'99 Boxter - Purchasing - Would like some advice

[idjiot]

Thanks to the everyone who provided their comments (nautiquelfe, zagit, larez2, krztaco, perfectlap, ronzi) and especially Brucelee for coaching me thorugh the PPI. I just needed more feedback before I closed the deal...which I did!!!

So I finally closed the deal on my 2001 Boxter - Yellow, Manual with 33k miles.

Two interesting things came up during the PPI:
1. Apparently there was a rat's nest in the air filter - estimated cost for A/C service and new filter: $500

2. The engine was replaced at the 17k mark. The guy at the dealership said that this was actually a good thing since it meant the engine only had 16k miles on it. It didn't factor into the buying decision.

I wasn't able to negotiate my price down with the seller - he was pretty hardcore about it. However, the dealer mentioned that any damage caused by the rat should be covered under homeowner's insurance (anyone have experience with this?) I figured what the heck - although the guy at the dealership cautioned me on this.

I've got to get a wheel alignment done for the car as well as replace the front tires in the near future. Anyone know of a good place offering a good deal? I'm torn between just taking the car to the dealer or trying to get things done at a cheaper place. Doesn't it affect resale value a lot if you're not doing all of your maintenance at a dealership?

Either way, that's that. I'm very pleased - definitely glad that I didn't get an A4.

Once again, thanks for all of your help!