[mbardeen]

Hi and Hola from an American living in Talca, Chile.



I'm a longtime Porsche fan who's in the market for my first Porsche, a 968. However, selection is a bit limited for me -- on Friday I hope to see (and purchase) what is probably the only 968 Cabriolet here in Chile. It has 99,000km and maintenance records starting from two years ago, when all that needed to be replaced was replaced (as claimed by the owner).



The importation of used cars is illegal here, so I'm stuck with what I can get my hands on in the local market. I'm having the car inspected by the local Porsche dealership as one of the conditions of the sale. I hope they will not turn up any deal breaking issues!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[94SilverCab]

Welocome,



You should very quickly find the Prepurchase inspection form tagged on the forum. This could prove absolutely invaluable for you.



Most important:

Timing Belt/Balance Shaft Belt replacement

Pinion Bearing (do a search, if you drive up to 85 MPH and let off and it sounds like an airplane that's $$$)

Caster Blocks (easy)

Power steeering hose leaking on passenger side (onto the sway bar bushing)

Order a heater control valve amd DME Relay the minute your purchase is complete.



READ, READ, READ!



Enjoy,



Jay

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[craigawoodman]

Hola - que pasa amigo?



We spent two and a half years living in Antofagasta from 1998 to 2000. It is an interesting country - which no doubt has grown in the intervening 10 years.



Good luck finding a good mechanic over there.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[mbardeen]

Thanks Jay!

I've been dreaming of a 944/968 since a couple years ago, so I've been lurking about various internet forums reading all that I could about the cars. Needless to say the timing belt/balancer shaft and pinion gear issues are foremost in my mind.



Hola Craig, mucho gusto!



It certainly is an interesting country. I've been here for 6 years now and just starting to feel like it's my home. Luckily, I'm my own mechanic for most things, and when I do go to the shop, I ensure they know that I know what I'm talking about. I have a feeling they know me as the "gringo loco", but if it gets the job done for the chileno price and not the gringo price, it's worth it.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[tamathumper]

Welcome, and good luck!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Langley968]

Seja Bem Vindo!

(Portuguese - not Spanish, but they are "cousin" languages!)

Morei no Brasil por 20 anos.

Espero visitar o Chile algum dia...

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.