So. What's my next move?
 

So, I've had my 951 for about 5 years now; it's my 3rd Porsche, after 2 944s (one was used primarily for parts). Although I like the car a lot, I feel as though the time is coming to move on - at this point, I'm less concerned with going fast and looking good than driving something with real character; plus, I'm sick of the repairs that an old 951 demands, I'm sick of turbo lag, and want something that pulls strongly from the word 'go'. My career is going in the right direction, I'll be making more money next year than I ever had before, and I think it's time for a new toy... at least, it will be within the next year or two.

I'm thinking it's time for a 911... but the question is: which one? There are so many options within a reasonable price range.

My Ultimate Plan would be: buy a very nice late 80's Carrera Cabriolet in an interesting color (slate gray, garnet red, something like that - definitely NOT guards red, black, or white) AND an early 911 roller that I can make into a long-term project (Carrera RS lightweight replica with 3.2 power, ideally). I'm not sure if this is viable right now, though: I am renting a house with friends, and am limited to two parking spaces, and I also have a Mini Cooper S for daily driving. I WILL be in the market for a house some time within the next five years, but I would prefer it would be when I finally meet someone with whom I want to settle down (right now I'm casually dating a couple of people).

Add to these complications the fact that I'd really like to become familiar with 911s in a mechanical sense over a few years before I dive into a project, I'm thinking that my ultimate plan will have to wait a couple of years. Does that mean that my 911 itch will have to wait, too? I think not!

This means that I will probably be looking at 911 Carrera 3.2s and, maybe, 911SCs (especially ones that have been mildly tweaked); since I'll probably have to wait to build my dream 911, I would probably want the only Porsche in my stable to be a coupe - I want a convertible, but I don't really like the idea of my only Porsche being a Cab, for some reason. This might or might not make sense to you guys. I dunno.

The 964 also makes an interesting case for itself: they're surprisingly cheap (probably due to the 993's desirability), they look more modern inside and out than the 80's 911, they have more power than the 3.2 or SC, etc. Considering that I do most of my repairs and maintenance myself, and I'm really, really tired of the 951's heavy maintenance, I've been advised by Porsche mechs to seek out a 3.0 or 3.2 if I want an easy-to-work-on and reliable 911; in other words, stay away from the 964.

The 993s are gorgeous, and wonderful, but probably out of my price range.

The 996 is out of the question; no offense to any of you that might own one - they are wonderful cars, but they are simply not very good-looking to my eyes.

Out of the question, too, is the 1970s Carreras with the 2.7 - too many maintenance issues, especially when I can get a SC or a 3.2 for a little more money.

The dark horse here would be the early 911 - they are fun, classic, interesting, and would set me up for my eventual project. I'm doubting that I'll go this route simply because I want something with a bit more power and more amenities.

So, there's my case. I'm sure I'll figure things out before the time actually comes to sell the 951, but I'd like to hear what the Pelican braintrust has to say. So, if you were me, what would you do?

Find a nice 3.2.

I've owned multiple examples of the SC and Carrera over the years. With today's pricing, the 3.2 is the better value. Other than the age difference (a Carrera is going to be between 1 and 12 years newer than an SC), the Motronic injection system on the Carrera is a lot easier to work on, and more reliable these days, than an aging CIS system.

If you are going to take the time to really learn the engine and the system, your time is better spent with Motronic. CIS is pretty antiquated, developed in the 60s and in production since the early 70s. Motronic is actually still a fairly modern system.

As far as 964, just look in the engine bay compared to a 3.2. It's crowded, they run hot and most you look at will be a leaky mess underneath. But the big thing is the driving. You have to drive one to see if you like it. A few years ago I was also tempted because of the low 964 prices, but a few drives was all it took to make it very clear it wasn't for me. Power steering, etc. etc. It's just nowhere near as simple and direct as a 3.2. To me, it's a significantly different driving experience.

But also, maybe you can find an early car that already has a 3.2 in it and just needs some "finishing to taste." That's the most direct, and probably ultimately the most cost effective, way to get where you want to end up.

A 964 is good value, provided you like that look.

A 3.2 G50 is more money (and less car IMO) but will likely hold its value more as it more desirable.

I couldn't decide. I ended up with one of each. If I had to dump one it would be the 964, but only because I like the 'cab'.

Buy a 3.2 Cab & you would be half way there.

Ian

I can give you a decent price on a '84 factory turbo look...

What differences in maintenance is there between a 964 and a late 3.2? I was highly considering a 964 before winding up with my 986 S and they are still tempting- I think a black/black 964 Cab is one of the best looking 911's ever.

There are good deals out there. I paid $22.5k for a '96 Carrera 4 coupe with 54k on the odo.

Go drive one & you'll soon see what all the fuss is about!

Just me.

If possible I'd probably keep the 951 (and issues) and look at a permanent residence of some kind.

Or somewhere with a (my) garage.

Then the Carrera, then the G-50. Then the 993.

The deal Paul K found is smokin'. Or at least in my world it is.

my .02

Karl
88 Targa

Thanks for the input, folks. I'm leaning toward a 3.2 Carrera of some sort.

Karl, I have a permanent residence, I just don't own it. I've lived here for about 3 years. I have my own garage, with two parking spots... I don't think trading my 951 for a 911 would impact my eventual home purchase.

Would there be any noticeable performance difference between a 3.2 Cab and a 3.2 Coupe? I know the Coupe is obviously stiffer, but is it the kind of thing that would be noticeable on a daily basis?

Go drive an SC or Carrera, seriously. After driving the 951, you'll feel like you're going 30 years back in time. I felt my 951 was a thoroughly modern car, not so with the air-cooled 911s that I've driven. They have a HUGE amount of character, but can also be temperamental with crappy A/C, slow shifting, heavy steering, limited features, etc. I love the older 911s and will own another some day, but you have to understand their shortcomings.

So am I understanding you correctly - you want an early 911, an SC or Carrera, and keep your Mini? Sounds fun but ambitious, $40k later you might have two drivable 911s. Why not sell your Mini for a 996 then buy an early 911 as your toy/project? For just a little over $20k you can get a 996 that will be as comfortable to drive daily as your Mini, yet faster than any prior non-turbo 911. They really are spectacular cars. I contend that most 996 critics haven't driven one, they are amazing and reliable cars.

I completely agree that the 996 is a great car - I just don't want one. I don't like how they look, period.

My Cooper S is staying. I love it - absolutely love.

I've driven a few 1980s 911 coupes and Targas. I like them, but they do have a different feel than a 951. My Porsche will definitely just be a specialty/weekend car. My 951 is too... calm and comfortable. I want something slightly edgy for my weekend car. A tuned 911 should do nicely.

In terms of "the look," something like this would do nicely :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/550822-1988-factory-wide-body-sale.html

Buy a 914 with a 3.2 0r 3.6

Your answer is in front of you. :)

I have a 1983 911SC with suspension mods and PMO carbs/SSI's and free flow exhaust and she is a sweet running car. I also have a 1975 914 with a 1978 3.0 with Weber 40's, full suspension makeover and 911 brakes on all four corners. This car flat out flys !!! Being only 2100 lbs. she is very quick and is neutral in its handling. If I had to choose only one I might lean towards the 914 but I plan on keeping both.

I personally don't like the SCs but go try one on. They're good cars but they're just too "dime a dozen" for me. I'd opt for a 993 if you have the money or a good mid-year if you don't. Or a Boxster S.

I do love that car's look and its condition, but that PARTICULAR car's asking price is a bit too high for me (although it looks as though it's worth it). I just posted that as an example of what I have in mind.

So back to the Cab vs. Coupe thing: is there a big dynamic difference? I've driven Targas and Coupes, and don't notice much of a difference, other than maybe a little bit more noise from the Targa roof.