Anyone ever use a hired inspector when buying?

[Kaleid]

Hello all-I've been a frequent "eavesdropper" on the forum and I'm finally trying to ride learning curve...Out of curiousity, has anyone ever used any of these "professional" inspection services prior to buying? With all the horror stories about rust, not sure if I'd know how to inspect a possible purchase thoroughly...any ideas or recommendations for the rookie?

Thanks,
MT

[HarryD]

Hello all-I've been a frequent "eavesdropper" on the forum and I'm finally trying to ride learning curve...Out of curiousity, has anyone ever used any of these "professional" inspection services prior to buying? With all the horror stories about rust, not sure if I'd know how to inspect a possible purchase thoroughly...any ideas or recommendations for the rookie?

Thanks,
MT

Sure, that is what a PPI is about. When I was looking I always had a garage in mind that would do some detailed checking. Over at Pelican (www.pelicanparts.com) there is a tech article on how to perform a PPI.

[VIper Green E]

The most qualified I have ever ran into is Jeff Smith. He knows 911's. It will save you $. His fees are very resonable. He has inspected my last 2 cars. One of them Being an RS the other a very nice 73 hot rod. Full confidence in his ability and I love his straight foward approach. The only problem I see is he is overly picky. At least you know what your up against when you buy the car. PM me and I will give you his contact info.

[pwd72s]

Kaleid, what is your location? IMHO, the best route to go is to send the car to a qualified shop of long standing for a PPI...as Harry suggested.

[VIper Green E]

Kaleid, what is your location? IMHO, the best route to go is to send the car to a qualified shop of long standing for a PPI...as Harry suggested.

I don't dissagree with the Qualified shop, but what is qualified? I have had 2 bad experience with PPI's done at Porche Dealerships. They can do a leak down, check that the engine runs and drives but most of the shops have no clue were to look for rust. Name me a mechanic that could tell you if the roof has been sawed off. How many shops will take the time to make sure all the numbers are matching and body panels are original? If you are looking for a good original car and you are willing to pay over 30K you have to send someone that knows what they are doing to look at the car. The $2,000 you will spend will seem cheap If you buy a car with problems. You can spend 10K+ to get the car where it needs to be.

I have owned over 14 911's the ones that I bought without an expert working for me have turned out to be very marginal cars. It would be a shame if your first 911 experience turned out to be a nightmare.

[HarryD]

Joe,

I totally agree. The issue is what is "Qualified".

For me, here in Oregon, anything that is air cooled needs to be inspected by a shop with folks who specialize in these models. For better or worse, that leaves our local dealership out of the picture. Further, as you note, there is a mechanical inspection and a body inspection. For a pricey car, I would have both types of specialists look to ensure I am getting what I will pay for. Most likely they will NOT be the same guy.

I don't dissagree with the Qualified shop, but what is qualified? I have had 2 bad experience with PPI's done at Porche Dealerships. They can do a leak down, check that the engine runs and drives but most of the shops have no clue were to look for rust. Name me a mechanic that could tell you if the roof has been sawed off. How many shops will take the time to make sure all the numbers are matching and body panels are original? If you are looking for a good original car and you are willing to pay over 30K you have to send someone that knows what they are doing to look at the car. The $2,000 you will spend will seem cheap If you buy a car with problems. You can spend 10K+ to get the car where it needs to be.

I have owned over 14 911's the ones that I bought without an expert working for me have turned out to be very marginal cars. It would be a shame if your first 911 experience turned out to be a nightmare.

[Kaleid]

Kaleid, what is your location? IMHO, the best route to go is to send the car to a qualified shop of long standing for a PPI...as Harry suggested.

I'm in New York so a bit of research is in order as to "the" qualified shop to go to. Joe's suggestion regarding Jeff Smith is a great idea as well...now to find that perfect '73...

Thanks for the help- good to have a support group prior to the purchase...

[HarryD]

I'm in New York so a bit of research is in order as to "the" qualified shop to go to. Joe's suggestion regarding Jeff Smith is a great idea as well...now to find that perfect '73...

Thanks for the help- good to have a support group prior to the purchase...

Kaleid,

Good luck on your search. Be sure to drive a few cars before you "home-in" on what you want. Also, think about why you want the car: weekend fun on back roads, racing at some level, a change from your ordinary commuter, concours, etc. This will help you figure out which car is right for you.

[Jens]

Give Rick Cabell a call for a Pre-Purchase Inspection. He's been in the business longer than others have been alive.

[kenikh]

I'd NEVER use a dealership for a PPI. Those guys won't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to early air cooled cars.