Are low mileage cars risky?

[morgal48]

Went through that process when I bought mine. Looked for over six months. Found one in Seattle - 20k miles and beautiful. Called an indy in Seattle (I'm in Texas) to see about a PPI. He took time to discuss 986 virtues and shortcomings. His suggestion was to buy a car with 60k+ and drive the wheels off. His counsel was based on the things you have mentioned, coupled with the fact that these are cars designed and built to be driven. Ultimately, I bought a 2000S from a guy here in Texas with 35k on the clock. Met him and the car at a DE. History from day 1, including all books, keys and window sticker. (It had 27k on the clock after 14 years. He bought it to learn how to race, and did the IMS, RMS, clutch and such. Had 35k when it became mine two years ago.) Paid $18,600 for the car, a set of track wheels and tires, liftbars, and the parts the PO had collected. Buy from an individual if possible. The dealers I talked with that had 986s on their lots knew much less than I did. Good luck in your search!

[BoomerRoadie]

I'll just add to the general theme here.

I too was very concerned about this question as I was considering buying a 1997 Boxster with just 32,000 miles on her. I asked a lot of questions and came to the conclusion that if:

1. the car has been properly maintained and there are records to demonstrate this
2. it was preferably garaged
3. the car is inspected by someone who has experience with the specific car and model

Just about any "old" car can be purchased with confidence.

So, in my case I purchased my car at 32,000 miles and I have just over 38,000 miles now. This is hardly a good data point for you as I'm just getting started, but for what it's worth, so far so good. From what I was told, if seals and hoses were going to be a problem, they would become a problem immediately. If they didn't rear their heads right away, I should be good.

Point is, do you homework, be thorough and objective in your research (in other words, try not to get emotional about the car, yet). And you'll be good to go.

Good luck!!

[rexcramer]

I bought our '97 with 16K on the odo (Aug 2015). Very little in the way of records. I was able to talk with the mechanic that had touched it last. I have put 9K+ on it and so far so good. It was/is in really good shape. I have spent +/- 3k on it in 18 months. Most recently new tires $640. About a third of the money for wants the rest on maintenance. I know cars pretty well but this is my first Porsche. I bought it without a PPI for $11k (base/tip) and it came with the factory hardtop. There were plenty of cars available for less, but they all had +/- 100K on them. I was willing to gamble for the lower odo.

I can usually get a pretty good hunch/feel from the owner by looking at his other cars and garage/house/yard how well they maintain things. Best of luck with your search.