Mistakes we make.

[air-cooled-fan]

Irrespective of how the car looks, in particular when buying privately, with the possible exception of a fully documented restoration project, there is absolutely no substitute for a full pre-purchase inspection conducted by a Porsche specialist! It doesn't take many seemingly "minor defects" to add up to very big bucks to put it right which could leave you with serious negative equity in the car.
However, bear in mind that nearly all modern cars are going to take a depreciation hit anyway, so some negative equity in a classic is in a way akin to taking an upfront depreciation hit.

 

[Ray]

Andy,
I agree fully with your statement as what on the face of it look minor problems can become large bills. Window seals and electrics which do not work, some of these items are quite expensive.
Sometimes paying what you may think is over the odds for a vehicle from a reputable dealer is in effect, insurance. That is not to say that some privately owned vehicles are not good value and great cars to own. It's weeding those out from the money pits which can be the problem.

Ray

 

[leshark]

See when the write off was, I bought mine for 9k only 12 years ago and I had a reasonable choice, I've spent less than 5k total on it in that time, including full servicing, and improving minor stuff, parts haven't sky-rocketed like the value, so 1 damaged wheel would have been close to write off when I bought it, but now (valued £38k) is a fraction. Look for good gap free history, and one that drive nice and tight