Im currently looking at a 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, its a gorgeous car with an Aero Kit, full leather and 19" wheels. Downside is that it has 105K miles.

Seller is asking 17K for it which is near blue book value. I'm far from rich but understand the higher maintenance cost of owning a Porsche and feel its not too bad. Especially if I can get this car for close to $15K

My question is... how long do these cars typically last? Is 105,000 miles "too high" for a Porsche? Im very interested, just dont want to buy a car that will only last me another 40K miles and then take a full dump on me haha. Any insight or advice is appreciated, thanks.

 

Porsches are extremely durable cars, but demand absolutely scrupulous, well-done maintenance and service. The problem with 105K miles is the uncertainty: if well cared for, this car has another 50K in it easily - you will pay a lot of service, and there might be some big bills, but I can't see those costs, over five years and 50K miles, coming to much more than you're going to pay for the car up front - IF its in really good condition.
If it has ever neglected in any way, it could easily cost you as much as you pay for the car in repairs and service in just the first year and few thousand miles. The problem is that while a full checkout by a knowledgeable mechanic will help reduce the uncertainty, there is no guarrantee - a lot of abuse can be hidden temporarily or truly isn't detectable for a long time to come.
If it were me, and I wanted the car, I'd have it fully checked, etc., and IF and only if it gets a really clean bill of health, buy it. But then, I'm lucky enough that I can afford just to walk away from something that cost that much without feeling I got stung. If you can, too, then it won't be a worrisome situation for you, and I'd say go ahead. If that kind of cash is a bit dear for you (or, God forbid, you are thinking of financing any part of it) then it is probably a really bad idea.