I think some will disagree with me, but I have had the best luck finding what I want by casting a wide net.

Whether it be through the Porsche Dealers: http://locator.porsche.com/ipl-custo...arch.ipl?cid=1

or eBay, Autotrader, etc. I have had good luck with eBay. You can see what similar cars have sold for and work a deal.

I went to buy my first 911 at a local (and very reputable) Porsche Dealer. I was negotiating on a 997.1 911 Targa. We could not agree on price and the sales representative was very polite and said let’s not beat ourselves up we are too far apart. I found the same year targa with really the same miles that was an S on eBay from a dealer in California with a perfect rating. I paid $10,000 less and upgraded to the S (bigger engine, suspension PASM, chronic and more). The S was conservatively worth $8,000 more and I paid $10,000 less than the local dealer would sell the non S. I had a PPI done and loved the car. The one caveat is I told myself I should have hopped a plane and looked at it as there were some marks on the back of the passenger’s seat. Having said that, I have since bought another 911 and an Audi for my wife long distance and not hopped on a plane.

The first car I bought long distance was a e430 Mercedes back in the 90’s from a dealer with a prefect rating and 300 sales. I asked a number of very direct questions in an open and non jerk way before bidding and two responses turned up incorrect. First, the turn signal arm was not functioning and second he claimed the tires had 70% of the tread left. I checked with a local dealer on the cost for the turn signal arm and new tires (because they were bald) sent him the quote and had a cashiers check sent FedEx for the cost and install of both the arm and the tires (less 30%). The seller did not want to have negative feedback hurt his 100% rating.

I still sugest if you if you have the time to hop on a plane and take a look. But you likely can find a kind member on this forum that will take a look with a very careful eye in that city if you ask on this forum. I’d recommend after you receive the car and all checks out, sending the guy $200 to take his wife out for dinner or get a nice bottle of scotch for his efforts.

How do you get it home? Welcome to the world of expeditors! So in my case, if you are able to save $10,000 to $20,000 and get what you want and you actually have the time and enjoy the hunt, the $1,000 for shipping, $200 for a PPI and $200 for someone to check it out is money well spent.

As this is your first 911, I know no matter which 911 you get, you’ll love it! Most importantly have fun!

One final note, follow the advice that another member made. Find out what the most desirable options and models are, by asking on this forum. I flew through 200 Audi’s on the market until I found the right set up for my wife and didn’t pay hardly anything more.

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