Let me clarify my previous post. I meant to say that my Autotrader search showed 39 997's advertised at $42,500 or less. I know that's above the OP's maximum, but I would imagine those advertised prices are negotiable.

 

I have searched AutoTrader, but have keep the search to within 300 miles of home and dont come up with that # of cars. I assume its similar to BMW M cars there are a ton more on the west coast and they seem to be priced lower too. I think the 08 Boxster's may be what I need to focus on because they are much less expensive and a good entry point into the brand.

What is the IMS issue?

I did stop into the local dealer tonight and they really dont have pre-owned, but we got talking new and he was trying to get me into one of the new Cayman or ordering a new boxster both of which would be $62 -66k. With $15k down they were about $600/mo. For giggles he priced up a new 12 911 Cab with a sticker of $122k and it was around $1600/mo. My hats off to those who can afford that without concern. Such a gorgeous car!

 

There are simply not as many Porsches in Michigan. Broaden your search a little more. I am sure you're willing to go another couple hundred miles (or more) for the right car at the right price.

 

No offense to the Boxster owners (because I love women ) but personally I would suggest you continue looking for a few months rather than settling. It's like when my best friend bought a Harley many years ago. Unfortunately I couldn't afford a Big Twin so I bought a Sportster. Granted it was a 1200 cc model, which was supposed to be faster than a Big Twin. Nevertheless, whenever I was around other Harley owners, including my friend, I always felt inferior. There's even a term for that condition called "Big Twin Envy." So I think if you settle for a Boxster every time you see a 911 you're going to have "911 Envy." Like looking for a mate, the car you really want is out there and you'll be sorry if you take something that's not what you really want just to say you own a Porsche. Be patient, as the first car I ever considered buying was a 997 in Michigan. It sold before I could pull the trigger but I ended up buying a similar car that was only about 200 miles away.

Of course now I have "Turbo Envy."