25 replies to this topic

[eposos]

Hello -

I'm new to the list and a porsche neophyte. I will be looking at a '94 968 Coupe 6 speed with around 80K miles on it. This will not be a PPI, just an initial look over. What are the top things I should be looking at? I'm not a "car" guy...but I want to make sure I know what I'm doing and talking about when working with the seller. Thanks for any advice and input. This may be the one! - AndyO.

[flash]

what you should be looking at first is a search here within the buyers guide, and the golden rules, etc - you'll find a lot of things that will help

then, what you should be looking at is taking somebody who IS a car guy with you

then, if you're serious about the car, take somebody from here with you, to go over the car

[eposos]

Thanks Flash - My plan was for an initial look over to see what condition the car was in to see if it was worth pursuing a PPI. If it is, I'll arrange to hopefully bring someone from this list who is in the Boston area to help evaluate the car.

I'll take some pics of the car and post after I check out the car -thanks, A

[flash]

cool - good hunting - let us know

[whakiewes]

I paid some $200 for a PPI on the 968 that I just bought, and while they told me a few problems, it was nothing I didn't see myself. After owning it for a couple of weeks now, there is a lot more that wasn't noticed. They didn't pick up a transmission clunk, but that is understandable as its intermittent. They didn't find any of the electrical gremlins other than the dome light didn't work. They didn't notice a whine that is more prevelent when the car is started, and fades away with time and driving (sounds like it is coming right from the variocam area). They didn't pick up on a cold start problem where it is hesitant to start after sitting overnight.

Overall it was the largest waste of $200, that didn't point out anything. They had their head technician do it, as with all other PPI's. I can understand missing a few things, but overall the bigger cost/harder to find items weren't even shown.

Wes

[RPM]

$200 is also rather high for a PPI.
One good point - I guess you know where not to have the car serviced in the future.

[Harvey]

Overall it was the largest waste of $200, that didn't point out anything.  They had their head technician do it, as with all other PPI's.  I can understand missing a few things, but overall the bigger cost/harder to find items weren't even shown. 

Wes

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wes,
I paid $165 in Atlanta for a PPI that saved me several thousand dollars when I used the report to dicker with the owner. Did the same when I bought my 928. There were things wrong with the cars that the owners apparently were unaware of. Had I paid the asking price, I'd have been hosed. However, it was break even since the PPI caught almost everything that was wrong with the car or might go wrong. I fixed those items with the savings from the purchase and both cars have run great..one for over a year and the other nearly 5 years. Just anyone can't do a good PPI. I also require a leak-down compression check, something you can't do just anywhere. Also, good to listen to the pinion gear, check the various moving parts, leaks (hard to fix or easy ones?), timing chain and pads, steering rack, etc. All stuff that can break you if you pay too much. And it you have a delaminating rear deck lid window, that's a major PITA (and common) and can cost you a wad. I was able to reglue mine..but a Porsche dealer may quote you up to $5,200 or so to fix that on a 968. Caveat emptor. You can't be too careful. The PPI money I've spent on my Porsches has saved me nearly $5K combined. But you have to take the car to someone who understands your model. For example, most mechanics (especially Porsche dealers) don't have a clue what to look for on the 928. They have their own set of unique problem areas. T-belt stuff, thrust bearings, etc.

Harvey

[eposos]

So I got back from checking the 968 out. First time I actually drove a 968, and wow what a car!!!!....felt so solid and quick. I'm not an expert but overall the car looks like its in really good shape for being 12 years old. The car felt very responsive while driving.. ...smooth and snappy acceleration...clutch felt really nice. The body looked good apart from a few scratches, touch-up paint blotches...we had a problem getting the trunk open. The engine bay and all the mechnics inside looked really clean. The rotors and calipers looked shiney and new.

At issue:
1- all service records need to be dug up....the guy at the dealership didn't have any history on the car apart that it was owned by a woman on the Cape who only drove it during the summer, hence the low mileage.

2 - the car is Amtheyst Violet (purple). Would a guy drive a purple car? Would you guys?

They are asking $12,900....attached are a few pics. Let me know what you guys think.
-A

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•  side.JPG   406.41KB   62 downloads

[RPM]

17" Cup wheels, HI Fi sound and 78k for $12.9 is nice - if a PPI that you trust checks out. I wonder about the need for, and availability of, all the records for a 12 year old car. While nice to have, you don't need them all. You do need to know when the belts/rollers/water pump, etc. were last changed - otherwise you must do that ~$1500 worth of work immediately. Would also be nice to know if it has the original clutch and if the transmission pinion bearing has been replaced.

Maintenance items like brakes, hoses, etc. just need inspection. If you don't know when fluids have been changed then just have them changed. Sometimes a good idea with a newly acquired car just so you know for certain what has been done.

Either way, figure you will spend at least $2500 in the first six months to a year on repairs just to get the car in top condition. If your budget won't allow for that then ... there is no such thing as an inexpensive Porsche.

As for the Amethyst - your call. Looks nice to me, particularly with the two tone interior. The bigger question may be can you live with white carpeting?

[Mark]

Skipped the PPI on the latest 968 and have virtually no records either and was comfortable driving it a few hundred miles home. As Ralph said I'm changing all of the fluids anyway just so I know what schedule I am on and I am hoping ot confirm the belt change time frame whihc was not many miles ago by looking at the belts. It is proabbly due for a tension check on it.

The other 968 I have every record from inception including transport stuff to the dealership from which it was sold. I guess if I was ever to sell that would add some comfort to the purchaser

[josephsc]

Seems like a good price -- get a PPI regardless.

2 - the car is Amtheyst Violet (purple). Would a guy drive a purple car? Would you guys?

It doesn't look like Amethyst Violet to me -- look more like Cobalt Blue or something. This is Amethyst Violet:

Attached Files

•  25_1_b.jpg   20.89KB   44 downloads

[BBZ 968]

Why is the battery in the front under the bonnet ( Hood to you lot over there ) when it should be at the back under the rear luggage area carpet .

[jww968]

Left hand drive cars have the battery up front. I'm not sure why.

[eposos]

Seems like a good price -- get a PPI regardless.

It doesn't look like Amethyst Violet to me -- look more like Cobalt Blue or something.  This is Amethyst Violet:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thats what I thought when I first saw pics of the car...that it was Coblat Blue...but when seeing it in person it does have a purplish tinge to it. Is there anyway to get the official color of car via the VIN?

I figured I'd spend around $150 on a PPI - now does this mean that a Porsche mechanic comes out to see the car, or I bring it to a Porsche Dealership/Reputable shop? Thanks - Andy

[Mark]

Call PCNA 800-545-8039

option 3

[josephsc]

Sometimes, there is a paint code sticker next to the fusebox -- but it's more often missing than there. The paint code is also on the option sticker.

[RPM]

Left hand drive cars have the battery up front. I'm not sure why.

That pesky steering column just causes all sorts of problems

[tsj9197]

did someone cut the door panels to add the speakers in the pockets or did the later 968s come with speakers there.

looks like a stock stereo deck
what's the line coming from the passenger side of the console.
has a changer or something been added?
my 93 968 has the hi-fi 10 speaker setup and it doesn't have those extra speakers.

nice looking car, similar color scheme as mine

[Mark]

'94s with the 490 option have speakers there.

[douglas751]

'94s with the 490 option have speakers there.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That line is most likely for a phone. That is a phone mount on the console. Very common on early to mid 90's Porsches.