Pre-purchase inspection advice, please.

[gdhyde]

Any advice on whether it's preferrable to use a dealer vs an indpendent shop for a PPI? The car would be purchased from a private party and the dealer that would do the inspection is where the current owner has the car serviced.

Pros? Cons?

Also, is this a good list of areas that should specifically be checked, in addition to the normal shocks, struts, pads/rotors, belts/hoses, etc.

compression/leak down test
water pump
thermostat and thermostat housing
radiator neck
worn rear shock mounts
worn rear trailing arm bushings
VANOS rattle

The car (M3 coupe) doesn't have a lot of miles (only 24K!) but is a 1998 so there may be some age related issues. Anything else I should ask for?

[mikeo]

That's a good list you have and the dealer might be able to search maint. records on the VIN as well.