EmailThe Importance of a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) for your Porsche (Part I of II)
January 29, 2008
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I just love the internet. The amount of information available at your fingertips is amazing (if not overwhelming). It’s not only information that is available, it’s product and merchandise too. In the case of this post, used Porsches. You may have notice that I recently added a new page to this site (Porsche 993s for sale). This is just a simple sampling of certain Porsches for sale on EBay. I’m sure you can imagine that this is just a tiny fragment of the overall used car market and a drop in the bucket given the overall number of Porsches available on the secondary/used market.
So, why is a PPI so important? Well, besides the seemingly limitless number of horror stories from both current and past Porsche owners who chose not to conduct a PPI, it is the single best insurance policy you can get for your “new to you” Porsche. Using a qualified Porsche mechanic (independent or otherwise) to inspect your potential new purchase prior to consummating the deal can literally save you thousands in needed repairs that are not obvious to the naked eye or the inexperienced.
The number of Porsche sales via the internet is surely growing. Technology has allowed even the “little guy” to have a global presence on the internet. The days of only having one or two local options for a good quality car are long gone. We now have Porsche brand exclusive forums such as Rennlist, auction sites like EBay, price comparison sites like Edmunds and dealers across the country with their inventory on-line. There is an overabundance of pre-owned cars available to us. How can you possibly, tell a good one from a bad one, especially when viewing remotely? The only way is with a PPI.
Who conducts PPI(s)?
A PPI can be done at any authorized Porsche dealer. You can locate one any where in the world at this site (just choose your location). Alternatively, and more popular (at least on the forums and chat rooms that I frequent) is to have a local independent Porsche mechanic perform the service.
How do I find someone to conduct a PPI?
Again, a PPI can be done at any local Porsche dealer. If you’re looking for an independent mechanic it’s a great idea to ask those people who would best know. Resources you can use to locate established and credible independents are:
Rennlist
PCars Chat
The Forums of Pellican Parts
Early 911s
911UK (for those of you on the other side of the pond)
Porsche Club of America
Lastly, you can supplement your PPI with information from various buyers’ guides available on-line. WARNING!!! Not all guides are created equal. Adrian Crawford’s 911 Secrets Revealed, while not the least expensive, is an oft mentioned publication that has had many great reviews and is discussed frequently in many of the more popular and respected Porsche forums and chat rooms.
In my next post I’ll outline what a PPI should cost, things to avoid during a PPI and the basic things that should be included, along with some Porsche model specifics (including a checklist you can download and use as you need).
Porsche Factory Service Bulletins
January 22, 2008
I recently received an email from one of my readers (thanks Kirk) that provided the catalyst for this post on Service Bulletings. I think it is good advice for first time Porsche owners and everyone else alike. I wanted to use this opportunity to pass some of it along.
I’m sure most of you are aware of the Factory Service Bulletins that are published directly from Porsche (these are also called TSBs or Technical Service Bulletins). TSBs are issued to cover a wide variety of subjects including changes in parts or specifications, model changes and service problem areas. Specifically, they are issued to the Porsche service departments to address these issues and other recurring problems.
Included in a regular TSB you may find:
- A list of required parts
- Description of the issue or problem and update
- Instructions and illustrations on how to fix
Typically, the TSBs provide info not otherwise found in the workshop manuals or parts book.
So, how do you get this information? As a Porsche owner, it’s actually quite easy to get updates and get them for free.
At the very back of your owners manual is a “Transfer of Ownership” form. Simply complete this form and send in to the address indidcated. If you can’t find this form, or if you don’t have the manual, you can request one directly from Porsche North America. The only problem with this method is it only entitles you to future updates.
So, if you want past updates, how do you get them? You have a number of options.
- You can use an online database such as ALLDATA. ALLDATA. offers online access, by year and model for a reasonable fee.
- You can search the online forums, that I have discussed in the past. Your best bet will be Rennlist (some members are willing to share if you ask nicely).
- You can purchase directly from Porsche for a fee as well. While this is coming directly from the source, it can get costly as they charge $1.80 per TSB.
If anyone knows of other sources, please be sure to let me know so I can update this post for the archive.
What is a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and Why is it Important to Have?
January 21, 2008
WHAT IS A PORSCHE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY? -
A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity is a valuable document that comes directly from the Porsche factory. Included on the document is the original build information specific to your Porsche. It includes your Porsche’s original factory specs (options you ordered with your car), your Porsche’s Birth Date or production completion date and the MSRP or manufacturers suggested retail price.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE? -
It doesn’t matter if you have an older (antique) Porsche or a newer model, all Porsche cars are collectible (as far as I’m concerned). A Certificate of Authenticity can be valuable for resale, restoration and on the concourse. As certain model Porsches become more and more collectible, a Certificate of Authenticity is a must. I have ordered one for each of my P-cars and I’ve always been glad to have them.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? -
For model year 1948 to 1979 they are $110.00
For model year 1980 to present they are $95.00
You can get a $10.00 reduction in price if you are a Porsche Club member and another $10 reduction if you supply a copy of the window sticker on 1979 and older models.
HOW DO I GET ONE? -
Unfortunately, you can’t complete an order online at this point. However, you can download an order form here. Once you have completed the form you can fax it to 1-800-322-2436 or mail it to:
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Certificate of Authenticity
980 Hammond Drive, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30328
USA
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