Buying a Used Porsche

What to Know About Purchasing a Pre-Owned Porsche

Owning a Porsche is on the bucket list of many car enthusiasts. These sports cars are examples of exemplary engineering and classic design that will never go out of style. After 67 years of production, there are hundreds of models to choose from, most of which offer amazing reliability and tons of performance.

However, there are certain things that have to be considered to ensure you get the best possible machine for your money.

Taking Austin Porsche Maintenance Into Account

When you consider that 70% of the Porsches that have been produced are still on the road, it becomes clear there’s quite a few to choose from. In Austin where the weather can get extremely hot for long periods of time, good vehicle maintenance is a must. Things to look for include:

• Maintenance records
• Service history
• The number of owners
• VIN number with no signs of alteration
• Rust, Scratches and Dent – A thorough body check should be done to identify any scratches, dents or rust. If you’re looking at early 911 models keep in mind they were prone to rust since the chassis weren’t galvanized.
• Wear and tear on the interior, particularly the drivers seat
• The condition and operability of the dash components
• Condition of the dash itself
• How well the hood, trunk and doors close

In addition to giving the car a good once over, you’ll also need to carefully examine all the paperwork. This gives you better insight into how well the car has been maintained, whether the seller legitimately owns the vehicle and how valuable the Porsche actually is.

Looking for Potential Porsche Repair

Beyond the obvious factors such as age and how well the car has been maintained, there are other factors that indicate the level of performance that can be expected and the likelihood for repair. These can be quite costly, so it’s important to do a thorough engine check and pay close attention while taking a test drive. Things to look for include:

• Engine warning lights
• Leaks below the engine
• Leaking components within the engine – be leery if the engine has been completely steam cleaned
• Mileage and odometer performance
• Tire alignment and wear

For serious buyers, there is diagnostic software available that can gauge the accuracy of the odometer, hours of operation on the engine and signify if the engine has been abused with over-revving, etc.

In the end, price cannot be ignored. For the right price, a Porsche that needs a little maintenance or has repair issues could still be a good buy. At German Auto Center in Austin we have helped countless Porsche owners restore their classic beauties and maintain them for years. If you would like an estimate on what a specific repair would cost please give us a call and one of our master mechanics will be happy to provide additional information.