looking to buy a 911

[Kandid]

Hello, I'been hanging around in this forum for a while now (944 corner ) but now I have an opportunity to buy an 83 911 SC. I would appreciate any information before I drive 150 miles to take a look at it.
What are the common problems for that year, what should I check and most important what would be a fair price?
Thanks!

[nostatic]

do a search on SC and PPI and you should get plenty of info. Pretty much bulletproof cars with a few exceptions. Look for a pop-off valve on the airbox, updated oil-fed ("Carrera") chain tensioners, and if possible pull the valve covers to check for broken head studs. Other than that, overall condition. Your best bet is to have a good local independent Porsche shop do a "PPI" (pre purchase inspection).

Price depends on mileage and mostly condition, condition, and condition. Check the condition. You might also want to take a close look at the condition. But seriously, there are cars out there that look great, but are dogs. Beware new paint. In general most people here would like to find an original car with a full history/records. People have gotten lucky and bought good cars with no history or modded, but it is nice to know where the car has been...

[Stuttgart951]

There arent many weakposts on these cars as we waterpumper bretheren think of them.

As stated above - pop off air box is a must, Carrera tensioners, and broken head studs. Thats it. Overall condition - mechanically and cosmetically should give you an idea. Clutch work is easier with a 915 tranny that it is with a 944/951 tranny, but still expensive.

Depending on milage, the late SC's can be had from as little as $10,000 for car that needs work. A great, clean and sorted out low milage example should bring around $15,000 IMO.

[Kandid]

This car will be at the auto auction so probably it has some problems... Currently 128000 miles

[vesnyder]

Kandid - Where in Ohio are you located? I am in the Cleveland area. Bought my '83 last Nov in Columbus. Replaced clutch is important. Mine was replaced at less than 10k miles - design problem with them. Let me know if I can help out?

[Jim Richards]

Auto auction likely means no records. Will they agree to a pre-purchase inspection (PPI)? If so, and it checks out OK, I'd still make a lower than average offer...sub-$10K perhaps? Don't buy without the PPI.

[Schuey]

if it's at an auction and no records and no PPI allowed...I'd bid WAY lower than $10K...spend the extra $5K and get a nice one with records...if it's at an auction, I'd go by KBB.com pricing...

[Jdub]

Bring someone with you who knows the SC. Otherwise, bid low to protect yourself. Plenty of SCs out there...

John

[Kandid]

I'm expecting a worse case scenario because it's an action. They won't let you start or look into the engine, only for a brief time at the time of sale.
vesnyder - I live in Canton (going to Leyland motors on route 62 with my 944) and picked up my 944 in Columbus as well.
I don't know if I will be able to keep them both though

[nostatic]

run screaming. Even if you got it for $5K you could easily be spending another $5-10K if things are really wrong with the car. There is no such thing as a cheap 911. Pay now...or pay later. And the money you put in will likely never come out. There are exceptions, but they are few and far between...

Find a nice one owned by an actual person that has cared for the car.

[RickM]

Unless you're an auction pro stay far away.

[carter_gordon]

I agree, find a private seller who needs the $$. The SC is one of the greatest cars ever made! Wait for the right car, you will love the 911.
Bud Gordon

[Jim Richards]

Kandid, I'd suggest that you pass on this auction car and join the midwest guys coming to the Hershey Swap Meet (4/26). You'll meet a lot of nice folks and form a support group to help you uncover the right 911 for you. You may even find your car at Hershey.