entitled, and demanding of free information. The internet, GPS, Siri, and Alexa have ruined us in so many ways. Amazon hasn't helped, either. No one has to think anymore, and no one has to wait anymore. Its an instant gratification, fully entitled society that most live in today. Personally, I still use an Atlas when I go on trips, and like to drive cars that have a set of points, a condenser, and are fed by a carburetor. I live on a dirt road, that I maintain myself. That's just me. My point is that as people have changed, things with communication have also changed. To me, the change isn't for the better. It impacts how I have to run my business, and makes everything more difficult, just so we can keep a clean reputation, and continue to exceed expectations. It takes more and more up front understanding about what is being bought every year, to make sure people truly understand me, and my process. That means this week I have had to tell two purchasers "no", even though they wanted an engine. It sucks to leave money on the table, but we have to, as we are only as good as our next job that is completed. Enough rambling and going off topic. Sorry! Anyway, you'll also need a PPI on that 991.2, every Porsche needs one IMHO. Others, this video will be specific to PPI. If you want to learn more about the car you already own, TKG has many more paid videos on my schedule this year. I am converting my Training Facility to a video production studio, with 3 different studios, for doing different videos. I am putting all my hands- on classes on hold through 2020 to shoot all of these videos for TKG. I really enjoy the work of the videos, and its even a bit therapeutic. @Battery Guy I advised TKG that they should keep video sales simple, and straight forward. Allowing people to swap videos back and forth, and rent things just increases the chances that someone is going to be disappointed at some point with the process. Above sales numbers, I feel that drama should be avoided at all costs, even if that means leaving money on the table.

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I would! This might be a great way to stay ahead of the ball game...If I had to sell my (I don't plan on it) car, this will help me stay ahead of many unknown issues. And would make a buyer feel more comfortable if he knew what to look for.

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There will come a time when these cars won't be sold unless a PPI is carried out, as we've discussed. The only people buying them will be completely uninformed. Sellers will have to allow this to be done, if they want the car to sell. It sucks, but that's the facts. Sellers that supply their own PPI also can't be trusted, BUT if a DIY seller could follow my video, and then do his own, fully video documented PPI the car would instantly be worth a ton more money. When I did PPI's on these cars I documented the entire process with video, sometimes it would be a couple hours of solid first person content with no editing. I wanted to be the eyes, and brain of the buyer, showing them everything I learned first hand, and explaining what that meant to future ownership of the car. There were times I'd shoot a car down in the first 15 minutes. I'd not even complete the rest of the PPI, just shoot the video, upload it, and tell the buyer he owed me for 1/2 hour of work. No reason continuing on after I found a "downer".. Kind of like a pre- flight on an aircraft, once you find a downer, you aren't going flying that day anyway, so give up, and get to work. Boy, I really pissed off some sellers, too... Uncovering issues that exist for "perfectly running cars" and then documenting them with video tends to do that. Each questionable point had a video that started with the VIN of the car, then I would move to the issue. Doing this eliminated the chances of being questioned. That's why I stopped offering the PPI services.

I agree - many/most sellers would be butt-hurt by negative invasive PPI results, probably with enough blow-back that any mechanics that actually offered them would stop. People also ignore potentially bad news when it interferes with what they want. I checked out a WJ Grand Cherokee for one of my nephews; the "needs nothing" Jeep had expired tags, 10-year-old cracked tires, a check-engine light, and a crunchy transfer case. "Yeah, but Uncle Schnell, he says the lights are just because of TPMS batteries, and the seller will give me $100 off if I deal with the smog certificate myself." If I liked the kid less, it would have been easier to just let him buy it. Dude, there are nine bazillion Jeeps for sale. Buy a decent one and enjoy breaking it yourself.

I honestly don't see a market for this product. Most people are not going to rent or buy videos. If they have the time they will google search enough to be sorta well equipped. So people are going to buy a video to ppi their own car? it really makes no sense. They would need a scope, a pro duremetric among other things and they are getting into a pretty high dollar figure to ppi their own car? People and the internet in general are setup to get information for free, its available everywhere thats just the reality of being alive today. I have no doubt this is an excellent, well made product. Everything you guys make is. But maybe auto shop buys this to show day 1 techs? Someone is going to buy it to make themselves a better mechanic? maybe. Seems like a lot of work to put this out. People are going to hate me for saying this, but I have been around every kind of German car pretty much. They all have their own unique set of owners. 996 people are the cheapest of any car group I have ever been in contact with. They seem to want everything super cheap or put junk on their car to save a couple of bucks. A small percentage of 996 people are even interested in ppi's and thats just the truth. Most of these cars change hands without them. People on forums are generally 8-10 percent of the owners out there in the real world. I notice a lot of shops don't even mess with 996 ppi's anymore. Its not worth the trouble or BS.

We usually spend $20-$150 for information such as Wayne's 101, Bentley, factory service DVD. $60 for a DVD with comprehensive PPI including boroscope compression tests Durametric etc. we would purchase. We already have a 996 and Durametric and would understand so much more if shown detailed info about them. Even if purchaser/owner doesn't have Durametric or other tools and can't do PPI, they will still understand much better what their mechanic is doing.

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Some really good points, but let me offer some thoughts... Tell that to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime and others. The theater industry had the same view at one point in history and you can see how they struggle to survive these days. Can you say, "Pass the $20 bucket of popcorn? Video on demand is not going anywhere and at the end of the day the content providers are going to get paid. How many Consumer Reports have you read in your lifetime? One of the largest, most profitable publications in the industry. People like to make informed decisions. 7 million subscribers proves that point and that's not just an opinion, but fact. I've always said, "learn from trustworthy sources of information". Too many blind guides on the internet. Every since cars went to DME engine management with OBD hookup, it's helped DiY'rs repair their own problems and save money. That's smart. My gut feeling is that most people that are sports car enthusiasts have a scanner of some type. I use to pay to have the car diagnosed by the dealer. It usually costs between $80 - $100. My scanner was $150 and it has paid for itself many times over. I don't think you'd need the pro version of the Durametric, but it wouldn't be a bad decision if you're serious about these cars. That's a good point and if you were owning a shop or a small used car business, wouldn't you want to become more educated on the good and bad of the Porsche 911? I would. How would you even quantify that? There is no way to accurately gauge the amount of potential Porsche 996 buyers and if they'd hire a shop to conduct a PPI. But again, buyer's guides sell like hotcakes and the data proves it... not based on opinion. The beauty of video is that it explains things that might be vague in writing. How many times have you gone to YouTube and watched a video on repairing an appliance or a problem with your car? 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute! Again, video on demand is not going anywhere but up! Hold on for the ride! Again, I assume this is just opinion because there is no way to quantify the amount of 996 cars still in existence (i.e. non-salvaged) and the exact amount of owners as well as the percentage of those owners that use the forums. There is nothing free when it comes to the internet. You've been brainwashed to think otherwise. 1. You first have to pay for the internet connection to your home. 2. You purchase the computer or mobile device to access the internet 3. You pay monthly internet and/or cellular subscription fees 4. You log into Rennlist and see banner ads or pay a subscription to see less of them 5. You go to YouTube and before watching a video you subjected to ads with maybe the option to skip them. Depends on the content. 6. Google is watching your every move and populates advertisements based on your selections. 7. The next time you go into your favorite app, you notice all kinds of commercial content related to your last google search 8. Your children want to see Baby Yoda and so you subscribe to Disney+, but realize you have to buy an Amazon fire stick to get the programing. On and on it goes. As I said before, content providers are going to find ways to pay the bills. And remember, just because the information is "free" doesn't mean it's accurate.

Nice reply Nutty. I found so many flaws in the points put forward by dz, but didn't have the patience to respond. I don't have anyone on ignore - but there are a few here that make me pause and think about it...

My case in point. When I was considering buying my 996 I knew absolutely nothing about Porsches other than they looked good. I did some internet searches and ran across the PPI recommendation. As I don't normally buy used cars that was new to me. From reading I realized I should have one done but didn't dig deep enough to know what should be done. So I researched for an Indi who could do a PPI on a Porsche and depended on them to look at all that needed looked at. They turned out to be a great place with the owner having over 20 years of European car repairs including Porsche. I got a "good" PPI and they found several things that saved more than I paid them for the PPI. However due to my ignorance I did not know to request the more intrusive inspections. That has ending up costing me extra dollars over the next 4 years. If I had found accurate-specific information that told me what to look at on these cars I would have requested the Indi perform those tests and I might not have even bought the car. Best sight is hindsight. Information is power. I'll probably buy the video just to learn what I don't know.

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A blessing in disguise? Just think, if you passed on your car you may not have a Raby motor in it today!

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The Basic might cover what you can do without a lift, not removing spark plugs or sump, no Durametric but regular OBD reader, and no tools but a flashlight. That would apply to the majority of typical buyers who don't have time or resources to go deeper. Very valuable for them to know normal and abnormal sounds and vibrations from engine and suspension and readings on gauges during start up and when hot such as oil pressure, voltmeter, and water temp. The Detailed cover in order of cost to remedy: 1. All engine checks. 2. Automatic and manual transmission checks. 3. Wiring visual inspection of bundles and ground points should be clean with no damaged insulation causing intermittent problems. 4. Body gaps should be even and use paint gage. 5. Convertible top up and down twice (if hesitates might just need add fluid), top fabric not frayed, actuators no sign of leaks, headliner not sagging. 6. Sunroof and targa top no leaks. 7. Suspension. 8. Brakes and tires. 9. Interior including turn signal cancellation, radio volume, door microswitches (set alarm a few times and should get light flash not double beep), window regulators, and seat position switch operation, Also on interior visually note wear on buttons and especially driver seat controls these indicate number of times operated and if with care. 10. All exterior lights.

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I'm sure they know what to do in each option they are considering.

Since I enjoy watching videos, I voted for #2. That being said, during my search for my car, I read a lot about PPI's. I called local Porsche dealer. They sent me their PPI checklist and cost estimate. I called a few indies too. In the end, I purchased my 996 at a large Porsche dealership (I think largest in Canada) called Pfaff. Car was PPI'ed at a nearby indy. This indy has been well known in the forums. Indy recommended a 2 stage PPI. First stage was checking the basics. Confirm no accidents, state of brakes, lights, driveability etc. etc. 2 faults were found. Leaky RMS and non functioning passenger power seat. Indy called me advising of status of car and asked if I wanted to proceed to stage 2. I confirmed. Indy performed leak down, borescope and cut open the filter besides a bunch of other stuff. He recommended buying the car. Dealer fixed the power seat and reduced the price of the car by the RMS replacement estimate of $1400. In the end, car went to get the Solution installed so the $1400 was a bonus since I really didn't pay much to get the RMS done as it was included in the Solution install. Lastly, you can do all the PPI ing you want. A truck can come and destroy your car...

I can count on one hand the number of people I know who still change their own oil. Anything more involved than "watch 10 seconds of video before my attention wanders" is going to be lost on the vast majority of folks. The people who make it to a forum to ask questions represents a small percentage of potential 996 buyers, and many (damn near all) of those don't bother reading extant information that pertains to their questions when they arrive. I think the video would be a great resource for those of us who are already interested in such resources - but the too busy/too lazy/not mechanically inclined folks, not so much.

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True dat! Had to look up 'extant'. Apropos.

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SSSSSHHHHH!! You're gonna get the trolls calling me a "FANBOI"...again.

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They're just jealous!

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Nutty, he specifically said a "pro durametric". The Durametric pro is a significant investment and one of the only ways for the DIY'er to get detailed DME info on many cars one might go to do a DIY PPI on. It is almost $800. The Durametric enthusiast only works for 3 cars and is almost $300. Not an investment many people would make lightly.

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The enthusiast version can be wiped clean one time free and $50.00 after that. I found one unused for $100.00 on ebay.

Huh, cool. Not that I'll probably need more than 3 Porsches in the rest of my life, but good to know.

I found this YouTube video very insightful when looking for my 996: You Tube This plus some Reddit/Rennlist browsing contained enough info to give me a high-level idea of what to be looking out for. I personally would put your Basic video up for free on YouTube and offer the more detailed PPI one for sale. Sort of like the Shareware software model.

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Good information, but...did nothing other than over-rev check related to any possible internal engine issues which is where the $$,$$$ issue may lie.

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U r wht u r. Mbrse it!

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Oh sure, but that's not the intention of the video, and it's also where the "Engine Detailed PPI" could come in. Another good video along the Basic lines: You Tube

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I am good with your assessment, however, I had to google your use of abbreviations...and I'm good with that as well. I am also more than good with my choice of an engine reconstructor and more than pleased with the result of my check writing. Thank you very much.

I think that the first time buyer would be interested in the video if they knew about it...problem is, I wonder if a first time buyer will find it or not. I though everyone did tons of research before jumping into a car like this, but I guess I am wrong. Case in point...I am watching this discussion in a FB 911 page where a guy bought a 2000 C4 Cab in a quick sale from an estate with no PPI. He said he did some research and found the cars to be rated reliably and fun....but hadn't even heard of the IMS and hadn't considered a PPI because he had to buy it fast. In the very same thread, I saw a guy who claims to be a 15 yr Porsche mechanic factory certified by someone at Porsche Reading who, after several people chimed in about the AOS and bore scoring said thatALL 3.4l 996's all come with dual row bearings and that bore scoring doesn't happen on 996, only 3.4l Cayman/Boxster and 3.8l 997's. I can tell you that I won't be taking my car to Porsche Reading.

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Seriously... it's a little ridiculous sometimes. Jake asks question. Member asks question/makes comment in response to said question. Jake acts like Member just threatened his mother's life. Rinse, repeat through just about any thread.

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I always stay at the ready, for good reason. A good defense is the best offense.

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I don't see it. Jake responded appropriately to his comment in post #11 and then Mad Irish responded with the knee-jerk response of " Jake, you have to stop reading every comment as an attack" in post #14. Jake is direct. People need to realize you're not going to always get a warm and fuzzy patronizing response. I have a doctor that is like that. He'd say, "You're about to blow a gasket if you don't lower your salt intake! Stop being an idiot and take my advice or you'll be 6 ft. under!" I listened and stopped adding salt everything I ate, lowered my blood pressure, and now feel so much better. It got so bad I couldn't walk far without feeling totally out of breath. He told it to me straight and I took his advice before it was too late. Sometimes the best advice comes in large dosages that are hard to swallow.

I assure you, my response was considered, not "knee jerk" and was not an attack on Jake. Jake is a very knowledgeable professional, I respect his talent, his information, and straight talk....I've taken his rebuild class and hope to be a client for a rebuild (damn commission checks have been too elusive lately, though!) because I know I am never really going to have the wherewithal to do it myself. However, frequently when someone expresses something, even in this case where his associate was asking for opinions , Jake tends to react on the offensive, or, at least, that's how his tone can be interpreted. My comment didn't even need a response...patronizing or otherwise..they asked us for our input. In this case, I fully explained my thought pattern and said it was my opinion and he could digest it or ignore it as needed....no need to try to convince me of anything and I am neither offended or upset. Regardless, frequently Jake doesn't just come direct, he brings a bazooka to a snowball fight, lol.

I have a durametric pro, attended Jake's classes, just bought his DVD series and I would buy this video. Why? Because I don't think like a broke d!ck mf'er. Being penny wise and pound foolish does not work with these cars...or any Porsche, for that matter. Knowledge is power...especially when it comes to these cars. So what if I have $4K invested in knowledge tools? I'm a Porsche enthusiast who owns (and has owned) multiple 986, 996 and 997 cars. I will own more in the future. Anything I can do on the front end to increase my knowledge will decrease my ownership costs and will, therefore, increase my pleasure of ownership. These tools aren't cheap. But, neither are these cars. I've made some purchase mistakes and have paid (or am paying) stupid tax with extra $zeroes on the end. I'm trying to avoid those mistakes in the future. If you can afford to buy the car but can't afford to buy the tools, knowledge, parts, or service to maintain the car then, the reality is, you can't afford to buy the car.

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This ties directly to my previous post. Although I pay people to do most of my service (that is more a function of lack of time availability and some laziness on my part),I feel comfortable that I can go toe to toe on M96 knowledge with most anyone out there if the need should arise. But, you can rest assured that I have met many mechanics who don't know **** from Shinola when it comes to these engines. One of them was my best friend in HS who owns a foreign car repair shop. With the knowledge I have received from Jake's class, reading , personal experience, etc. I am able to quickly tell a mechanic's competency level before my cars gets touched by anyone

No, I roll in with armour, and a 20mm Rarden cannon. I feed the leftovers to the dogs. It's peace through superior firepower, and I didn't come here to lose. Sorry, I can't help it.. I am a Marine.

I was really looking for this thread. So I put a very early 2/1998 build 1999 on Bring A trailer a few days ago. I spent a lot of time doing an 11 minute inspection video and it seems nobody even cares. an 11 minute video of undercarriage, common problems, a 6 minute video of the top of the car, a two minute video of driving and 200 pictures. Nobody is watching the video, and i sorta know what I am talking about. I was pretty convinced in this medium that people would want to know what they were buying. Seeing the straight up JUNK with 6 cell phone pictures in a checks cashing parking lot selling for mid 20's I am pissed. The more information I give them the more they scrutinize me. I know my car has a couple drawbacks but it way nicer than stuff that has sold lately. I still believe in Jakes ppi for sellers idea. I tried to do it, but probably not to what he had in mind.I guess I will learn and move on. These people flat out do not care. I will check back at the end of auction.

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BaT is listing too many 996s at once. You also got a really crappy hand dealt for an auction week. I sold some vehicles on BaT last week, and also got screwed. I tried to help you!

I appreciate you helping out. I and friends have sold bunches of cars there and have come to the conclusion that people don't really care and are not ready for the education needed to buy these cars. What I am saying here is that the idea of a ppi might not work. It is a reverse osmosis backwards world where the more information I give them the less they trust me. Really bizarre. I have really learned so much from Jake and Charles over the years. Maybe these cars belong in the hands of people who will blow them up and not follow proper warm up cycles and maintenance schedules. What a crazy would we live in..

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Why are you you stressed at this point in the auction? This isn't your first sale on BaT. You are a dealer/flipper so you know the real bidding occurs in the last few minutes. With the current bid at $10k and 5 days left you are in a decent position. But, as Jake said, timing is everything. With the stock market drama, CV-19 and impending travel restriction, etc. I predict it will get much worse for sellers before it picks up again.

You're definitely going to get hit by current financial conditions, flood of vehicles on BAT, and uncertainty caused by COVID-19. You're a victim of bad timing...that is not your fault. Also too much information makes it seem like there are a lot of issues to some. I'd rather know all the issues you know about, but alas I'm not bidding on anything at the moment due to uncertainty. I briefly considered UGA AV8R's track roller yesterday. But I've decided to save my cash for now. I'll miss out on some deals, but my cash will be available to me in case of job loss and extended unemployment.

Actually, I look at it the other way. This is good time for buyers. In times of recession, people with money will scoop up good deals. However, the impact of supply and demand is a real factor as Jake mentions. Too much supply can hurt resale value. People that list on BaT, eBay, etc., need to have reasonable reserves to protect against a serious loss. If it doesn't sell, then hold onto it until the market rebounds. Mr. Deezy, you know the game. No need to belly ache over people on the comment section. BaT has become a forum within itself. Most of the guys that nit pick will never bid in the end or try hard to win the car. You seem to have a nice 996, but be realistic too. Having a PPI provides objective proof the car is healthy. Also... Even though it's a dual row bearing car, having a fresh bearing would drive the car higher in the auction IMHO. But again, it's too early to judge.

It's not obvious to me that we've seen a direct hit on resale prices as a result of pandemic. Yesterday's Guards Red 996 went for $25.5k, and last Thu's black-on-black 996 went for almost the same price. Both had IMS done, and reasonable mileage. @mrdeezy, I think you're going to be fine. Of course today's a new day in the financial markets, and we'll see whether we're up or down 5-10% again today! Everyone buckled??? Recent 996 auctions on BaT

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Very true, but buyers will be few and far between. Bad time for sellers! Buyers also have to decide it is best to spend $xx,xxx on a Porsche 996 that will likely be worth $xx,xxx +x% in 2 years, or put $xx,xxx in the stock market that will be worth $xx,xxx + XXX% in 2-5 years. Right now the decision on where is the best place to put your money is(should be) on everybody's mind. I'll pass up a good/great deal on a second 996 if I think my money will grow significantly better in the market. Right now I'm in "wait and see" mode, but I'm also in the "let's make some real money when this is over" mode too. I think the market is poised to make a LOT more money than the savings I'd get on a 996.

I agree that market indices are highly likely to outperform the 996 resale market over the next year or two. One factor for would-be buyers is whether they own a Porsche today. Easy for us to sit back on our current fleet while pondering options for additional trades/investments/projects, but for the person whose situation is reasonably stable financially, and has been hunting for months/years, that buyer may very well be ready to bid now, and bid strong. Fun to watch either way...

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Definitely! If you have the cash, and no Porsche, this might be the perfect time to buy! ...but will next week be even better? Right now I believe a potential buyer shouldn't jump at any compromises. Better deals might be right around the corner. Have your cash ready and pick the best of the bunch.

It's only one data point, but this 4S just went for $35k, which is by no means a fire sale. See last 8 auctions below. Range is $24k to $37k. 4S auction results on BaT

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Looks like you did ok. $21,996 (plus buyers fee) was, in my opinion, a very fair price.

So, was a decision made to produce one? I'd buy one. I've been stuck in the "6 months away" category for at least 2 years now lol! Every time I get close, something more important comes up. But I hate having to rely solely on someone else's judgement. I have zero experience with Porsche's and while I am very handy with a wrench(7 years in the Navy as a Machinist's Mate) I don't have the depth of experience working on cars to be able to translate that knowledge over. The most involved activity was replacing the rear end of a 2005 Mustang GT, by myself, but still not terribly difficult. The alternator on a Mercury Capri was more of a pain in the butt. So, count me in the "Not purchased but would love to be forewarned and forearmed" category, especially if I have the opportunity to look at something local myself before sending it off for a proper PPI. On the bright side, I have a friend with a 992 C2S and a 981 Cayman GT4 that will let me drive either whenever we visit. If I could afford the GT4, that might actually be my pick .