Garth S

By saying " a commitment to ...", the seller may well want some reasonable assurance that you are not one of many 'tire-kickers' that do little but waste their time - especially if the car is hibernating some 170 miles away: You are correct in thinking that a reasonable deposit pending PPI and/or personal inspection may be the required grease to getting a deal underway ..
As far as the mechanical history, I'd love the opportunity to speak with the mechanic mentioned if agreed to by the seller. Provided you know what to ask for, there's a ton of info to be had from what is said directly, how it is said, and what may not be included ... This is a large opportunity IMHO - and such conversations can give you far more insight that can even the most fanatical, passionate, and honest owner: a good wrench can see beyond the romantic bond that often clouds an owners objectivity - and lay out the truth as he sees it. Rely on your interviewing skills.
PPI - always support that concept, even though I've never done it. If the logistics are in place, do it.
In any event, you will know better as to the absolute necessity of doing a PPI after talking to the mechanic - there are always elements of trust and risk in any (used car) deal. Hope it works out!

cobalt

Chris,

I know about the posts. I started one of them. I am aware that the Owner has put a fair amount of work into the car to bring it back up to spec. He is asking a premium to cover his costs and I think also because of the color. You either love or hate, we love it. After speaking to him several times I am sure he is a stand up guy although (may or may not be a rennlister) not one of you guys . I think he is aware that I am serious about what my intentions are. I am willing to pay a small premium for a color but not if the car is going to turn into a nightmare. I have too many other things going on to take on engine rebuilding or tranny work. Although I need a Porsche to tinker with. My turbo is immaculate, other than dropping the motor and spending 10's of thousands to bring the HP up to some ungodly number there is nothing left to do other than drive and enjoy it. I always had a project car and the last one was a long ground up restoration on the 914. Great toy but very impractical. I need room for 3.

I am also sure that this was a car that was driven and not always respected by its owners as you guys would do, that is until the current owner happened upon it.

The mechanics name was Bob Viaw (SP). He appears to be an integral part of the local PCA chapter and has a small shop with most of his experience being with 968 race cars. He seemed to know the car and owner well and IHO needed very little work. He did state that the owner has spent a lot of time and money and is a fanatic about his cars.

Garth,

After 20+ years of Porsche ownership I hope I have learned enough (although look at the questions I am asking, I already know the correct answers but keep flip flopping over the entire deal (the emotion coming through)) If the price was lower I would just take a shot and see but I know I could get screwed if something down deep is lurking ready to blow up in my face. Besides I am at the top of my "purchasing" budget. New garage and other expenses come first.

Then again all this means nothing. It is like asking a waitress what is good on the menu and she responds "its all good" what else would you say?

So I am back at ground zero and with being so busy instead of working and my Father-in-law back and forth in the Hospital I guess the smart move is to wait and see what the next few weeks bring and see if my schedule opens up so I can fly out and take a look.

Chris

Either way let us know, its an interesting & desirable color combo for sure.

Chris

cobalt

Will do,

Thanks everyone for all your help, you guys are the best!!

epbrown01

My take is to wait until you've got time and do things right. No matter what the car, there's always another.

Emanuel