Readers opinion on non-buyers remorse

Recently I passed up buying an '02 911 C2 with 28K in average condition for $43,700. I had a PPI done and the inspection came back with a leaking RMS, a left rear cam sensor leaking oil, debris in the radiators(needs cleaning) the front spoiler lip missing, needed alignment, rear tires, etc., plus there was a crease in the left rear rocker panel. All of the mechanical work (no tires or body work) costs about $2800 at the Porsche dealer. The car was for sale at the local BMW dealer. I talked with the selling dealer about this and they agreed to paid for the alignment but would not budge on the price for any of the other work. Well I walked away and the car was sold to someone else. It was charcoal over black with the only real add on being heated seats. However, it was clear the the previous owner had gone the way of deferred maintenance and traded it in when everything started needing fixed and maintained. Well now I'm having non-buyer's remorse thinking that I should have bought it and fixed the stuff over the best I could over time. Perhaps this was the best deal I was going to come across. I like the '02+ models as there are better looking, have the bigger engine, and are a bit more civilized. I think I could have tolerated the rest of the repairs but something about fixing the RMS just bothered me. Any thought from forum readers on this deal? Should I have took the plunge? As I am still looking, I have come across a '02 Targa for about $41K with about 38K miles in good condition. I have not really looked at Targas before as the Targa top looks like it could be a mechanical nightmare and leak. Are these Targa tops reliable and not leak? Any opinions or thought on either of the two issues noted above would be great. Thanks.

The 996 targas were better than the 993. You will still get some wind noise, and you cannot rule out the possibility of leaks. No remorse to be found here. They made a LOT of these cars - you can find some outstanding examples for that kind of money. Keep your money in your pocket and buy one that you feel comfortable with. AFJ

Just a data point regarding your search: I bought an 02 coupe from the original owner (in our local PCA club) with two options, M030 suspension and 18in Carrera alloys. The car is almost perfect (2 slight dents from the guy's kid...$100 at PDR). Maintenance was current from the selling dealer. Transaction price was less than the money you listed. These cars are still relatively new. With some effort, you can find a near perfect example for top dollar or a beat example for cheap. Just don't get a beater for top dollar. I also looked at another local car, a loaded 1 owner cab. Average condition, lowish money. I am so glad I paid extra for condition.....I could not bring it up to standard for the $10k price differential. It was a bunch of little things that added up.

You did the right thing. There are plenty of peaches out there. Keep looking and don't look back.

dealers are tough to bargin with, never giving any ground it's always take it or leave it. Nohrs auto in Walnut Creek Ca had some very nice examples from the between 29,000- 45,000 3 colors red ,white and black he moves alot of cars, good hunting

Thanks for your comments, I am continuing to look. Here in the Kansas City area, good used Porsches are not easy to find and I'm hesitent to buy from ebay. Carmax has some 911's sometimes but they are always a distance away and must be transported here for a small $600 (or something) fee. Besides, Carmax doesn't deal. Anybody know some good Porsche repair places here in KC? Thanks again.

Don't be afraid to look outside your market. A little scary buying one over distance, but if you do it right you can save a lot of money. These cars are all over the SF Bay Area. I would imagine the same is true for other big markets such as LA, Dallas, and Miami. Find a car, get a long distance PPI, fly out to buy it. You can always walk away at that point. Look at the PCA classifieds too. The club has enthusiasts who are likely to take care of their cars or at least know they should.

I agree. Don't settle if you don't think it is perfect. Good things do come for those who wait. Good luck on your search.