Just about to buy my 964.....

[Guest]

I'm on the brink of purchasing a 1991 C4. Has had FPSH until 8k ago, when had new clutch andf fly wheel. Has had new oil lines fitted to cure oil leaks.
Had PPI by Official Porsche dealers (unable to get independent 964 specialist due to technical reasons). Inspection has shown up:
1. one non N rated tyre
2. faulty washer jet x1
3. catalyst side heat shield missing
4. boot drain tube missing
5. steering rack blanking plug missing.


I will press owner for replacement tyre and for washer jet fix, and catalyst heat shield but feel slightly uneasy that OPC didn't include engine inspection for oil leaks. My gut feeling is that the car is sound, but as I'm not 100% sure of what to look for should I ask them to take off the undertray for me to look at just to make sure before I part with my cash?

I'd appreciate some advice as I may be parting with cash in next few days.

 

[dugsud]

I presume a leakdown test, 4 wheel alignment check etc etc were performed.

The items mentioned seem to be very minor to say the least, IMO!

 

[jr2015]

I wouldn`t have any confidence in what an OPC says about the condition of a 964 as they don`t know the cars.The only models they are interested in are current, despite what they tell you.
be careful.
regards,
jr.
PS read "clutch and dual mass flywheel"thread on the 964 forum to get some idea what an OPC can do to a 964.

 

[Keith Calder]

thats a tiny amount of faults on a 14 year old car so its either perfect or its been a bad inspection? when i bought mine i held my breath until i removed the undertray as it could hide all the expensive oil leaks. i would say opc dont know so much about older cars and they would rather replace things than fix them (eg fit new distributor rather than just the belt) but if you cant trust them who can you trust? ps think it will be hard getting seller to buy new tyre for next owner ( i wouldnt!)

 

[jr2015]

Hi Keith,
" If you can`t trust them who can you trust?"
I`d trust someone who makes their living from actually working on the vehicles over a company who makes theirs from primarily selling brand new ones and providing warranty-covered servicing up to the point when they need their first MOT.The Independants rely to a large extent on repeat business as opposed to an OPC who couldn`t give a stuff if you come back or not as the margins on new cars are that large!
I repeat my original advice , find a good independant in your area.
regards,
jr.

 

[Melv]

Have a look at www.porsche964.co.uk

BTW, my 964 C4 was OPC sourced when I bought it 9 years ago.

Despite their 72 point check list, it went back for a week to have faulty warning lights, failing boot and bonnet struts sorted, plus a myriad of other problems, and worst of all, crankcase main seal oil leak. All sorted immediately, including the latter, which is probably why the new owner of three years has pushed the mileage over 120,000 without any probs!!

You have been warned........

 

[Guest]

I find it hard to believe that anyone can say they've inspected a 964 without taking the under-tray off. This is most definitely a requirement before any decision can be made. What are they doing charging for an inspection without it?????

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the advice. When I spoke ot the OPC about the inspection they were able to confirm that the undertray was removed and that their were no obvious oil leaks. In addition the technician was able to confirm that the inspection was carried out by one of the team who had routinely serviced the 964's in the past, and commented that car was much better than the many of the 964's serveiced or inspected by them in the past, and that not all OPC were happy to service the series due to lack of proficient technicians (particularly in London)
From my limited experience I can confirm that on one of the previous cars I had arranged for a PPI on the undertray couldn't be removed due to rounded heads. Nevertheless, the inspector did a thorough job and was able to demonstrate obvious signs of leaks.
Obviously, I'd of rather had Peter Morgan look at the car, but it wasn't possible, so hence the OPC. It's easy to take their commenst with a pinch of salt, but compared to what I've seen of some other cars I think its OK.

Cheers,
Chris