First off, to everyone who's been before me - thank you for all your input on the forums. I've spent a lot of time here during my research, and the resource has been invaluable.
TL;DR
Porsche mechanic has a '99 986 2.5L 110K miles he put together (not technically "rebuilt") that has a brand new clutch and brand new LN IMS bearing replacement. Asking price of $8500. Scatter graph research (120+ data points, attached) shows that currently he's pretty much spot-on price wise, and considering I can know the car has been serviced properly - and it is the PERFECT color combo, I don't see a reason to put off.
However, I currently have a 3-year lease expiring in December (Scion Tc Manual) so I am in no rush. Mechanic who serviced the Porsche for the owner keeps insisting that I could find a similar S-type for $9000. Chances of it being a color I'm in love with are relatively low. Of the 100+ points of data very few (<5%) of them are tan interior.
Data does not support that I could find a mechanically sound S-Type for anything less than $1100 with service records and less than 120K miles on the engine.
- There has to be a limit in cost, and I need room for repairs: Does the mechanic know something I don't about S-Types? My data comes from CL/Autotrader - not the Porsche Club.
- I have never seen a Boxer listed for sale with 140K + Miles - assuming I drive about 22K/3 Years currently - am I setting myself up for disaster after 3 years?
- 3. Would YOU wait?
I plan to offer $8000 for the car with $1000 of service credit - and an agreement to keep bringing the car back to the shop over the next 3 years for all service.
Finally, my longer "why I'm here" story..
Last week my friend let me take his slavage title beater/auction 01' 986 with 130k miles for a test drive to see if I wanted to buy it. Don't worry, I didn't, but the car was still a 986, fun, yellow (albeit automatic), and I spent the weekend detailing and driving it. I fell in love like so many I'm sure.
I did my research, though I'm not a mechanic beyond working on some boat engines for work - and those were all simple things with simple problems. Took the 986 in to the local Porsche guys - and they confirmed my research - that a $5,200 986 with no service record (IMS Bearing, autmatic tranny upkeep, etc.) would be a huge risk even for my purpose or replacing a 3-year lease. I need to have value in the car to reclaim after 3 years.
SO - the admin at the Porsche mechanic mentioned the owner had put together a '99 986 - IMS bearing with LN replacement, new clutch, cleaned up. I drove that car yesterday - and besides a check engine light coming on during the test drive, the car seemed lightyears more tuned and set-up than the weekend drive. He wants $8500.
To his credit the mechnic refused to bring up the car when shooting down my yellow 986 so he didn't risk a conflict of interest. He reccomended I grab a S-Type for the beefier tranny, suspension, and fun actually.
I wanted an '00 single-row with the 2.7L, but it really doesn't seem like much of a difference.
