First Porsche/car purchase advice - 997.2

[Rivaldo2k20]

As a side note, if it's not a show car, then expect the front to get stone chipped to hell, if you actually do as intended and drive the thing. This is why I never bothered getting mine re-sprayed. What's the point? I have a small pot of touch up paint that I occasionally use if the chip is a big one.

I did have my wheels refurbed, that was only 200-300 from what I remember.

 

[Hooner]

I always buy private, spend what you save from dealers price one the car, works for me :thumb: car sounds ok.

 

[ChrisS80]

Agree with the others, that is not an extensive list. Get as much of a contribution towards it from the seller as you can, get them fixed up and then enjoy!

 

[Kenno78]

I'd not bother with a PPI from a respected specialist, particularly on a 997.2.

I bought a 997.2 and wish I had an inspection done. Things can fail on the car and its best to get these check before paying full whack.

 

[ChrisS80]

Problems on a 997.2 from a dealer?

 

[Kenno78]

Problems on a 997.2 from a dealer?

Yep. They're well regarded and helped out with fixing the issues which were discovered during the warranty period, but a PPI would have called these out, plus the other items that I've subsequently had to pay for.

It is what it is and you learn from mistakes.

 

[dng]

Problems on a 997.2 from a dealer?

Yep. They're well regarded and helped out with fixing the issues which were discovered during the warranty period, but a PPI would have called these out, plus the other items that I've subsequently had to pay for.

It is what it is and you learn from mistakes.

yeah I think that is very valuable.

how did it work with your repairs under warranty? did they arise during the 6m, and then it was more just logistic and time hassle to get it back to them and repair e.t.c

you think the PPI would have covered you better then?

I think there are maybe a small handful of indys that can be really trusted that everything will be checked before the sale, but it can't hurt to have another , especially independent eye look at it, so when you get the car from a dealer you really get it good to go for the forseeable future - is what I have gathered

update 2: I've actually ignored both of those cars and put a deposit on one from a non porsche dealer. they offer 6m nationwide warranty + Im having the same mobile PPI done for peace of mind. slight premium to what I was looking at but for some of the above reasons, Im ok with right now...lets see how the inspection goes in <2 weeks

 

[Kenno78]

yeah I think that is very valuable.

how did it work with your repairs under warranty? did they arise during the 6m, and then it was more just logistic and time hassle to get it back to them and repair e.t.c

you think the PPI would have covered you better then?

I think there are maybe a small handful of indys that can be really trusted that everything will be checked before the sale, but it can't hurt to have another , especially independent eye look at it, so when you get the car from a dealer you really get it good to go for the forseeable future - is what I have gathered

update 2: I've actually ignored both of those cars and put a deposit on one from a non porsche dealer. they offer 6m nationwide warranty + Im having the same mobile PPI done for peace of mind. slight premium to what I was looking at but for some of the above reasons, Im ok with right now...lets see how the inspection goes in <2 weeks

I only had a 3m warranty and the initial issues were only found as I went to buy a DSC controller as the ride was particularly harsh. I didn't find record of the PDK clutch or transmission oil being done so the car initially went in for this. On inspecting the car, the garage said it wasn't worth plugging a DSC controller in as the dampers were shot and various suspension components were worn. Luckily the dealer agreed to foot half the bill to sort this out.

A year later, I booked the car in for a minor service and the coolant pipes were corroded and they read a fault code relating to a technical service bulletin for o2 sensors and missing heat shields.

I also had a new HPFP under warranty as I noticed a drip of oil on the drive. I think a PPI would have picked up quite a few of these issues as they tend to be common on the 997.2

Hope some of these issues help you in your search.

 

[dng]

Ok the 1.5month journey has come to an end ! - partly took longer given the bank holidays and waiting for the initial PPI otherwise would have been 3-4 weeks

Car being delivered Thursday:

997.2 S
Paddles
Sports Chrono
Heated seats
Black/black
40k miles
3 prev owners (I will be 4th)
Had the minor service + MOT done - so all ready to go
2010 reg
Unofficial warranty 6m

Did I miss anything? I'm already thinking about the next one Im thinking 991.1 GTS although I know this is the 997 forum section, maybe I change my mind

This will be my first proper car purchase/porsche. Looking forward to seeing what its all about especially with what I see as a great representation of one (touch wood)

Now another few newb questions..
Any advice on driving ? haha I have never touched a PDK/automatic. Literally explain it as basic as it is - start the car then? :?: I know paddles are for manual changing so I guess you put it in a setting before doing that?
With PDK I dont need to worry about over revving right?
When should I use sports / sports plus mode?
Whats general best practice when starting it? wait for a minute before driving off? and obviously not flooring it straight away
Any other driving best practices?
Is there anything to be aware of when I get it - its warrantied and I have the receipts of the work done just before it has been sent to me and agreed on with the dealer - so assume check that its all good but not much else to do?

I will obviously be meticulous maintaining it, given the great condition I will be receiving it in and for the future owner.

 

[flatstick]

Hi, what I would say is make sure what any warranties cover. I bought a 997.2 4S cab at the end of Jan from a prestige used car dealer with full OPC inspection and service history. When i got it home I had my indi inspect it as well who said it was one of the cleanest cars he had seen with new pads and brakes and new tyres and only 1200miles from its last service.

Then 3 wks in and it would not start. It all turned on as normal but would not crank, after help from forum members and other independent garages it is now in my local OPC waiting in the queue to have the main computer checked on the car as they think that may have developed a fault. Luckily this should be covered in the warranty I have on the car as the part is £4,000 on its own, so I've been told. So all I would say, as others have said, get the car checked and make sure you have a good warranty and enjoy the car.

Dean

 

[rosino]

Any pictures ?

 

[pothole]

I always buy private, spend what you save from dealers price one the car, works for me :thumb: car sounds ok.

Have done the same in the past but at the moment, private sellers seem to be convinced they can get near specialists prices. Personally, I'd want a private car at least £5k cheaper than from one of the very best specialists, but £2k or less seems to be more the norm.

At that narrow delta, think I'd rather pay more and have at least the chance of some comeback. I grant, I wouldn't have total faith in even a specialist with the very best rep to necessarily do the right thing if something went wrong. But with a private buy you're guaranteed no comeback. With a 'good' specialist, you've at least got a decent chance.

 

[dng]

Hi, what I would say is make sure what any warranties cover. I bought a 997.2 4S cab at the end of Jan from a prestige used car dealer with full OPC inspection and service history. When i got it home I had my indi inspect it as well who said it was one of the cleanest cars he had seen with new pads and brakes and new tyres and only 1200miles from its last service.

Then 3 wks in and it would not start. It all turned on as normal but would not crank, after help from forum members and other independent garages it is now in my local OPC waiting in the queue to have the main computer checked on the car as they think that may have developed a fault. Luckily this should be covered in the warranty I have on the car as the part is £4,000 on its own, so I've been told. So all I would say, as others have said, get the car checked and make sure you have a good warranty and enjoy the car.

Dean

dam that is sad to hear - sounds unfortuante

you didnt get a PPI done on it when you bought though?

 

[flatstick]

No it came with an OPC report and as soon as I got it home I took it to my Indy for him to give the once over, it's just one of those things really. It has come with a year warranty but some of them are not worth the paper they are Written on, I have heard of some that only pay £35 per hour labour and we all know that get you nowhere in a Porsche.
Dean