Any dealers? Purchase conditional on inspection?

[DWPC]

What's the standard practice for including a PPI in the deal when buying a used car from a dealer (GM)? I can't get the car into my mechanic of choice for a few days, and the dealer, understandably, won't put the car on ice over the weekend when there may be other buyers. Are PPIs written into sales agreements? Are they left open-ended, or is it practical to define a limit on potential inspections findings? I've never spent $30K on a ten year old car before.

[whall]

I think that most of the RennTech members would advise that you have the PPI results "in hand" before making any purchase commitment. Further, there are many Porsches available at (more) reasonable prices.

I wouldn't purchase the subject car if the dealer is twisting your arm and/or promising anything following a post-purchase PPI.

Bill

Edited January 30, 2010 by whall

[Loren]

I agree with Bill - don't let some salesperson "push" you into a "deal". There are lots of good used Porsche's out there and prices are as low as ever - so get one you will be happy with.

[RatboneRanch]

I just bought a used New Beetle for my mom after she rolled her Infiniti. The deal I worked out with the dealer was that I put a deposit (basically a promise to buy) on the car, contingent on the results of a PPI. I took to car to a trusted mechanic and it checked out OK, so I completed the deal. Not all dealers will work with you this way, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Anyone trying to sell a Porsche should understand. I would agree that you shouldn't buy a car based on a promise that the dealer will make things right afterward.

Edited January 31, 2010 by RatboneRanch

[Ponch]

While my case deals with a broker, the same applies; he was not willing to assign resources to transport the car TO and FROM, unless I was willing to first commit a refundable (for mechanical/electrical) deposit; in my case, $1000. I made a point adding that mechanical included no Level 4-6 ignitions and no high levels of 2 and 3 ignitions.

My inspection is set for Monday/Tuesday.

Wish me luck

Edited January 31, 2010 by KRIEGLERR

[DWPC]

Thanks for the responses. The car's history proved to be somewhat murky, so I passed on it. So I'm back on the hunt