PorscheGT1

White987S, thanks for your explanation of why an "S" might be warranted.

Renzop: I also appreciate your feedback and first hand experience on PASM.

Even my relatively "weak" 217 hp '02 seems to be plenty for the street, so an "S" might not be worth the slight premium, though there doesn't seem to be huge pricing gaps between a base car and an S if you compare the same year and same mileage.

However, there sure seems to be pricing difference between the sub 10,000 mile cars and stuff with 20-25k miles on them. They tank quite a bit once they hit 20,000 miles...$5,000 or so is what I'm seeing as far as asking price differences.

Great time to buy! There are a ton of cars for sale. Have cash-in-hand and you will get a great deal. Be patient.

I agree, I'm taking my time and doing my homework!

If you are just fine with 987 (which looks lots better) then a base well taken care '05 for less money will do. Porsche quality does not depend on first year models because the transmission and engines are just the carry over with improvements. I got an '05 S 6spd with 19" sports design with ~33k miles for almost two years now (was 18k miles) and so far it only needed oil change (preferably at 5k earliest or 7k latest). It never fails to impress me when I needed to show it off. Oh forgot to tell about a few tenth (shaking side to side) of an inch from the steering wheel vibration at highway speed because of a bent right rear wheel (pointed ding on inner side), costed $200 to fix and repaint (it looked just like brand new after). I didn't know after a round trip Nor-SoCal but so far it did not have any obvious damage due to own negligence (should fix it before the trip but it was the holiday). After the repair it ran so smooth and made at least 30% difference in acceleration, handling at all speeds.

Anyway you should stick with a base with 17" wheels with your home road condition. I love mine.