Deal Fell Through - Help Revise Strategy
 

Well, the seller reneged on my deal for a 98, so I'm going to take some time and think about a new purchase strategy.

Here's my wish list:

1. Low mileage - preferrably less than 24,000
2. Maximum price of $24,000
3. Reasonably well documented maintenance history
4. Hardtop
5. Will consider all model years, but very reluctant to buy a 97.
6. I like most colors except yellow, red and white.
7. I prefer 17" wheels, but I'm not picky about style
8. I like the sports touring package.
9. Seller must be willing to have car pre-purchase inspected

Basically I want a car that I can drive about 10,000 miles per year for the next 5-10 years with minimal problems. A Boxster S would be nice, but it is probably out of my price range. I'm willing to take up to a year to close the deal - I have patience.

Given these preferences and conditions, am I being realistic? Does anyone have any suggestions for how I should proceed?

Thanks.

Have you tried Autotrader.com? That's how I found my '02 S.

I've been using Autotrader.com, Cars.com, Craigslist and eBay. I've only been serious for about a month, so it might be a matter of time. I've also been searching within a 200 mile radius of my home, so I might have to expand the geographic area of my search.

I just want to know if I am being realistic.

It's going to be very tough to find one w/ the low milage you're looking for @ that price. I see you are in VA. There is a Nissan dealer in Folsom CA that has a 2.5L w/5 spd that has 4311 mi! They are asking $27988. I hope you find one!! Good luck! :cheers:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=195531988&dealer_id=55236021&car_ye ar=2002&search_type=both&make=POR&distance=50&mode l=BOXSTE&address=95993&certified=&advanced=&max_pr ice=&bkms=1143397989304&min_price=&end_year=2007&s tart_year=1981&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=41

Sorry that's a 2.7L. :o

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to find a Boxster with under 24,000 miles and under $24K. I picked up my '99 last year with less than 13,000 miles for less than $24K and it looked like it rolled off the showroom floor. It didn't have a hard top and that might push you past your price point. Technically, a '99 or less should be in the very low $20's regardless of mileage.

If you wait until the weather is nicer, you'll probably see the prices go up slightly. Kind of like the old motto of buying a motorcycle in the winter and a Jeep in the summer.

Well, as long as you all think it's possible, I'll keep trying. I don't mind waiting until next fall for prices to drop again, just as long as I have a good probability of success.

Stay away from 97/98. For the money, you can do better.

What is the maximum mileage I should consider? Maybe I don't need to be ultra-low, but I would like a few years of relatively trouble-free driving.

I posted about a possible 2000 S with 60k, and I received some comments that it was starting to move into higher repair territory.

30-45K is a nice range.

OK

I'll start setting my search criteria as:

99 and newer
Up to 40,000 miles
Around $24,000 or less.

Thanks

You can get a 2000 (2.7) with 24k for around $24k. I did. Consumer reports seemed to dig 2000 best of the Boxsters (as of 2004).

Getting an S may be a bit of a stretch. I don't think the trade-off of performance vs. how many more miles will be on it (compared to a non-S) would be worth it. I say this because one of your objectives is to keep it for at least 5 years.

Be patient.
A hartop will most likely have to be purchased separately.
Though helpful, not even a PPI or detailed history will guarantee trouble free years of driving.

Good look, I look forward to your driving enjoyment.

I noticed a 1999 Arctic Silver Boxster, 22,000 miles for $22,885 here in Denver (Denver Post Online) - so it's definately possible. There's also a listing for a 2000 S with only 16k miles for $28,500.

I'm always wary of cars that sit. an 8 year old car with only 20k on it worries me. It's barely broken in, and it hasn't had time to become a lemon yet.

I think it is possible, but expect to do some waiting. I was activing looking for about a year before a found the car that worked for me (my price range was a little tighter though). I ended up with a great 97, one owner, from a dealer, and all the papers checked out. With your goals, i am sure you will find one eventially (you may have to buy the hardtop later), but don't jump on a car now, just because it is here, you have to be willing to wait for somthing better to come down the road. In the meantime, go to some dealerships and drive several different years, comapire the base v. S ect. so you will get a better idea of what you want. Also, you might want to check autoextra.com and yahoo autos as well (but be careful at yahoo autos, as this site as by far the most scams). If you are planning on looking at a lot of cars is a much better deal to buy the unlimited history check package and autocheck.com (or at least be sure to check you final choice before you hand over the check. I had a close call). Good Luck!

I'd not make a hard top a mandatory buying decision. There's just too few hard tops out there to make it a realistic search. However, used hard tops are found relatively cheap compared to what was paid for it new and you can have it painted to match your car's color.

I guess I need to avoid buying the wrong car on the rebound. I have my Miata to get me through the summer months if I need to wait until the fall or next winter.

Maybe I could even snag a 2003 coming off lease. A glass rear window has a certain appeal, and would make up for the lack of a hardtop until I could buy a used one.

Kevin: here's a link to my old car...
 

http://kempthorn.porschedealer.com/preowned_cars/info.php?inventoryid=184042

They've got it listed at $25.9K but I'm sure they'd take less. Porsche approved certified per owned--I'm thinking you get a warranty.

it's a bit of a drive for you but I never had one problem with the car--not one! They took off the MX's--mistake-- and put on Continentals. Not sure what else they may have done.

Ask for Charlie if you're interested.

Kevin, now here's a good situation you should consider. Mike was the previous owner, has nothing to gain or lose by telling you the truth about the car's condition, and a dealer is selling it with an extended warranty. That's the best of both worlds if you ask me.

Red is a good resale value color if I'm not mistaken, although I remember reading it's not your first choice in color. You will stand out on the freeway with cops, but hey, if you're speeding you're gonna get popped with any color car in my opinion.

Mike, what did they give you for the car in trade?

Randall: you might check..
 

some of my old posts--I might have mentioned it. I hate to be coy on the number but by the same token the sales guy has to make a living also. Let's just say it was north of $20K and South of $24K. It's my understanding the dealer had to pay $1300 to porsche to qualify for their certified pre owned status and get the warranty.