Wanted to buy a used porsche, now afraid

[Perfectlap]

I think if you find an enthusiast-owned car in the Porsche forums that has had its IMS bearing replaced, and the owner can produce records that indicate the oil was changed regularly (twice a year ideally if mileage is ~10-12K per year) and has known issues already addressed like the waterpump/coolant/coolant cap and AOS, you might have a shot at keeping repairs and maintenance under $5K for a once a week driver during 5 years. Daily driver, I doubt it.

I would gravitate towards car owned by So Cal drivers. Those year round moderate temps seem to result in cars that can handle 100K miles withou the need for big repairs. Places with extreme heat or cold I would put at the bottom of my list.

[jb92563]

In my first year of ownership of my (55k) 2001 S as a daily driver, I put on about 7000mi and the only maintenance cost was 1 oil change that I did myself for $50.

However, I also bought 4 new tires, replaced the brake pads and flushed the brake system for Auto-X and bought a floor jack, jack stands, touch screen DVD/navigator and installed an after market muffler.

In the next year I expect another oil change or 2, perhaps a water pump, a new serpentine belt, another set of tires

I don't worry about the IMS as I fall into the dual row bearing class which makes the IMS less of an issue.

I'd say that if you work on the car yourself you will save half or more of the maintenance costs.

In my experience its no more trouble than any other car, but the parts and labor cost more if you are not a DIY'er