Are 14K mi. worth $6500???

I've narrowed my car down to 2 choices, both are '03's. Both cars check out mechanically. Cosmetics, good on both. Options/colors on both equal each other out, I'd be happy with either one, on that front. One has 6k miles on the clock. The other, 20k miles. The 6k mile car is $6,500 more money than the 20K mi. car. Soooo....in my case, ALL THINGS ARE EQUAL, do you believe the 14,000 undriven miles are worth $6.5k?

Depends. How many miles are you going to put on it? If you're not driving a lot of miles each year, then the annual depreciation hit is going to be worse than your mileage hit, so it really wouldn't matter which car you bought and might want to go for the less expensive one. I put around 3900 miles on my car this year - not enough that it matters when compared to the the age of the car. Personally, I'd prefer to see an '03 that has been driven, as I worry about the details of a car that has done so few miles, has it had maintenance done on it, have the tires started to show age related wear?

I average 4 thousand miles a year on this kind of a car, to me, they are "fun' cars. Porsches are second cars for me...my pick-up will be driven more than the P-car, "lifestyle" dictates this, in my case.

In that case, I personally (assuming all other things are equal) would go for the less expensive car.

save the money

A P-Car that sits with low mileage is just asking for problems. These cars need to be driven and driven the way they were intended for them to running in tip top shape. My 996CAB is a 2000 and since new we have put 60K miles on it! And guess what? Runs perfect, and better that the day it was new if I am being honest. It has also seen the extensive side of the DE seasons This is a no brainer. Save the cash, get the one that was loved more.

If you believe it's worth the $6.5k then you should just buy a new one..... right?

Yeah...for just 40 grand more money. I'm beginning to think it might be worth it though! See newer thread above about buying one with a replaced engine. Thanks Dave

I concur with most everyone else here. I would prefer a car that has been driven a bit (not too much!) over something that has just sat around. When I was shopping, it was between an '03 with 15K and an '02 with 25K. The price difference, considering the year, actually favored the '03 but the '02 actually felt better and I preferred the fact that it had been driven a bit more. Cars are different. Some cars are babied, some are thrashed. Drive them both, back-to-back if possible and see if you can tell (or care) about any differences. If you are concerned about future repair bills, then buy the cheaper one and put the saved money away for repairs. Michael

20K is fairly low mileage for an 03 so I don't think the even lower mileage car is worth the extra $6500. I agree that I'd also feel safer with a car that's been driven fairly regularly rather than sitting around a lot. Good luck with your decision.

save MONEY....... then give it me....i need to SC my p-car....

I didn't know we come here to save money...I always felt like I'm spending it when I come here! :-) I may have a targa bagged Tuesday. Thanks for all of your input guys. I'll keep ya posted...You've been great help Regards, Davy boy (tryin' to save alittle money on an '03 Targa here!!) :-) Leaning towards the 20k mi, new engined job. (D*mn these things are expensive! He just won't DEAL!!!) ya can't help buy love it though!! :-) Happy New Year guys!!!

It all depends on who drove those miles. If somone drove the car like he stole it I would go for less miles.

Exactly...5 minutes with the PO would answer years of questions. Problem is, findin' out who they are? Dealers...they ain't talkin'. tight lips = firm grips :-)

Take the $6500 and invest it in mods that will make it your car. Miles on both are fine. Note advise based upon both passing a PPI. Either way you go enjoy!

Go talk to the service department of a Porsche dealer. They can (if they are nice) look up the service history (warranty repairs, minimum, other maintenance, if it was performed at that shop) and provide you with the name and address of the original owner. That's how I discovered that my car had the RMS replaced last summer (before the second owner, who I bought it from, had bought the car). Michael

I personally think it is worth it. Although, I don't have the logevity experience of driving P's as some here - IMO, if the one with 6k miles was a weekend car (garage queen) VERY well taken care of and only driven 2k miles a year, you could be looking at a close-to brand-new, serious GEM. Drive it, PPI it and if you want a car that will hold it's value higher and longer, spend the xtra cash and buy the 6k one.