How much money should you spend preparing a car for sale?

In this special “Recon” episode, Paul, Dave, and Casey reveal how they decide which repairs, services, and cosmetic improvements are worth completing before an enthusiast car hits the market.

They debate whether sellers should install new tires, correct imperfect paint, repair minor oil leaks, restore worn seats, remove aftermarket modifications, or preserve a car exactly as it was received. They also explain why spending thousands of dollars on maintenance rarely means adding the same amount to a vehicle’s selling price.

Using real-world examples from Porsche consignment, dealership, auction, restoration, and service work, the hosts examine the difference between making a car presentable and wasting money trying to make a used car perfect.

The episode covers air-cooled Porsche oil leaks, original exhaust systems, catalytic converters, factory seats, paintwork, PPF, deferred maintenance, underside cleaning, pre-purchase inspections, and the difficult decisions involved when a car needs more reconditioning than its market value can support.

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS:

Paul Kramer | AutoKennel Instagram: @autokennel Email: paul@autokennel.com

Dave Van Epps | Sonderwerks Instagram: @sonderwerks Email: dave@sonderwerks.com

Casey Parkin | Group C Curation Instagram: @groupccuration Email: casey@groupccuration.com

Another Porsche 911 GT3 RS has gone off Angeles Crest—and this one reportedly traveled more than 500 feet down the side of the mountain.

Paul, Casey, and Dave discuss what is known about the crash, how the driver was able to walk away, and why the outcome demonstrates the strength of Porsche’s engineering.

The crew also provides an update on Dave’s damaged GT3 RS. According to the initial assessment, the car may require approximately $250,000 in damage before it can be declared a total loss. If that happens, would Dave replace it with another GT3 RS—or has he realized that modern GT cars require too much speed before they become truly exciting?

The conversation then turns to advice from three “honest” used-car salesmen.

Should buyers automatically reject a Porsche because it has high mileage, accident history, imperfect paint, deferred maintenance, rust, or an odometer discrepancy? Or have online auctions conditioned enthusiasts to value perfect documentation more than the actual condition of the car?

The hosts also discuss overlooked Porsche values, the continuing appeal of manual air-cooled 911s, 991 Targa ownership problems, Top Tier fuel, G50 versus 915 transmissions, dry-ice cleaning, driving rallies, and what sellers really mean when they describe something as an “honest car.”

Paul Kramer | Auto Kennel Instagram: @autokennel Email: paul@autokennel.com

Casey Parkin | Group C Curation Instagram: @groupccuration Email: casey@groupccuration.com

Dave Van Epps | Sonderwerks Instagram: @sonderwerks Email: dave@sonderwerks.com

Send the hosts your questions for an upcoming episode of Shifted Opinions.

A long drive up California’s Highway 1 reminds Paul why early Porsche 911s are so special—and why owning one is not always comfortable.

After spending several days behind the wheel of an early 911, Paul, Casey, and Dave discuss what it takes to make a classic Porsche genuinely usable for road trips and rallies. Dave breaks down modern electric air conditioning, including installation requirements, airflow challenges, upgraded alternators, cost, and how it compares with a traditional engine-driven system.

The conversation also covers the current Cayman GT4 market, a Mexico Blue 914 hot rod, upcoming rallies, and Casey’s long-awaited drive in a B5 Audi RS4 that did not quite live up to the dream.

Then the hosts answer listener questions about radar detectors, repainting versus preserving patina, preparing a car for an online sale, Tuthill-built Porsches, and Porsche facts that sound completely made up—but are actually true.

Connect with the hosts:

Paul Kramer — AutoKennel Instagram: @autokennel Email: paul@autokennel.com

Casey Parkin — Group C Curation Instagram: @groupccuration Email: casey@groupccuration.com

Dave Van Epps — Sonderwerks Instagram: @sonderwerks Email: dave@sonderwerks.com