Some quick buying advice:
1. Drive several Boxsters to find the model (986 or 987) you like best.
2. Be sure to drive both a base model and an S model. Only you can decide if the extra power is worth the add'l money.
3. Wait for the right deal. Its a buyers market in this economy. No reason to overpay.
4. Yes, its a pain to get a PPI but it will be the best $300 you'll ever spend.
5. Full service and repair history is a nice plus but shouldn't be a deal breaker.
6. In the case of no service history, assume that the last major service was skipped and negotiate the price of the service off the car so you have money to have it done yourself. This way you have a good starting point for future maintanence.
7. IMS - read up and make your own decision.
8. There are no cheap Porsche's. Plan on keeping $1K-2K in reserve for unexpected repairs like a starter, brakes, water pump, and/or clutch.
9. Tires can wear fast if you drive it like you should. 15K miles is pretty good for a set of rear tires.
And 10. Plan on becoming happier than you've been in 10 years and wondering why you waited so long to reward yourself with a Porsche. Pat yourself on the back, you're living the dream.
