Need help inspecting a 996 in Houston

Hi, I'm looking at a 996 FS on Ebay-280039506349. I live in San Antonio about 180 miles from there, and I don't know much about Houston. Can someone recommend a place near Team Autoplex, 5712 S. W. Freeway, Houston 77057 where I could get the car inspected? Thanks, Jerry

You might want to add the words in Houston to your thread title. It may help get some responses.

I've dealt with Pro technik in SW Houston. Top notch, very knowledgeable, and fair. [phone removed]. They could have charged me an enormous amount for some work that turned out to be minor. Other shops wanted to do the work. Good luck.

Houston, brings back nitemares!

Yes, I'll bet it does! I have heard of "wet dreams" but, in your case, I guess they are "wet nightmares!"

Thanks for the tip on Pro Technik, I will give them a call to see what hours they're available. Sorry about the thread subject--second time on the regional forum I got it right

I would call Jurgen Steiner over at Memorial One Imports. Great great guy and knows more about these cars than the guys at the dealerships. He is even in charge of one of the only 2-3 remaining Ferarri P cars that is not in a museum. I would trust him with any work or inspection, and he is close by that place where the car is located.

Also if you want to link the add with pics I can probably go by this place tomorrow and give you a pre visual inspection to tell you if the car is even worth sending somewhere for inspection. I am more than happy to do it if I have time, and I think I will have time tomorrow.

Sure looks to be a nice car at a good price..... - Cam

One of my all-time favorite color combinations, the car looks nice. Something else that you can do (if you haven't already) is go to your local Porsche dealer and ask them for service history on the car (if you provide them with the VIN). You can at minimum see the warranty repairs. Since the car is from NC and FL, you probably won't see anything else, but maybe you can get the original owner's name and give him or her a call in Charlotte. Michael

Jerry, Another source is to reach out to the Houston PCA chapter officers. I am sure they can recommend a few resources. http://www.lsrpca.com/index.html

Hi, Thanks for the advice--I didn't get it until after I had scheduled an inspection, got back into town from a trip and went to see the car. I found out it has been repainted via paint thickness monitor, but the matching is excellent. I drove it and steering, suspension, engine felt great, no noises on bumps, a slight vibration at 70-75 on the interstate that may be wheel balance or alignment. Felt a little twitchy like the toe may have been out. The original manuals are missing, as is any service records the owner may have kept. I was a bit put off by the repainting and lack of manuals/history but the price is very attractive. I will try to contact Porsche of San Antonio tomorrow to find service history. Anyone have additional recommendations? Thanks, Jerry

Best of luck. Looks like a good car and a good price. Who did the PPI? If you need some local help, PM me.

Jerry, I bought a 2001 Audi A4 from Autoplex via the internet and had it shipped to PA. Car was pretty much as advertised, although had been repainted in areas that were not represented as such. The Carerra they're advertising looks great but agree you definitely need someone to look at it closely before buying. Good luck!