linwoodc3

never ask a dealer opinions on pricing. if you look at rennlist and 6speed etc you will prob see recent confirms of upper 30's to low 40's for a "S" and mid 30's for a base model. and especially with the mileage you are talking about (50k considered "high" among this crowd) you are def in the ballpark for a 2005-6 for 35k. the prices go up by year from there. for PPI talk to intersport in tysons, autothority in chantilly, TPC in jessup, ASG in fairfax. if you dont do "routine" maintenance yourself, it can get pricey. oil is anywhere from 200-350, sparks and coils from 500-1000, brakes probably a couple hundred. the oil and brakes are EASY. sparks more of a challenge but definitely doable. in any event, try to learn to do yourself and/or ask help from local boards (dorkiphus) as many are wrenchers and are happy to help. me included.

Greetings all and thanks in advance:

I'm in the midst of shopping for my first Porsche, and decided on the 997.1 as a budding enthusiast. Im looking to get a 2005-2008 Carrera, preferably the 3.8, but I wouldn't cry if I got the 3.6. It's not an "if" I get it, but "when".

First, I need help on pricing. I've completed detailed research on Edmunds, MotorTrend, NADA, Clearbook, and Kelley Blue Book, and eBay "completed sales " pricing, making certain to understand the differences in each (asking vs. final sales price, condition, etc.). If I'm offering cash, I figure its reasonable to get something with less than 50k miles for $35k out the door. If I get a warranty, tack 2 grand on that. Am i on planet Earth because all the pricing books say yes (Edmunds has Carrera at $32k and Carrera S at $34k), but dealer told me I was smoking crack when I said that. He said Porsche people always pay over (50k for Edmunds 35k car), because youre paying for the experience. I walked out after he said that, but want to double check. What did you all pay? Need some real life final sale prices if you don't mind sharing.

Second, I've seen posts on PPIs. How do I find an independent mechanic for this; extra helpful for DC area recs. What maintenance should I expect in the first year. I looked at the Porsche recommended intervals and used AutoMD for quotes. What is true cost for oil change, spark plugs, brake fluid, etc. I want to keep this car for 10+ years....not planning on reselling.

Third: I bought the 5th Ed. Batchelor and Leffingwell Porsche Buyers Guide and read the 996 & 997 sections. Anything else I should read?

Lastly, I'm running the VINs in AutoCheck (bought unlimited 30 day..so I can help others looking). One car on Autotrader (Beechwood Dealer) is a retired PDE with 25k miles. Stay away?

To see what I'm looking at, I search on all sites with these filters (year: 2005-2008, make/model: porsche 911, mileage: < 50k, price:<$45k, distance:any)

Linwoodc3@mac.com. I can email the price breakdowns I came up with...4 slide PDF.

MORE IMPORTANT : where should I drive when I get this ( road types)?