Porsche Pre-Purchase Inspection: Our Complete 200+ Point Checklist
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) can be the difference between buying your dream Porsche and inheriting someone else's problems. At Repasi Motorwerks, we've performed hundreds of PPIs and have saved clients from countless costly mistakes.
This guide explains exactly what we inspect, why each element matters, and what issues we commonly discover.
Why PPIs Matter
A thorough PPI provides critical protection:
Financial Protection Hidden problems can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A $1,000 inspection can reveal $30,000 in needed repairs before you commit.
Negotiating Leverage Documented issues provide legitimate basis for price negotiation or seller repairs.
Baseline Documentation For the cars you do purchase, the PPI establishes a comprehensive baseline of the vehicle's condition.
Peace of Mind Knowing a specialist has verified the car's condition lets you enjoy ownership without wondering what's lurking.
Value Verification PPIs confirm whether a seller's asking price aligns with the car's actual condition.
Our Comprehensive Inspection Process
Our PPI covers over 200 individual check points. Here's what we examine:
Engine and Powertrain
The engine is typically the most expensive component to repair. We verify its health thoroughly.
Compression and Leak-Down Testing
- Individual cylinder compression measurement
- Leak-down test to identify ring, valve, or gasket issues
- Comparison to factory specifications
- Interpretation of results
Oil System Analysis
- Oil condition and level
- Evidence of contamination
- Visible leaks (current or historical)
- Oil cooler condition
Cooling System Inspection
- Coolant condition and level
- Hose condition throughout
- Thermostat function
- Water pump operation
- Radiator and expansion tank condition
Visual Engine Inspection
- Valve cover gasket condition
- Accessory belt condition and tension
- Visible corrosion or damage
- Evidence of prior repairs
- Engine mount condition
Running Assessment
- Cold start behavior
- Idle quality
- Unusual noises (ticking, knocking, whining)
- Smoke from exhaust
- Temperature regulation
Transmission and Drivetrain
Transmission repairs can rival engine costs. We verify proper operation.
Manual Transmission
- Clutch engagement point
- Clutch pedal feel
- Gear engagement quality
- Synchro function (all gears)
- Evidence of clutch slippage
- Shifter bushings
PDK / Tiptronic
- Shift quality (all gears)
- Clutch engagement (PDK)
- Mechatronic function
- Stored fault codes
- Fluid condition
Differential
- Noise under load
- Fluid condition
- Bearing sounds
Driveshaft and CV Joints
- Boot condition
- Excessive play
- Noise under operation
Suspension and Steering
Suspension affects handling, safety, and repair costs.
Shock Absorbers
- Damping function
- Oil leaks
- Abnormal noise
- PASM operation (if equipped)
Control Arms and Bushings
- Bushing condition (visual and tactile)
- Ball joint play
- Control arm damage
Wheel Bearings
- Play assessment
- Noise evaluation
- Temperature check
Steering System
- Power steering function
- Rack condition
- Tie rod ends
- Steering feel assessment
- Alignment indicators
Brake System
Brakes are critical for safety and can be expensive to properly restore.
Brake Pad Assessment
- Remaining pad thickness
- Even wear pattern
- Pad condition and contamination
Rotor Evaluation
- Thickness measurement
- Surface condition
- Heat damage evidence
- Cracks or damage (especially PCCB)
Caliper Function
- Piston operation
- Seal condition
- Bleed valve condition
- Mounting security
Hydraulic System
- Brake fluid condition
- Master cylinder function
- ABS operation
- Brake lines and hoses
PCCB-Specific (if equipped)
- Rotor surface condition
- Glazing or heat damage
- Crack inspection
- Remaining useful life estimate
Body and Structure
Hidden damage can affect safety and value dramatically.
Paint Assessment
- Paint depth measurement (reveals repaints)
- Panel fit and alignment
- Color match across panels
- Clear coat condition
Structural Inspection
- Frame and rail condition
- Seam sealer integrity
- Evidence of accident damage
- Subframe mounting points
Underbody Examination
- Floor pan condition
- Exhaust routing damage
- Impact evidence
- Rust or corrosion
Panel Assessment
- Gap alignment
- Hardware consistency
- Replacement part evidence
- Repair signatures
Interior Condition
Interior condition affects value and reveals usage patterns.
Seat Assessment
- Leather/Alcantara condition
- Bolster wear patterns
- Adjustment function
- Heating function (if equipped)
Dashboard and Trim
- Crack or damage check
- UV fade evidence
- Component function
- Trim fit and finish
Controls and Switches
- All switch function verification
- Steering column controls
- Dash controls
- Center console functions
Odometer Verification
- Wear pattern consistency
- Service history alignment
- Digital system verification
Electrical Systems
Electrical issues can be frustrating and expensive to diagnose.
Battery Assessment
- Load test
- Charge system function
- Terminal condition
- Age evaluation
PIWIS Diagnostic Scan
- Complete system scan
- Stored fault codes (current)
- Stored fault codes (historical)
- Module status
Lighting Systems
- All exterior lights
- All interior lights
- Instrument illumination
- Warning light function
Electronic Systems
- Window operation
- Lock function
- Climate control
- Audio/navigation (if equipped)
- TPMS function
Documentation Review
Records tell the story of how a car was cared for.
Service History
- Complete service record review
- Maintenance interval compliance
- Proper procedures followed
- Qualified shop verification
Title and Registration
- Title status (clear/salvage/branded)
- Lien verification
- State history
- Ownership count
Accident History
- Carfax/AutoCheck review
- Insurance claim history
- Repair documentation
Road Test
Nothing replaces driving the car to verify function.
Cold Start Assessment
- Starting behavior
- Cold idle quality
- Initial warning lights
- Warm-up progression
Driving Evaluation
- Acceleration smoothness
- Transmission operation
- Brake function
- Steering character
- Suspension behavior
- Unusual noises or vibrations
Performance Verification
- Full-throttle assessment (if appropriate)
- Braking performance
- Handling evaluation
- High-speed stability
Model-Specific Focus Areas
Different Porsche models have specific concerns we emphasize:
996/997 (IMS and Bore Scoring)
- IMS bearing assessment
- Bore scope inspection (if warranted)
- RMS seal condition
- Cooling system attention
Carrera GT
- Clutch assessment (critical)
- Cooling system detail
- V10 specific evaluation
- Carbon fiber inspection
918 Spyder
- Hybrid battery health
- Electric motor function
- High-voltage system
- Charging capability
Air-Cooled 911s
- Chain tensioner condition
- Case through-bolt evaluation
- Thermal reactor function (early)
- Engine case integrity
GT3 / GT3 RS
- High-revving engine assessment
- Track use evidence
- Suspension wear patterns
- Brake system evaluation
PPI Report Deliverables
Our PPI includes comprehensive documentation:
Written Report (20+ pages)
- Executive summary
- Section-by-section findings
- Condition ratings
- Recommended actions
Photographic Documentation (100+ images)
- All findings photographed
- Comparison reference photos
- Detail images
- Overall condition documentation
PIWIS Diagnostic Report
- Complete scan printout
- Fault code interpretation
- System status summary
Cost Estimates
- Identified repair estimates
- Priority recommendations
- Long-term maintenance outlook
Recent PPI Discoveries
Examples of what our PPIs have revealed:
Hidden Accident Damage A 997 GT3 with no reported accidents showed evidence of significant front-end repair under careful inspection. Paint depth readings and panel analysis revealed a hidden history. The discovery saved our client from an $180,000 purchase hiding $30,000+ in undisclosed damage.
997 Bore Scoring A well-presented 997.1 Carrera S showed no obvious issues—until oil analysis and careful listening revealed early bore scoring symptoms. The engine would have required $15,000-$25,000 in work within months.
Carrera GT Clutch Concern A "low-mileage" Carrera GT showed clutch wear patterns inconsistent with the odometer reading. Combined with other evidence, this suggested the mileage might not be accurate.
Imminent IMS Failure A 996 passed a basic check elsewhere, but our detailed inspection identified bearing wear that would have resulted in catastrophic failure. The buyer renegotiated $8,000 for the preventive repair.
Flood Damage A Cayenne showing "clean" title history revealed flood evidence during our inspection—corrosion patterns, water line evidence in hidden areas, and electrical anomalies. Total loss avoided.
Scheduling Your PPI
We accommodate various PPI scenarios:
Local Vehicles The most straightforward option—bring the car to our shop or arrange for us to inspect at the seller's location.
Dealer Purchases We regularly inspect cars at dealerships. Most dealers accommodate PPIs for serious buyers.
Why Proper Maintenance Matters
Based on the Porsches we see that have been neglected versus properly maintained, the difference in long-term reliability and value preservation is significant. Our maintenance protocols follow factory specifications while incorporating improvements we've developed from years of hands-on experience.
We document every service with photos and detailed notes, building a record that enhances your car's provenance and resale value.
Out-of-State Purchases For significant purchases, we travel to inspect cars. The travel cost is minimal compared to the protection provided.
Auction Vehicles When preview access is available, we can inspect auction cars before you bid.
PPI Pricing
| Model Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Models | $500 - $800 |
| GT Cars | $750 - $1,200 |
| Carrera GT | $1,200 - $1,500 |
| 918 Spyder | $1,200 - $1,500 |
| Travel Fee | As required |
The investment is minimal compared to the protection—and potential savings—a thorough PPI provides.