To replace or restore...

[Don Z.]

Well, I know better than to put this on the 911 Forum... but I'm wondering what others think of this.

I currently have a '74 Carrera Targa. My plan was to do a full restoration on the car, and then use it as a daily driver. But I've been thinking...

For the cost, I can probably find a good used 986. For a little more, I could probably find a new 987 with very few options.

On the one hand, after a restoration, I'd have a basically "new" 911, but it would be the latest in early '70s technology. On the other, I'd have a new car that would be a dependable daily driver, but the costs to service would be higher. What I mean by that is I can do most of the maintenance tasks on the 911 myself, but ABS checks? Airbag checks? All the little things they put in the 30,000 mile service that make you want to have them do it... ODB-II... etc.

So, what would you do?

[thomschoon]

Been there, still have the SC and love it but not for a daily driver, I actually like having a heater that works and AC is wonderful when the humidity is high and you are stuck in traffic. Check out www.dorkiphus.com it is a DC area BBS that is primarily 911 focused with many members that use theirs for a daily driver. But for me, dumping $20k+ into a $12k car is not a good investment unless you plan on keeping it a long time, which is why I still have my moneypit.

[trj911]

The preformance of my SC and my 99 Boxster are very similar and I must admit I like the safety featrues of the Boxster. Antilock brakes, airbags and so on. Also no oil leak, a radio that actually works, A/C and heat, even heated seats. If I could only have one as a daily driver it would be the Boxster.

[racer]

My last Porsche was a 1978 SC. I had it for 5-6 years. Went from Bone stock to track demon. I now have a 2000 Boxster. Night and day difference, so far all for the better. Love the "modern" features (A/C, Heat), like the ABS, Airbags too. Love having a mid engine car again (my first car was a 914) and the convertible is fantastic! I really like the sound, especially above 3k rpm. Test drive a few Boxsters. They are great cars.

Don't be afraid of the OBDII stuff. The RMS stuff, The coolant tank issues, Slipped sleeved cylinders. Blah blah. The list is endless. However, as the owner of a maligned 2.7l 911, you too know that the web can overhype any problem and that there are "good" ones out there

As to your '74, what do you mean by "restoration" Are we talking a guess of $5000 to be spent? $10,000? More? Who would do it? How long would it realistically take? While "rare", the US 1974 Carerra is not as special or unique as the Euro carerra with the high compression 2.7l MFI motors. The US ones are more like a trim package than a better performing car.

[JMatta]

I concur with what racer brought up. I have an early 911 that has been heavily modified and thoroughly enjoy it. But my street car is a Boxster S. Creature comfort, great peformance and top down pleasure. If your '74 is mechanically sound, i.e., no engine or trans rebuild required, then it may be feasable to restore. Even the US Carreras are gaining value these days. You don't state what condition the car is in. As we all know, you can get upside down on a restoration really quick. Even if you you do the restoration, I doubt you'd want to drive it daily; you'd still want the Boxster. Yes, the 911 board will tell you differently, but we know better. I say keep the 911 and restore as funds permit, and go buy the newest Boxster, now, that you can afford.

[Don Z.]

OK, I broke down and did it... Found an '06, never titled, black with grey interior... this should be fun...

[Don Z.]

Oh yeah... obligatory pic:

[FrayAdjacent911]

I bet you're gonna enjoy the Boxster!

[Mike Navarro]

Nice looking car Don Z.

Mike