[speeder]

First of all, if the car is on eBay, the seller MUST allow inspections prior to bidding. It's clearly stated in the rules, several different places. If he refuses, you can get the auction cancelled. Remind him of this if he balks.

Secondly, the whole $1k ppi talk is just bananas. If you have a modicum of automotive knowledge, you can eliminate most older used cars before you even open a door or hatch. I can eliminate them from 100 yards away sometimes. If a car passes all of the initial sniff tests and drives right, stories line up, etc., then you should be able to find someone local to put it on a rack for 30 minutes and pull wheels off to check brakes, look or leaks, etc.

Do you live in some remote place where there is no one competent to look at a Porsche? If so, I'd seriously reconsider ownership if you do not have the ability/tools/inclination to maintain it yourself. It could be a major drag.