ok Paul, from the hip

Forget the car you have seen. You won't "miss it" It is almost certainly expensive from the OPC. I would not recommend buying from an OPC unless buying new (I wish.....997 Turbo please).

That car is extremely common, there will be loads and loads of them exactly the same, but some might have a lower price, better service history, some added extras you like etc, so you have a choice. Even after a few weeks of looking and you still think the garage and finance and car are the ones you have seen already, I would almost guarantee the same car will still be on the forecourt - not much is selling at the moment. Even if it's not, another identical car will be along the following week.

There are loads of specialist Porsche centres that deal only in used Porsche and cost a lot less and servicing can be less than half the labour rate per hour. Look one up on Google or ask on one of the Porsche forums like http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/default.asp easy to register for free and ask all the questions you need to, plenty of other porsche forums

Don't touch the finance deal with a barge pole. Go on one of the comparison sites and get a loan if you need one or add to your mortgage at cheap rates.

You're worrying about the wrong thing if you are thinking about petrol costs. You can get late 20's if driven well. Depends what you want the car for. I don't often drive it fast, I love the look and feel of the car and use the tiptronic most of the time. If I want a blast, switch to manual and we're off:devil:

No point is buying a 'dream car' if you don't get that sinking feeling in your stomach every time you look at it or drive it, so take you time and get the right one, there's no rush, but please forget the one you have seen, waste of money and better ones out there no doubt.

As for Boxter, I hear all the arguements and agree it has a bit of an image problem, but with the roof down, gun metal grey colour, 'S' version (don't buy the non 'S'), it's a lovely car to look at and drive.......but you'll pull up next to a 911 and go "oh boolocks - wish I'd spent a couple of quid extra and gone for the daddy"

WeeJohnyB

i personally don't know what all the fuss is about with the boxster. i had the S version, i couldn't afford a 911, but it was simply the must fun i've ever had on four wheels.

the roof never leaked, it never missed a beat, and I was lucky enough to find one with every conceivable extra.

the right car will come along, and like dukes, a FSH is essential.

agree with comments above, finance is silly. spend your 15k and if you don't like it, flog it next year, you'll not lose much.

agree with WJB, "nice safe" colours are essential, and silver will never look naff.

we only flogged ours coz we had kids, i was in tears...

magpie.

Sound advise, thanks

The boxster is the one we like for that top down drive not just because the 911 is out of reach.

As they say, 'Keep them peeled'

Check the costs of replacement tires....OUCH.

BUT don't buy it for practical reasons, enjoy it!

oh yes, been there, got the cheque book out and ouch, lots of money if all four need replaced. Another example of 'common fault sir' - the alignment goes out on the 996 and you have to get on the ground/under the car to look at the inside of particularly the rear as what looks like loads of tread on the outside two thirds of the tyre can be near bald on the last third. Needs the geometry done. Too heavy with the right foot and the rears won't last long, slightly better in the C4. No idea what Boxter is like on tyres

WeeJohnyB

you'll get a great Boxster for £15k, go for the 3.2 and try to get a post '05 car they have 287bhp rather than 252-260 of the earlier boxster.
Roof doesn't leak, good mpg (average 27-28) insurance is not mad.
Tyres are £120 each front, maybe £170 each rear but they last well, stick to Conti's to help when you come to resell. Handling is excellent.
No drama's sometimes elec motors for windows etc go but thats any car.
OPC labour charges are high but service isn't bad, local independant charges £362 + VAT for the BIG service. Bargain! Check out www.zentrum.co.uk top guys top service.
anyway recommended, buy one and have fun!
My hairdresser had 2 ferrari's so I'm happy when people call it a hairdressers car :)

The amount you spend on your hair, he can afford two ferrari's! :D

Hello all,

been away for a while,, long story,
Porsche, umm have a look at this little gem, a proper one!!
A 550 Spyder 1959 all fully re built.
On a completely different note, has there ever been any more talks of a factory visit again??

Enjoy the pictures, oh and it is very fast!!

pictures soon, having to resize but trying to remember how to do it.
Computers, umm, engines, no worries

Just an update
Finally got the car we love. After trailing through the used adds and a few visits to potential cars we ended up with the original motor.

The OPC came back with a really good deal as it was getting to the end of the month :D

Had it a few weeks now and have managed to get the top down. What a great car, can't wait now for the summer months to come back. :)

Nice one Paul.