question about buying 911

Titleist944 · 03-03-2003, 07:02 PM

I know this question gets asked alot, but i was wondering if you guys could help me. For along time now i have been in search of a local early model 944 in good condition. I recently went over to a foriegn car dealership to check out an 83, except it was no longer there. So while i was there i checked out a few 911s. I found an 87 widebody carrera cabriolet and the instant i started it up i fell in love. They were asking 28k, (a bit more than an n/a 944.) I have gotten on the internet and done a little rescearch on the 911 model and i would like to get some opinions. While i would like a Carrera, i am open to all other models of 911, sc, etc.
What kind of price range am i looking at? It seems it varies so much that its hard to get a feel for what im going to have to spend. So, could someone please give me what i could expect to spend on various 911 models? thanks.

GSpreeman · GSpreeman's Garage

Depends on the seller, condition of the car, mileage, etc. A late 80's Carrera can range from $14K to $24K. Don't judge based on the bluebook prices, no one would ever part with their Porsche for the low prices they list. Also, when you see an '87 Carrera being sold for $35K, you know that the seller is just testing the waters to see if someone will foolishly pay his price, or he is willing to negotiate the price a lot.

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

Late Carreras are currently going for very reasonable prices $14-20 can get a reasonable car. I would go for an 87-89 model as they are much mpre refined than the 84-86's.
The trannies and a/c plus a small boost in power.
wait and watch and the right car will find you!
Good luck!
Rgds Ben

don911 · don911's Garage

If you're looking at a turbo look car, varify that it is a factory turbo look and not a conversion. There is a difference between the two even if it's a well done conversion. A factory TL should be priced quite a bit higher than a conversion.

old_skul · 03-03-2003, 09:20 PM

The Carreras are getting very reasonable lately, and they're (arguably) much better than the SC line. They have drawbacks (fast-wearing valve guides), but all the model ranges have their quirks.

Just make sure that if you get serious about one, get a pre-purchase inspection including a compression test done before handing over a check.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by old_skul
The Carreras are getting very reasonable lately, and they're (arguably) much better than the SC line.

Heresey! Our founder shall surely pummel you into a wimpering rod bolt.

Oh wait...nuts.

In all seriousness, do a search on buying here...tons of threads with insane amounts of information. Bottom line is look around, check out as many cars as you can, have a good independent Porsche shop do a pre purchase inspection, and be prepared to grin. All the various incarnations have their quirks, and I think the best advice is to find the best example you can, and worry less about what year it is. Don't be fooled by a shiny new paint job though.

old_skul · 03-04-2003, 07:33 AM

Second what Nostatic said. In fact, look for a shiny *original* paint. That is sometimes a good indication of the care that was taken of the car.

Jdub · 03-04-2003, 08:11 AM

You can get into a plain-Jane SC for mighty low bucks nowadays but you will need to be a ready hand with a wrench for the typical problems that may or may not raise their ugly heads. As a data point I paid about 5.5K for a '78 with upgrades. The body needs work, the susp. is tired, the tires were shot, you know the story. TLC and this board!

I am currently scoping a Carrera in the Seattle area that has sat by the road for a long time. It is totally clapped-out but has possibilities. Maybe something like this is hidden in the backstreets of your town?

John

EDIT: I also must say that the Turbo 944 is a very handsome car and I hear tell the performance is quite solid. I have admired them for some time now.