The Beginner's Dilemma - on the hunt

tersmc · 04-05-2005, 09:13 PM

Which Porshce to start? seeking advice from all those "who have gone before me"....

I've loved Porsche's since I was about 7. I remember my uncle owned what must've been a '73 or '74, 914... silver. Not many of them on the road up north at the time. Much later on, after stints with Fiat's, BMW's and Audi's, he then purchased a 911 SC, black with whale tail. At the time, I considered that to be the ultimate ride. He threw me the keys and let me drive it for my high school graduation; breathtaking and dangerous at the same time (testosterone GRIN

). I was so enamoured with cars that I opened up my own detailing shop at the age of 18, saw many fine cars, drove many more since, but nothing stirs me....

I'm now 36 years of age, with a wife, house, 2 kids, mortgage, minivan, etc., etc., and the absolute NEED to buy my first Porsche. I've been scouring the classifieds for the last five months getting an idea as to what's available and what I can afford. Here's the deal. I've got about $8 - $10k US to spend. I know it's not a lot, but I've got to start somewhere (read wife!, kids!) and wanted to solicit feedback from the experienced. I'm looking for advice on what would be an ideal "starter" for someone in my position. I'm not much of a mechanical DIY'er, and would most likely rely on a reputable shop for repairs.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. My preference would be for a turn-key 914 or 944. YES? I'm not partial to the 924's and don't even want to consider one. I'm somewhat familiar with the issues surrounding 30 year old 914s, but less familiar with 944 related issues. I'll also throw out my "blue-sky" car... I'd absolutely LOVE a mid-70's targa, although I fear my money won't stretch that far!

Wisdom for a newbie?

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

While I am not the most experienced, I will say my favorites are the 3.2 liter 1984-1989 cars. You can find a high mileage 84-85 for about 10k. That is what I paid for mine and in 2 years of ownership, my receipts for gas are more expensive than for repairs which is as it should be.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

$10K budget, it's possible to find a decent car, most likely a MY or a decent running SC - There seems to be a lot of stuff out there these days. Spring's coming up, people will be cleaning 'em up and selling 'em pretty quick. Hang around you'll find something pretty quick.

Don't be afraid to ask for assistance from the 911 technical forum if you find a car and need an opinion, or better yet a set of eyes on it before you travel....

Good luck

rjp

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Here's a good deal! Make a road trip out of it.

79 targa FS

My car is a rolling endorsement for the seller...

stomachmonkey · 04-05-2005, 11:08 PM

You can't go wrong with that one.

The car is listed by John Walker. Do a search on this board and his name will come up a 1000 times and they will all be positive.

If I had to pay for the knowledge that I've gained from him for free through this board I'd could buy another 911 or two.

I would pick up the phone and call him TODAY!

I've never met or spoken to the man but I'd send him a check without a second thought confident that what I was getting would be exactly what he said it would be.

Good luck.
Scott

IROC · IROC's Garage

Even though I'm a hardcore 911 guy, unless you've got some additional disposable income to spend on maintenance and upgrades, I'd consider a really nice late '80s 944 (even a turbo, S or S2). Great cars that can be had for waay less than they're worth these days. A 914 is going to require more tinkering, but can be alot of fun, too.

Strangely, I've actually found 944s more expensive to maintain that a 911 (based on the '85 944 I owned), but if you can find one with all of the typical issues resolved (which you can easily do for $8k-$10k) then the risks are reduced greatly.

Mike

tersmc · 04-06-2005, 04:22 AM

Thanks much for the input. I did actually see the targa for sale at John Walker's workshop and am tempted... but I'm in Toronto and it's 2500 miles away. I'm becoming more familiar with the porschephiles on this board and am getting an idea on who's reputable.... John Walker seems to be one of them, and I hope to find a car that's been as well maintained.

Ideally want to find something a little closer to home if possible. There is a decent pool of 944's out there, and will most likely go that route (unless I see a targa worth snatching up!). But as you say, spring is coming and I'll keep my eyes peeled!

Cheers to all and thanks for the suggestions!

mikester · 04-06-2005, 04:45 AM

With 10K to spend your best bet is the 944/951/962 route.

Every 911 out there is at least a $20 k car - so if you buy a $10k 911 expect to it to need at least $10k worth of work. I think with the exchange rate to the euro it might be closer to 15k worth of work. I remember 4 years ago turbo tie rods were closer to $100 than $150 and now they are $150...just as an example.

kmhemi · 04-06-2005, 05:52 AM

I have a real nice Guards Red 914 for sale but it has the Chalon Bodykit, you either love or hate them...Anyhow it has a fresh 2.0 with about 1,500 miles on it. Great car, very dependable. Email me if you want some pics.
kmhemi@Yahoo.com

targa911S · 04-06-2005, 07:05 AM

If you can't trust John...who then?

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by mikester
With 10K to spend your best bet is the 944/951/962 route.

I'll take every 962 that you find for $10K...and I 'll pay a finders fee. Thanks!

mikester · 04-06-2005, 07:22 AM

I've seen them here and there on autotrader.com - I test drove one about a year ago that I recall was ~$10k and was not impressed. I think they look nice but I felt more cramped in it than in my 911 and I'm not a big guy.

Drago · Drago's Garage

I've seen the car John is selling. He's gone through it completely. It's not in the best cosmetic shape but mechanically it's very sound. It's probably the only time I'd say you could skip the PPI too.

I'd give him a call if I were you.

FWIW, my 944 cost me way more to maintain than my Targa.

cowtown · 04-06-2005, 07:33 AM

Sounds like you have driven a 911 a while ago, but have you driven a 944? It is a vastly different feeling and handling car. I really think you've got to be sure which model you want.

Also, how much DIY maintenance will you do? I had a '84 944, and I find the 911s are much simpler to work on.

At the risk of offending the 9x4 crowd, IMO if you really want a mid-70s 911, you won't be happy with a 944.

Superman · 04-06-2005, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by stomachmonkey
You can't go wrong with that one.

The car is listed by John Walker. Do a search on this board and his name will come up a 1000 times and they will all be positive.

If I had to pay for the knowledge that I've gained from him for free through this board I'd could buy another 911 or two.

I would pick up the phone and call him TODAY!

I've never met or spoken to the man but I'd send him a check without a second thought confident that what I was getting would be exactly what he said it would be.

Good luck.
Scott

I know John Walker personally, and can validate all these remarks. Any time I'm considering anything related to Porsches, I give John a call. I'd buy a car from him in a New York minute.

Overpaid Slacker · 04-06-2005, 07:46 AM

Rick -- beat me to it, ya bastard! Great post.

JP

VaSteve · 04-06-2005, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tersmc
Thanks much for the input. I did actually see the targa for sale at John Walker's workshop and am tempted... but I'm in Toronto and it's 2500 miles away. I'm becoming more familiar with the porschephiles on this board and am getting an idea on who's reputable.... John Walker seems to be one of them, and I hope to find a car that's been as well maintained.

Ideally want to find something a little closer to home if possible. There is a decent pool of 944's out there, and will most likely go that route (unless I see a targa worth snatching up!). But as you say, spring is coming and I'll keep my eyes peeled!

Cheers to all and thanks for the suggestions!

Fly there and drive back. If John worked on it, you know you'll get it home

targa911S · 04-06-2005, 12:15 PM

Be cautious about the mid -late 70s 2.7 engine. Though most out there at this time have had the proper work done to them, there are still a few grenades out there.

tersmc · 04-06-2005, 01:38 PM

Great input. I have driven both a 944 and 911 and prefer the 911, no doubt about that. Would love to drive it back, but it would take an easy 4 days... can't afford the time off.

It seems like John's reputation is spotless. There MUST be a clone of him somewhere closer!! Eyes and ears are open. This is an ITCH that will get SCRATCHED sometime soon!