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Used car sales are an essential part of the automobile industry. And, for many fans, there's no better choice than a used Porsche. These cars are known for their top-notch performance and sleek designs, so they tend to hold their value well over time. But just because these vehicles depreciate less than other luxury brands doesn't mean buying a used one is simple. Here is ALL you should know before buying a used Porsche.

Research the market thoroughly before buying

Knowing your options is essential before you even start shopping for a used Porsche is necessary. Be sure of what your budget can afford, the going rates for various trim levels, and even what kind of miles you can expect to get out of a particular model year.

Once you have a better idea of what you want, you'll be able to dive into the car lots and used listing sites with a specific model in mind. This can make the process much more efficient and help you avoid wasting time on a subpar model that isn't worth your money.

Check out the vehicle's service history

Before you buy a used Porsche, you need to get an entire service history for the vehicle. This can deduce the mileage and the time since the oil was changed. It can also help you identify any problems the car might have that aren't immediately apparent. This is especially true if you're looking at a car driven by a previous owner in a different climate.

For example, if you're in a humid environment and the car's previous owner was in dry weather, rust might not appear on a visual inspection. An entire service history can help you spot these problems before they become a big deal.

Watch out for common problems with Porsches

No car is without its share of common problems. But for various reasons, many of these problems are more common in certain vehicles than others. For example, Porsches are known for having many electrical issues due to the low quality of their wiring harnesses.

If you're buying a used Porsche, ask the owner about any problems that might be common with the model you're interested in. It might indicate that the car has been neglected if they don't know anything about its quirks.

Don't expect to get a lot of warranty with a used Porsche

Porsche offers a comprehensive warranty on their new cars. But they don't provide any extended warranty on used Porsches. This isn't surprising given that the company relies on its reputation for quality to sell these cars. But it's something to keep in mind when you're shopping for a used Porsche.

If you buy a car that's had only one owner, you might be able to get an extended warranty for that car. But if you buy a car with many owners, you're not likely to get as much coverage.

Narrow down Your Options

Concentrate on buying a Porsche that meets your needs in terms of price, desire, and pride of ownership, such as a 1974 to 1977 911, 911SC, 944, Boxster, or Cayman.

The beauty of the Porsche brand is that there is now a more comprehensive range and variety of models available than ever in Porsche's production-car history. Today, there is almost something to suit everyone's taste, sensibility, and budget.

No doubt, a specific model of the unique breed of Porsche has piqued your interest for some time now. That is the model you should concentrate on. Get as near the ideal that haunts you as possible (for the moment, anyway, fickle Porschephile that you are doubtless).

For the time being, take it one one-of-a-kind Porsche at a time — that one Porsche you want to make all yours, of course, within the realms of reason and money when purchasing a Porsche.

Keep your research records

Take notes on each car so that when it comes time to make your final decision, you will be armed with the necessary knowledge and criteria to pull the trigger with complete confidence.

This also helps you improve your bargaining position based on your well-informed knowledge of the car and its current empirical value. You'll learn everything about each vehicle, allowing you to negotiate sensibly and confidently.

You'll quickly realize that the more cars you look at, the more difficult it will be to recall, which is an unavoidable fact of life. You'll be much more organized in narrowing down your selections to the Porsche that's just suitable for you if you perform your due diligence in recording each car with extensive notes and large digital images (with apologies to the Three Bears).

It is wise to bring a friend with you to each viewing who can assist you more objectively analyze and documenting your searches, as they can keep your feet firmly planted in the realm of objectivity.

Otherwise, left to your own devices, human nature could triumph — your unchecked emotion running rampant like lusting after girls gone wild, with nothing stopping you from going all goo-goo-gaga over a shiny, beautiful "new" Porsche with "love" at first sight — a car that could ultimately turn out to be very expensive jailbait hidden deep beneath that bedazzling surface. Objectivity is essential. Therefore, your bring-along companion will help keep you as objective as possible.

Don't forget to experiment!

Ideally, at least one, two, or three of your potential Porsches will be a perfect fit for you. You are pretty fortunate! But how will you know if you haven't tried them on for size?

You must understand how each car feels and decide whether it suits you. Circumambulate it. Examine it from every aspect. Kick the tires (figuratively, of course!). Then take a seat in it. Start her up and take her around the block two or three times.

If feasible, get a feel for her at various engine and road speeds and on different road and highway configurations and conditions. In short, pay attention to your old reliable visceral vibe - that priceless yet underappreciated basic instinct known as your "first impression."

Most importantly, test her for consistent, smooth, robust power over the complete rpm range. If you see any gaps or drop-offs in the power band or any blue smoke puffing like a chimney from the exhaust during acceleration or deceleration, make sure to have your mechanic properly evaluate these potential red flags. 

Check for corrosion as well, which has been the misery of every Porsche owner since the turn of the century. Do not overlook the lesser-known areas that require rust check, such as the headlight assembly housings in earlier-model Porsches.

Rusting could also build in the battery tray region due to battery-acid spillage, which could cause severe damage to suspension mounting points, among other problems.

Consider Porsche repairs

Other aspects, in addition to age and how well the car has been maintained, reflect the degree of performance that may be expected and the possibility of repair. These can be pretty expensive. Therefore, performing a complete engine check and paying close attention during a test drive is critical. Consider the following:

1. Warning lights on the engine

2. Leaks beneath the engine

3. Engine components leaking - be wary if the machine has been extensively cleaned.

4. Odometer and mileage performance

5. Tire wear and alignment

Diagnostic software available for severe buyers can evaluate the accuracy of the odometer, and hours of engine use, indicate if the engine has been abused with over-revving, etc.

Finally, the price cannot be neglected. A Porsche that requires minor maintenance or has repair difficulties could still be a fantastic bargain at the right price. At German Auto Center in Austin, we've helped countless Porsche owners restore and preserve their classic cars for years. 

Final Words

Many automotive enthusiasts have a Porsche on their wish list. These sports vehicles are great examples of engineering and design. After years of manufacturing, hundreds of models are available, providing exceptional reliability and performance. However, some factors must be taken into account. Follow the advice on this site to guarantee you buy the most incredible Porsche.