Buying a high miles 2003 Targa

I am considering this car http://www.dedhamauto.com/used/Porsc...0cd74a5bee.htm It has 89k miles but the carfax shows that the first owner was meticulous and had it always serviced at a dealership. I am hoping to use the VIN number to get all the repair records sometime this week (Is this available online or do I go through a dealer?) The price is so tempting as I think I could get it for @ $22k I have not driven the car but took a quick look at it last night, the car seems fairly tidy, clean engine compartment, with the exception of two things: There was some condensation on the inside of the windshield - having had a leaky convertible before I know that this is the sign of water inside the car but it seems that there is a chronic problem in these cars with some water that gets channeled through small tubes in the back that can get clogged, seems a matter of staying on top of them so that they are clear. The second problem is the LCD displays for the inside temperature are busted. I can't find a unit on eBay are these expensive to replace? Could they be a sign of water damage in the dash? They may fix it themselves so it may be a moot point. The last question is whether to use a dealer or an independent repair shop for a PPI? Any other words of wisdom for me?

I would jump on that, that's a great price for a 02+ targa. Do clutch/RMS/IM bearing and be done with it (can be done with just dropping the trans).

That seems like a great price and a great looking car, I would consider getting the PPI done at a dealer or someone you have dealt with in the past. We can get the control unit your looking for. For more information on the control unit Click Here .

Looks like it has potential! Targas are nice... Good luck with the dealership. There's not a nationwide service network at Porsche dealers that will allow you to access the service history with the VIN. You can access TSBs that were performed at a dealer, but not service or maintenance. Some dealers are reluctant to give out service information without the prior owner's consent. Some are more willing to help. In order to get the records, you'll have to go to the dealer that performed the service and work with them directly.

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The best way to obtain the records is to get a carfax report and call the dealers around the area where the car was registered. I managed to get all the maintenance records on my car, $23K worth. They won't give you the original invoices, but will send out the details and prices on the work performed. I received an excel spreadsheet from the service rep.

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It is an '03 Targa , and if the PPI proves it is a value, jump on it

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I was fortunate when I bought my 996 because all the service had been done at a single dealer. I went into the service department after I bought the car with proof of purchase, and they released the service records to me.

90k miles really isn't that high and that sounds like a great price.

Great looking car. CarFax looks good here: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...026&source=CFX I double checked the VIN, should be the same car. Also dealer says its an auto but sure looks like a manual to me. Those goofy car dealers.

Use an independant PPI NOT the dealer. In addition to all the obvious componants that are checked in a PPI, get him to pull off the panels each side of the center console and look for wires that may have been tampered with around the alarm system and radio. A PO may have thought himself to be a 'wizz kid' with electrical components like radio upgrades, built in radar and whatever, and just may have ****ed up the LCD display. Get him to look under the dash for added wires that you know Porche would never have installed in the vehicle. Thats my advice for what it's worth. The LCD not working correctly is a red flag to me. What else is not working correctly? Get to know how everything is SUPPOSED to work on this model. All the electrical side. Inside and outside lights, heat and air conditioning, seats, mirrors, petrol door, hood and engine compartment and the convertable top, How many keys, is the tool kit and spare tire there. etc... Its a nice looking car as most all Porsches are so good luck. Might be worth considering an extended warrenty as/if you buy the car.

The LCD displays seem to be common issue there are kits to repair on e bay for $60-70 the whole unit will be $5-800.

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The presence of condensation and the LCD issue could be the sign of more severe water intrusion and water damage. The extent of dash/instrument cluster damage is hard to determine without some investigation by someone very experienced in this area. On the surface it can appear to be small problem but upon further investigation the instrument cluster may need replacing. And the source of the water leaking in fixed. So be sure you get this sorted. The Targa is just a used car so give it a thorough used car check out. From a cold start be sure the CEL and other warning lights come on then go off and the cold engine doesn't have any scary noises nor develops any as it idles and warms up. Give it some time, 10 minutes or more while you walk around the car and look at body panel fits/finishes, body gaps, etc. Then have the seller give you a 15 mile test ride then back at the starting point take the car on a test drive and cover the same route. Give the car a good drive in a variety of situations to give the engine time to manifest any issues and the DME time to detect any sensor/converter or other issues. After the test ride/drive if you still like the car have it PPI'd and be sure you know after the extent of that possible water damage issue. Sincerely, Macster.

There's a nice targa for sale on 6speed with low miles and nice mods..

Looks like a decent deal. I would echo what was said above about the condensation. Thoroughly check to make sure the roof wasn't left open in the rain...