What?!! How much for a PPI?

[StevepGT3]

It seems that a lot of cars have or may get multiple PPI`s done, Would it be possible to start a thread on cars that have been PPI`d and post the results to save any PFA members the cost of doing another one? I have no dog in this fight as I am not in the market.but it seems a waste to be possibly paying for something that has already been paid for by someone else, Also anyone thinking of selling a car could get a PPI  done at a reputable shop and post the results to ensure a quick sale.

[Coastr]

I paid $550.  Not really excited about the results.  I think too much time was spent on obvious stuff like interior fitment and paint condition - these are things I can see for myself.  Really what you want out of a  PPI is an underbody check for rust/damage/leaks, a drive test by someone familiar with the model (harder with old cars), plus specialised checks for the model year.  In my case I was told that compression test wasn't necessary because of the exhaust gas analysis but I didn't get any specs on that.  I also specifically asked about head studs but was told it was fine - but this cannot be asserted for sure without taking the valve covers off.

 

So you can't just waltz up to a shop and ask for a PPI - in fact next time I wouldn't.  Next time I would ask the shop to check a specific set of things that I hadn't already checked, and to give a cost estimate for anything found.  I would rather pay for a compression/leakdown test and spring for a new set of valve gaskets and 1L of oil and have the studs checked than have a visual check around the cylinder seams and a engine health via exhaust analysis.

 

In my case I actually felt like the shop was trying to talk me into the car somewhat...maybe they were trying to make sure they picked up a new customer.  In their opinion it was a good car but really some cold hard data would have made me feel better about the entire transaction.

 

The other thing I discovered is that it is impotent to make sure the service books/receipts are in the car when it goes to the PPI.

 

Like anything, it's up to you as the consumer to get what you're paying for and ask questions before the car goes in.  It's no good saying you weren't happy with just a visual inspection after the car has already gone back home with the customer.  I think we all read about PPIs and just assume (there's that word) that it's a standard service that all shops know how to do.  In reality what you are paying for is a guy to spend 3 or 4 hours with a car checking it out.  Unless you already have a good personal relationship with the shop you're going to need to spend some time sending written advice on exactly what it is you want checked. Particularly with older cars with known weak points.