When did you decide you wanted one?
When girls in mini-skirts no longer wanted to sit in my Europa...
How long did it take to finally purchase it?
About 2 mos. after I mustered out of the Service, a '72 914/6 w/ 1-owner and 3600 mi. in '77.
How old where you then, and now?
I was 28 and have seen the Earth go around the Sun many many times since then.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Not really, I was lucky to find exactly what I was looking for straight away.
Quick word of advice for a young person trying to save for one?
Keep your eye on your goal and be willing to forego some other things to get what you really want. Also, I'd recommend having at least 15% of the car's purchase price as a repair fund
before you buy it. Also, consider such things as insurance costs, where you'll park it, life of existing consumables - tires, belts, hoses, etc. Also, a PPI is the best money you'll ever spend on it.