914 Condition Assessment Form?, Do we need this? Options

[JeffBowlsby]

Would this be a useful tool for us? It would be a form sorta like the rental car agencies use to show existing damage only more detailed and specific to the 914. The form would benefit all parties to a transaction to more fully document the condition of a 914 to avoid misunderstandings and worse. I wish I had something like this on previous buys.

I envision a multipage form that is filled out by an owner, buyer or PPI inspector to document the condition of a given 914. Use it as a disclosure statement to a buyer, and a basis for negotiating a fair price. 914s are special interest cars now, with buyers finding cars far away where they cannot be personally inspected.

The form would have simple line diagrams including all 4 sides of the car, a plan view looking down from the top, a plan of the bottom and interior views – all to be drawn upon and conditions noted. A buyer could insist that the seller fill it out (for full disclosure) or better, pay a PPI inspector to complete. A proactive seller would furnish it without asking as a sign of good faith. The form could be a free benefit (downloadable .pdf) of belonging to this fine forum. The form could be used as evidence to document a car before it is shipped in the event of shipper-caused damage.

In addition to the diagrams a checklist of items to verify and room for comment would be included, covering everything from what is included in the sale (a list of extra parts and paperwork), the oil change/valve-adjustment history, to anything else the owners wishes to list ‘the top leaks and squeeks’, the registration expires in October’, ‘COA included’, etc.

Specific condition items could easily be documented with this form that often get overlooked, with as much care as the inspector can supply, that often affects a 914s value.

A basic level of inspection/documentation would be visual only and only cover things that can be observed without tools, lifts or removing any parts:
-Curb rash on wheels
-Non-op lighting/electrical mechanical system flaws
-Body/trim/glass/weatherstripping/lenses – every chip/ding/scrape/flaw/rust bubble
-Upholstery tears, carpet wear
-Remaining tire tread
-Shock absorber function
-Driving test impressions
-Non-stock or upgraded equipment
-Missing/worn parts and funky repairs
-Overall impression of cleanliness and maintenance
-General classification of car as ‘show-driver-race-repairable-parts car’

A more thorough inspection/documentation would require additional time, tools and access which would most likely be done in a shop:

-Underbody cleanliness or damage if a lift is available
-Oil/brake fluid leaks
-Brake rotor/pad thicknesses
-Compression/leakdown tests
-Exhaust system rust
-Suspension/steering bushing wear
-Rocker panel/Hellhole condition

With the most complete reports, detailed photos of critical areas can be included with the report.