Porsche Pre-Purchase Inspections

A Porsche can look perfect in photos and still hide five figures of problems. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent Porsche specialist is the simplest way to know exactly what you're buying, and to walk away from the wrong car before it costs you.

Autos of Europe has inspected Porsches for buyers across St. Louis and the Midwest for years. Because we also buy, sell and consign Porsches ourselves, we know what a seller might not mention and which details separate a great car from an expensive one. Our inspections are thorough, independent and written in plain English, with no stake in whether you buy the car. A PPI is one of the core Porsche services we offer from our shop in Manchester, and it's the best few hours you can spend before signing.

We'll tell you exactly what we find, good and bad, so you can buy with confidence or walk away without regret.

Every Porsche PPI starts with a full computer scan using factory-level diagnostic equipment, followed by a detailed engine and drivetrain inspection.

• Full scan of every control module, including stored, pending and historical fault codes, even ones that were recently cleared
• Engine over-rev report on models that record it. It shows whether the engine has been taken past redline, for example from a missed downshift. This is one of the most important checks on any manual or PDK Porsche.
• Software levels and outstanding campaigns where visible
• Cold-start observation for rattles, smoke and idle quality
• Oil, coolant and fluid condition, plus leak inspection at the rear main seal, intermediate shaft area, oil cooler, water pump and coolant pipes
• Model-specific checks, such as IMS bearing history and bore-scoring signs on 996, 986, 997.1 and 987.1 cars, coolant pipes on early Cayenne V8s, and PDK behavior and clutch values on later cars
• Clutch engagement and wear indicators on manual cars

• Brake pads, rotors and fluid condition
• Suspension: control arms, bushings, dampers and air suspension if fitted
• Tires: brand, wear pattern and date codes. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
• Paint thickness and panel-gap checks for signs of prior accident repair
• Underbody inspection on a lift, looking for damage, corrosion and signs of track use
• Road test covering cold-to-hot operation, shifts, brakes, steering, noises and electronics

You receive a written report with photos, a list of findings ranked by priority and our honest overall opinion of the car. Then we call you to walk through it and answer every question, so you can decide with confidence.

Our goal is simple: no surprises after you buy. If something can't be checked, such as a component that's hidden without disassembly, we'll say so in the report rather than leave you guessing. We also flag maintenance that will be due soon, like brake fluid, spark plugs or a PDK service, so you can budget for the first year of ownership. Most inspections are completed within a few hours.

A general inspection at a chain shop will check the brakes and look for leaks. It won't know that a 2003 911 needs its IMS bearing history checked, that an early Cayenne V8 should be inspected for plastic coolant pipes, or how to read a PDK's clutch adaptation values. Those details are where the expensive surprises live.

We inspect every model in the lineup, including the 911, Boxster and Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera and Taycan. Our factory-level Porsche diagnostics go far beyond a basic code scan, and we cover the model-by-model weak points we look for on our common Porsche repairs page.

Model knowledge also tells us where not to worry. Plenty of normal Porsche quirks, like a little valve-train noise on a cold flat-six or a clunky low-speed PDK engagement before adaptation, scare buyers away from good cars. We'll explain what's normal for the model and what isn't.

We regularly inspect cars for buyers purchasing from St. Louis-area dealers and private sellers. Many sellers are happy to drop the car at our shop for a few hours. If you're buying out of state and the car is coming to St. Louis, we can inspect it on arrival, before final payment where your deal allows.

A good PPI isn't just pass or fail. If we find worn brakes, an upcoming major service or a seeping seal, you'll have a written, itemized list with realistic repair costs to bring to the seller. Many buyers recover the cost of the inspection, and then some, in the negotiation. Still shopping? Browse our current pre-owned inventory.

Scheduling is easy. Call us with the seller's contact details and we'll coordinate a drop-off time that works for everyone. For out-of-town buyers, we can also arrange a quick video walk-around so you can see the car for yourself before you commit.

Found the one? Let us look before you sign. We're at 14315 Manchester Rd in Manchester, minutes from Chesterfield, Ladue, Frontenac and Creve Coeur. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 636-227-8887 or book your appointment online.

Porsche services: Diagnostics · Maintenance Schedule · Common Repairs

Porsche models: 911 · Cayenne · Macan · Boxster and Cayman · Panamera and Taycan

Back to Porsche repair and service in St. Louis