The Aircraft Pre-Purchase Evaluation - the mechanics dilemma

What we do find ourselves in, however, is the dilemma of whether a pre-purchase evaluation is considered a 14 CFR 43.9 event or a 14 CFR 43.11 event. In other words are we approving the aircraft for return to service with respect to work performed (43.9) or are we approving the aircraft for return to service and certifying its airworthiness (43.11)?