The market has slowed down a bit after the holidays, but I've still got some gems for you:

• A Porsche crime caper (yes, really)

• The Story That Checks Out continues

• And possibly the most gorgeous 987 Boxster featured yet

PS. Thank you for all the kind words after last week's Thanksgiving special. To many more reader success stories!

Onwards!

—RF

This seller is fishy (confirmed)

🔗 2006 997 Carrera S | Manual | Framingham, MA | $30,000

How does a car go from having a Rebuilt title to a Clean title?

Must be black magic.

Or cheating?

You may remember this 997 S with a Rebuilt title featured some issues ago. 

Imagine my surprise when I saw the same car, same pictures, but across the country, more expensive, and with a clean title this time!

After some research, I found something called title washing: when someone registers a salvage car in a state with looser rules to get a clean title. This is illegal or fraudulent at best, even if inconsistent state systems sometimes let it slip through.

Last time I checked, the car had sold for $25K. Now the new seller is asking $30K. They didn't even bother taking their own pictures. They had to pay to get the car across the country, do new paperwork, and ultimately deceive potential buyers. That's a whole lotta work for just a few thousand of profit if you ask me.

Plus, terrible karma.

I only figured this out because I research the market week in, week out. It wouldn't be fair to expect you to notice this at a glance. But that's precisely why I'm sharing my notes on finding the best car possible. Remember: consistency, transparency, evidence, and logic. See below for more.

The story that checks out (II): Green flags

This is a comprehensive list of what should excite you in a listing. The perfect listing should have all of them, but since we don't live in a perfect world, aim to check off as many as possible when looking at a listing.

Basics

• 10 to 15 photos showing the car under the best light, but also showing common problem areas (seats, undercarriage, engine bay)

• Title status clearly stated (clean, rebuilt, etc.)

• Number of owners disclosed

• Detailed description with service history narrative (bonus for listing the most recent maintenance)

• Seller anticipates your questions in the description ("the IMS was done at so and so miles," etc.)

Ownership Signals

• Car washed for the photos (shows care)

• Original manuals and second key present (they're meticulous)

• Porsche Club of America sticker on a window (enthusiast community member)

Seller Communication

• Responds quickly and thoroughly

• Offers maintenance records, Carfax, and other docs unprompted

• Brings up PPI without being asked

• Speaks like an enthusiast, not a flipper

A list of simple but important things worth keeping in mind at all times. The first installment of this guide is here, if you missed it. Next week: Red flags.

The best looking Boxster on the road

🔗 2008 987.1 Boxster S | Automatic | Tucson, AZ | $20,554

Cobalt Blue Metallic is one of those colors that photographs don't quite capture. That's why Porsche of Tucson pulled out all the stops to get you the best possible pictures of this beauty.

This is a 2008 Boxster S with a rare color, an excellent list of exclusive options (full leather interior, painted roll bar, 19” wheels, more) and a fair price for what you get.

It's a Tiptronic, which I'm happy to feature. According to the 1-minute survey, over 30% of you are in the market for an automatic.

While it has over 100K miles, it looks in excellent condition and features a full service history performed exclusively at Porsche Centers.

A rare opportunity to own one of the most special Boxsters you'll see out there.

Market Report

This 2008 Boxster S for $20,554, while not a steal, is priced appropriately for its unique spec and uncommon options.

It's easy to find base 987.1 Boxsters in the mid-teens, but they will rarely have any unique features to write home about. See comps here and here.

The extra $5K you pay for this one gives you access to an S model, exclusive options, and the only Cobalt Blue Metallic you will see on the road. Plus a car with full service history performed in reputable Porsche Centers.

What You (and Your Mechanic) Should Know

I recommend you always do a pre-purchase inspection with borescope (i.e., look at the cylinder walls with a camera) on any S model of this generation. You'll also be checking for metal particles in oil and engine knock.

The good news is that properly cared-for S models can run well past 100K miles without issues. Confirm this one is in that category and you have a special car for many miles ahead.

Porsche Problems

See you next week with more affordable picks!

Take care,

—RF