I am really jonesing for a 911
 

911s were an icon of my youth, and I just can't shake the desire to get one (especially since prices keep creeping upwards). But, could I live with a relatively low hp 911 SC? I've already got a powerful toy (an E46 M3), and a lightweight, momentum car (a Miata). Are the intangibles of the 911 worth it? Could I be happy with a non-Carerra? Does anyone have a cure to fix a Targa, aesthetically?

This one has caught my eye . . .

http://www.mohrimports.com/thumb_cac...1ceea142cf.jpg

Mohr Imports, Inc.

White, Coupe, no tail . . . just about perfect.

Don't let the numbers of an SC fool you. There is a visceral feel to an SC, and even though the numbers look lower than the Carrera, the SC is lighter. By today's standards the cars are slugs but they still hold their own on a back country road.
When I started looking for my first 911 it was between the SC and the Carrera and the more of the cars I drove the more the SC called me.
You buy the one that feels the best to you.

Dont buy from mohrs imports. I was interested in a 993 there, a fellow pca member in my region son works at the ferrari dealer done the street from mohrs. His opinion is that they are shady. Nice looking car though

If you want one, I don't think buying one will disappoint you. It didn't for me:)

Listen to Rick V, he knows 911s very well and his SC is sweet.

I bought 3.2 last fall. Its a driving experience hard to put in words; raw, visceral, engaged, sticky, loud, something that makes me grin every time I drive her. Its not the biggest HP but every bit of it is obtainable all the time.

We're not gonna tell you to get a Malibu instead . . .

My Carrera is not too different from a SC. Expect a more direct, less comfortable, more lively experience than a modern car. In a stoplight drag you'll be just so-so. On a twisty road, you'll love it. Do some AX with a local club. They are not "normal" cars to drive.

As you pointed out, prices continue to rise. If you get a solid car for a fair price you can live with it for a while and if you decide to sell (you won't) you might even make a couple bucks. Not too many things you can do this with.

Bought my 3.2 cab in December. Best money I ever spent on myself. Really.

I've had a Carrera and an SC. Both were wonderful cars. If I could do it again, I'd probably go back to an SC.

Yep, every car I have seen there is beat and overpriced.

Yes.

I'm generally not a fan of the Targas, aesthetically. But there are a couple on this BBS that really look stunning. Lowered, Fuchs, duck tail...

I have an SC. It is really a perfect blend of many very nice attributes. Someone once called the SC "tossable." Not a bad description. Reasonably light. Somewhat powerful. Keeps your attention. I drive mine daily. I enjoy the heck out of it. My driving record is clean. My point? It is entertaining at reasonable speeds. Life is short.

Larry

A torsion bar 911 just has something. I havn't had a car I like more. Buy one you won't regret it. You might find your other cars don't get used that often, though.

Dean

I used to own an SC, and would own one again in a heartbeat. Great cars. Its not about raw speed. Its about the experience. Its like driving a swiss watch. Its like being in a machine that's alive.

I am thinking of selling my E46 M3 to get back into a 930. The M3, whilst a great car just does everything to good. Not to mention it will eventually suffer from the dreaded fatigue cracks in the rear subframe.

I have a non-sunroof 1983 SC that I love to drive. I've made it a little lighter with fiberglass front/rear bumpers and a ducktail. CIS was yanked and installed 46mm PMO carburetors, exhaust is SSI's with a M&K 2 in 2 out muffler. Complete suspension makeover with Elephant Racing polybronze bushings with Bilstein shocks all around. The last touch was having it corner balanced and lowered to Euro spec. Is she the quickest/fastest car out there ? Not even close but she has a " feel " to her that is just wonderful ! The car gives plenty of feedback to the butt and hands on the wheel. She is from a gone era where man made meant something and not cookie cutter manufacturing. Modern cars have their place in society but so do vintage sports cars.

Thanks for all of the strong replies so far. I suspect an SC would be similar in feel to my Miata -- direct, light, powerful enough to be entertaining within the speed limits. The one at Mohr interests me because of the colour, and the interior, and the relatively clean lines.

I've got extensive autox and lapping experience -- and I think I'd love the challenge of a 911. I will keep you posted.

Not even close.
Just grab your local sale "paper" and start driving cars. Each one is different, with it's own feel and personality.
The search is half the fun and you will meet some very interesting people along the way.

Not really an option in Canada -- air-cooled 911s rarely come up for sale around here. And when they do they are really, really spendy.

You win. :)