Good question, I think I'd be asking some very frank questions and saying "If the last guy found a problem, I'll find that problem so don't waste both our time and tell me what's up". Of course some people still try it on.
I'm interested in it but it's one of those cars you just have to view on its own merits on the day. I know that's a right dodgy car dealers phrase when they're trying to palm off some pile of junk but it's the case here. £16k isn't going to get a lovely, low mile, low owner example. I'd basically be checking the 2 biggest money items (engine and bodywork), have a drive of it to check clutch, brakes, gearbox then check what works and what doesn't on the interior/electrics.
If it checks out and the car isn't bent or ringed that would do me. They're always going to be a but of a rolling project at that price. I'm looking at this type of thing because A) it's all my budget will allow at present, but B) I want a car I can fiddle on myself again, bringing things up to scratch etc. I also wNt something I can just use and ignore the mileage racking up.
Having just sold my MK1 GT3 I want a break from the serious side of 911 ownership where it's all about values and "Ooh you must have that done by that specialist! Anyone else doesn't know what they're doing!" Bollocks to all that. Plus having 60k miles on I was always thinking "Hmm I don't want to take this upto 70k or over as it will be less desirable". It's just daft and totally takes the fun out of cars.
So like I say I'm going back to basics. Right now is actually the worst possible time for me to buy as we are half way through the house refurb that made me sell the GT3. Still have flooring throughout, decor and kitchen to buy.
We've gone from Poggen Pohl, down to Howdens, down to ikea.
I still think the market is artificially high so my plan was to do the house and get back into a 964 when I'm 40. I'm 37 now. But there's that niggling thought that if that if I don't buy now, I may never be able to afford one again. But those thoughts are what fuel these crazy booms so I'm not buying into it. I'll keep one eye on the market but pretty much intend to wait a couple of years.
Anyway sorry for the rant.