As a previous 1979 924 owner (1981 - 1988) I have decided that it is time to get back into the game.
I have spent the last few days reading up all I can find but I still have a few more questions.
I have decided on a 1988 924-S with a 5 speed. Now here are my questions:
1. When I owned my earlier Porsche, I was ripped off by the three Porsche mechanics that I came in contact with as a byproduct of being naive and a bit young and stupid. Not wanting to repeat that process, how do you ensure that you do not get taken to the cleaners, if you are not doing your own work?
2. I used to have tools and a place to do maintenance, now I do not. If I ever have to do anything mechanical, I will have to do it in my driveway. Assuming that I can find a decent mechanic, can I live out my upcoming Porsche existence by having said mechanic do all of the upkeep or will that bleed me dry?
3. I have another car, so this will not be my primary means of transportation, but I want to drive the Porsche as much as circumstances will allow. In my world this translate into really wanting a reliable 924 and not a hanger queen like my '79 was. Is that possible with an '88 924-S if I spend a "reasonable" amount of time and money to keep it up?
4. I wont be racing at all if that will help some of your answers.
5. If I have to buy tools to do some work, what would you recommend? I guess I could spend no more than $500 if I had to. Is that enough or should I just skip that idea entirely?
6. Did they ever fix the rear hatch window frame seperation problem?
7. If I chose carefully, can I get a really cherry 924 for between $4,500 and $5,500 with the expectation of spending another $1,500 to bring it up to a high degree of perfection with EVERYTHING in order working reliably?
or
Should I buy a $2,500 car and spend another $4,500 - $5,000 to get the car right?
If you knew everything that you know now, what would you people have done differently when you got your 924-S?