zak996

Anything could be worth buying at the right price... Everyone here has good points. You can find a better car for more money and save yourself the repair cost/headache, but if you could negotiate a better price based on the PPI then you know what you're getting into and once the repairs are done you have a car you're comfortable with. Assuming of course theres nothing unseen that needs attention.

If you're set on this and get it at the price you like why couldnt you get it to a local shop for the repairs before you pick it up? Or grab a quart of oil for the ride home.

groovzilla

It's comforting buying a car that has been maintained properly with service record history - Of course not all cars fall under this category.

What you do in this scenario is explain to seller that you will consider buying the car IF you split the cost of services recommended. I'd add a clutch to the list too.

Find another car if seller balks.

Andrew Stowell

I'm not buying this car. Thanks everyone for all your advice. It's been very helpful.

It ended up being an easy decision. The dealer called me back and I told them I am still interested if they come down on the price. He said they are already selling it at cost and will not lower the price. I told him to call me back if decide to lower the price, but I'm not buying it otherwise. They can enjoy it sitting on their lot for another 6 months.

I'm leaning towards buying a car that needs very little work and has a good history. I think that is worth a few thousand more. I've got plenty of time to look, so I shouldn't let myself settle on a car that is just good enough.

craig001 - Thank you for the info. Is there an easy way to see the options like this or do I need to call a Porsche dealer for the info?

b3freak - The first one looks good, but it's a cabriolet. I'd prefer a coupe or targa.

The second one is awesome. I love that car and price, but I can't buy an auto.

The third one I am seriously considering.

ejdoherty911

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5486223890.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5486714321.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5481833585.html

Any of these look good to you? The one in Wayne, PA is only a few miles from where I live and right near an outstanding Porsche indy shop.

Andrew Stowell

Thank you for finding those! I already had the first one on my list. It looks great, but it's at the very top of my price range.

The other two are new to me, I will have to look into them.

I haven't been looking at craigslist much beyond my specific area. I felt that most people with Porsches would list their cars on other sites then craigslist. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll try looking there more.

groovzilla

you'd be foolish not to buy a 996 C4S if you plan to spend $25-$26K - don't settle for a narrow body at that price - C4S will hold value.
even if you have to wait and save a few more Grand, go for C4S - i guarantee you'll thank me

kromdom

I actually found mine listed on CL

Have you also tried looking here: https://rennlist.com/forums/marketplace/cars/search/

targa996

I would ask ppi to pull oil filter and look for metal ....

Not a guarantee but easy to do

121k is higher miles than I would go - yes $17k would be an ok deal - but for a bit more you could get lower miles car from southern state or california without rust issues ...

ZuffenZeus

This one is not too far and seems to be in decent shape for the asking price....
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5488322333.html

FRUNKenstein

Looks likes he's a user and not a member, so I don't think he has access.

Andrew: Not a bad idea to spend the $17 to become a Rennlist member.

paulgiven

I have purchased my last 3 high-end cars at a distance, after PPI's by Indys whom I had researched... They've all worked out, though I had never seen the cars until I picked them. I would look for a rennlist referral.

porsche951

Good for you walking away from the original car. $17k for a car with 121k miles is just too high unless the car has ZERO issues and a full service history since day one. $14k would be top dollar for that particular car IMO. Usually a Mk2 is going to bring in $20k and there is nothing wrong with a car with 120k miles on it it's just that with that 04 Targa needing an IMS and a few other things you're up to over $20k.

rpm's S2

PCA's Bruce Anderson's advice is still true all these years late: Buy the newest, best Porsche you can afford.

In my experience any money you save buying a car with needs will be consumed by repairs, and then some.