[WFBowen]

Frank:
As you probably know, because of the recent CA smog laws, there are a good number of 76 Porsches (all types) that are now locked-in to smog tests, & this car was probably subject to the dreaded "test-only" type of test. You CAN buy a car in Calif. without having it smogged, but 2 key points are: 1. What will you need to register the car in Arizona (smog related.) and 2. Why did the car fail California smog? This second point is very important, as the 912E is not a really complicated smog system. It looks like it must have passed the visual inspection, as it appears to have all of the bells & buzzers. It could be the airflow meter, black box, etc. which can lead you down a trail of $$. Mike also makes a good point about the non-functioning A/C. This seems to be one of those cars that was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, due to either lack of funds or appreciation of the car. I'd personally either walk on the deal or, if you really want it, make a REAL LOW offer on the car.... what are his options? He pretty much has to sell to an out of state buyer or a dismantler in Calif. As an attorney, he must know that in CA, the seller must provide a valid smog certificate, even if a bill of sale states that the buyer is purchasing the car with the knowledge that it won't pass CA smog.
IMO, if it drives well, offer 3500. I think there are better cars in the 6k range out there, especially smog-fail 912E's.
Good luck,
Bill.
p.s. At fitst glance I thought this was my old Black one, but I had no AC.