964 inspectors

[BRJT]

A good friend of mine is seriously considering a modern classic Porsche, specifically a 964.
He wants to know if the Club or Register can recommend a specialist to inspect a car if he finds one he likes.
Would anyone be able to advise of someone suitable?
Many thanks in advance for your consideration fellow members!
Best, Ben Townsend

 

[Stephenjk]

Ben,

It depends where the car is based, you'll want someone fairly local. You can get people who specialise in inspections to travel to the car or use a garage local to the car that you trust or are recommended. I used a garage GT One in Chertsey for my inspection (and servicing) and they know these cars very well and are very detailed. If you take to a garage you'll typically pay about an hour of labor for the inspection so they are fairly reasonable price-wise.

It also is worth doing some research into who you are buying from if a garage there are lots of places these firms are discussed. Pistonheads is a good source as well as here though you typically won't find negative comments on businesses here, they'll be removed. Pistonheads is more relaxed about leaving negative comments up. if buying from an individual see if they are PCGB member and/or have posted about their cars or if people on here or 911uk know the car. I often see 'do you know this car' type posts on 911uk.

Stephen

 

[colin129]

Ben,

It depends where the car is based, you'll want someone fairly local. You can get people who specialise in inspections to travel to the car or use a garage local to the car that you trust or are recommended. I used a garage GT One in Chertsey for my inspection (and servicing) and they know these cars very well and are very detailed. If you take to a garage you'll typically pay about an hour of labor for the inspection so they are fairly reasonable price-wise.

It also is worth doing some research into who you are buying from if a garage there are lots of places these firms are discussed. Pistonheads is a good source as well as here though you typically won't find negative comments on businesses here, they'll be removed. Pistonheads is more relaxed about leaving negative comments up. if buying from an individual see if they are PCGB member and/or have posted about their cars or if people on here or 911uk know the car. I often see 'do you know this car' type posts on 911uk.

Stephen

Not a garage I know much about and I didn't realise it is not that far for me.

I have been using JZM for the best part of 20 years and I have no real problem with them, although they have moved a bit upmarket over the lats few years, certainly in terms of car sales. It used to take ages to get there by public transport (going into London & then out again and a lift to/from the station) but now they are back to providing loan cars again.

I am sure expertease and labour rates are much of a muchness with these long standing specialists, and I would have no idea how to get to/from Chertsey by public transport, unless they also do loan cars. That would be the clincher for me and it is was one of the main reasons I stopped using Ray Northway, it was such a B*g*er to get to/from.

 

[Stephenjk]

There is a train station in walking distance, I've used that once. If you are reasonably near I'd use uber. I paid £175 labor and £144 parts for 6000 mile service in August last year to give you an idea of price ( price excludes vat). They know the 964 well I've been very happy with them, ive used them three or four times so far.

 

[colin129]

Stephen, there is a train station in Kings Langley too, but I have to go into Paddington, cross to Euston and take another train from there. In all it takes me 30-40 minutes to get there by car and over 2 hours to get back (a lot of walking my end). So, the reintroduction of, free, loan cars was a godsend.

Getting to Staines involves involves going via Slough & Windsor or Reading, in either way it's a good 90 minutes plus walking time.

My 12K service last year cost me £376 (including filters) + £102 ([:-]) for oil, so not outrageous at all.

 

[MarkGolf]

Your friends location would be good, there are plenty of air cooled specialists out there.

GT One are a well known and long standing specialist. My 964 has had a fair amount of work done there with a previous owner. I have used Porsche Brooklands OPC and 9excellence, both know the 964 very well.

There are even plenty of members with a vast amount of knowledge and experience who may be able to offer their assistance.

Regards
Mark