In 2002 I bought a 1986 944T (turbo) as my second track car, after my Miata. It’s in the running for one of the most expensive mistakes I’ve made in my life. For some reason, I became enthralled by a listing on eBay, and without driving one in person or comparing prices with similar cars locally, I bought it on auction and had it shipped to me in Maryland (from Arkansas, IIRC). What was I thinking?!?
The first surprise, right after it came off the transporter, was that when the driver’s seat was positioned so I could easily get in or out, I was miles from the steering wheel and pedals. I had to slide the seat several inches forward, in which position it was a tight squeeze to get in or out of the car. I had to get used to doing that every time.
The car was 17 years old when I got it, and lots of things kept breaking. The speedo, the brakes, an axle (on track, requiring a 90-mile tow home, fortunately at no cost by another very generous participant with a trailer!). And repairs were expensive.
The Miata had been my daily driver for many years and I had taken it to the track 12 times when I got the Porsche. The Miata had needed no repairs during that 18 months. I probably spent a couple thousand on repairs on the Porsche for 8 track days. I sold it for well under half what I had paid after 18 months.
Believe it or not, I bought my next car sight unseen as well, pre-ordering the brand new 2003 Nissan 350Z, but that purchase turned out a lot better. It was my track car and daily driver from the next 12 years. The best car I ever owned.
When it was working right, the 944T was fun to drive, and I drove others that performed better than mine. So my bad experience is mostly down to my stupidity in buying that particular car.
The best thing about having owned that car is that I can legitimately call myself a (former) Porsche owner, and not feel like a poser when I wear my nice Porsche jackets.