[racer_d]

1) As you learned, no dealer will give you money for a trade, especially if you still owe on it. Check places like KBB.com and NADA.com to get realistic values for your trade.

2) Since Boxsters are not as "rare" or special or as old as some other porsches (964's and 993's) you CAN use a guide like KBB or NADA to establish values for the cars you are looking for.

3) Use EBAY as a pricing guide. Track similar cars to what you are looking for and see waht they sell for in the end.

4) Make sure the Jag is gone and cash is in hand when you go buying. Nothing makes a sale go quicker than money in hand. I am not saying to buy the first car you see, but both dealer and private seller move quickly for cash deals, in January, for convertibles.

In my search I asked point blank to "dealers" (non -porsche dealers) selling '98-99s why they thought the cars were $19-21K. All were taken as trades and whel, the trade in value for these cars was much closer to 13-15K. I found mine on Craigslist. 41K miles. MY2000. paid much less than those advertised '98's

Check the local papers, autotrader, cars.com, craigslist etc. You might find what you want easier than you thought! Good luck.