[VaSteve]

I'm really looking for advice more on the basis of buying a used Porsche in cash from a private seller.

He advertised it for $5K with all the work done. Turns out it was done a couple of years ago and since it hasn't been driven the tires and brakes are definite replace items. The timing belt needs to be done as well. The shop (and tire store) would charge about $2500 for all the work and I could do it myself for $1600 (parts and tires).

I figure I have thrown $140 into a PPI and he has spent his time driving it to the shop so he's invested in it as well. I'm not lowballing just for sport. I have a rationale, the car needs a couple of things to be safe/pass inspection. I figure anyone PPI'ing the car after me would find the same problems (if they had 1/2 a brain).