Your checklist for buying a highmileage 911

Mike's story shows you shouldn't immediately be put off purchasing a 911 with more than six figures on the odometer. Here's a checklist of the most important factors to consider when inspecting a high-mileage 996 example, courtesy of independent UK specialists Paragon Porsche (www.paragongb.com):

• Service history and condition: Generally on a car with huge miles, a lot of the components will have been replaced – like the starter motor, alternator and water pump for water-cooled 911s – so you can generally get hold of a good car, even though they may have done big miles. Check these have been done.

• Accident damage: A lot can happen over the course of 100,000 miles. Has the car been involved in any accidents or scrapes?

• Suspension: This is worth checking for clonks and rattles, as the lower suspension arms can wear, but again, a well-sorted car will have generally had these replaced.

• RMS and intermediate shaft seals: These will have more than likely been done by now, but it's worth double-checking to make sure.

• Interior: 996s don’t wear particularly well inside, so it’s worth inspecting the interior condition. The condition can largely depend on who has previously owned it, of course, and we have seen high-mileage cars that still look fresh inside.