Porsche pre-purchase inspection

What is checked

A 911 996 or 997 might hide a pending IMS issue or bore scoring, even if the listing and history appear to be in order.

Documentation: ownership, liens/encumbrances, deregistration history, and vehicle inspection (ITV) records.
Mileage consistency check against the service book and the control unit.
Engine and transmission condition, including a road test.
Cylinder endoscopy for engines at risk of bore scoring.
Condition of the IMS in affected M96 and M97 engines.
Bodywork: panel gaps, paint thickness, and signs of repair.
Written report with photographs and a clear recommendation.

Checking the 3.2 G-series engine with a dial gauge

From advertisement to verification

A pre-purchase inspection turns claims made in the advertisement and history records into verified facts about the car before committing to the purchase price.

Documentation.
Provenance.
Mileage.
Maintenance.
Diagnostics.
Engine.
Gearbox.
Road test.
Bodywork.
Paintwork.
Model-specific risks.

Gloved technician at the wheel of a grey 997 Cabriolet with its doors protected, during an inspection

At the workshop or the car's location

It can be performed at the workshop or via a visit to the vehicle's location—either within or outside Spain—depending on the specific service.

A defect does not automatically mean the car should be ruled out. The report distinguishes between routine maintenance, potential risks, pending repairs, and signs that call the car's identity or description into question.

Measuring a 3.2 G-series cylinder before assembly

Before negotiating, not after

It makes sense to have the inspection done before finalizing the price, as any findings become part of the negotiation. An unaddressed IMS issue or cylinder bore scoring in the sixth cylinder isn't always a reason to walk away; it is almost always a reason to pay less.

Cleaned M96 sump, resting on the engine's measurement sheet

Cross-referencing the ad with the actual car

We evaluate the car you are considering buying: its mechanical condition, bodywork, and documented history, while comparing the claims in the advertisement against the actual vehicle. This can be done at a workshop or on-site wherever the car is located, whether in Spain or abroad.

It is the service that saves the most money out of everything we do, yet it is the one requested least often.

A report for negotiation

A written report including photographs and a clear recommendation on whether to negotiate, proceed with further checks, or walk away before buying.

Related services

Depending on the car's condition and intended use, the work can be coordinated with bore scoring diagnosis, the IMS calculator or Porsche sales.

Frequently asked questions

01 Does it replace the maintenance history?

No. It cross-references it. A complete history provides better context, but on its own, it does not prove the car's current condition or the quality of past repairs.

02 What specific tests might an M96 or M97 engine require?

Depending on the model and year, it is advisable to check the IMS and perform a cylinder endoscopy to assess for bore scoring before finalizing the purchase.

See it done

Jobs documented in the Magazine, with photos of the process.

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