what to Buy??

[RJ Santangelo]

I currently have a 87 944S and now in the market for a NICE 911,964,993??? I have 35K to spend plus the possible trade in. Any specific models, options etc. to stay away from. I know alot about the 944 series but lacking in the 911 department. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[TerryBPP]

Man are you kick a hornets nets with this one. Me I find a real nice 930 turbo. The only reason is that you can on go so far with a natural motor. If you do decided to go the non-turbo way choose a car with a 3.6 liter.

This coming from the owner of a maxed out 2.7 owner wishing he could sqeeze another ounce of hp out of the motor.

[cegerer]

You should be able to get into the ultimate - a decent early (pre-74) 911S - for that kind of money. Here's one at that price level:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2409896496&category=10156

[RJ Santangelo]

Beautiful car but, looking for something 80ish and above. Sorry should have been a little more specific.

[pwd72s]

Nothin' wrong with being a bumpercar lover! With a $35K budget, you have many choices. My suggestion is to stick a few thou back for repairs/upgrades, because they will happen. Also, be sure to get a PPI for any car you find yourself seriously considering. Seems to me you are entering 993 pricing...

[RJ Santangelo]

This is it?? No stories like don't get that one the engine leaks like no tomorrow or this one is any electrical nightmare, or don,t get a targa because the roof leaks?? You guy's are pretty quite compared to the 944 forum.

[TerryBPP]

Thats because everyone of wants you to come over to the dark side. If we told you have crappy our cars run you would buy one. My advice is to jump head first into the first 911 you see.

or look hard and buy a great one.

[tronman]

Don't do it!!! Buy a nice 912!!! Actually for that kind of cash you get a couple!!

[RJ Santangelo]

No thanks on the 912

[JonT]

Get a 993--no question for that kind of money.

[tronman]

Oh, you want one of those fast in a straight line type of cars...heheheh. Just kidding, whatever you buy check it over good, and have a reputable wrench go over it as well. The dang 912 engine is a pain for hiding problems...I'd hate to think what could lurk in the depths of a 911 mill.

[maxnine11]

RJ....what/how will the car be used?? daily driver?? city commute? country commute? sunday pleasure?? that may give the fellows here more of an idea what 911 would suit your purpose. max

[Randy Webb]

I would get a Carrera over the SC for the DME alone (& better brakes), but the later the year, the heavier the car. That's why I have a '73.

At the level of generality of your post, it would be a good idea to read some of the books and BA's Excellence column, then make a list of specific queries and come back here for those. Be SURE to get a good mechanic to go over any car really carefully.

[JeremyD]

No question - well sorted out 993 or 1992 or later 964. You won't be sorry. Don't worry about cash for upgrades - leave the cash in an account for bail money when you get caught at triple digits. It is WAY to easy to get there in these two cars.

Or for $35K you could buy my pristine condition 1987 G-50 911 Cabriolet - 45,000 miles. I figure if carnut can get $30K for his with over 70,000 miles then $35K should be the market price for mine...

[MarkP]

For that kind of money you could get into a 93/94 964 RS America - http://www.rsamerica.net/market/vehicles/index.htm

[adscab]

993, definitely. Remember the old say, buy the newest P-car you can afford and the 993 is the last and greatest (IMO) aircooled 911.

[pwd72s]

I'm suspecting that RJ isn't really looking for a car. But he'd really enjoy a hot n' heavy debate on "which 911 is best". Anybody else care to agree with me?

[TomTurtle]

With a budget of 35k, I agree you should be looking for a 1994 -1995 993. MarkP is right - a nice (probably not perfect) RS America could be had for that price in the current economy. Only problem is that I understand it costs more $$ to maintain a 993.

An alternative would be to get a almost like new 87-89 Carrera and still have a few $$ left for any possbile upgrades you may want to do. Late 80's Carreras are bullet proof and much easier to work on.

Check out Excellence magazine's February 2003 issue if you want to get Bruce Anderson's summary of the 89-98 911's with estimated values. The article effectively discusses the pros and cons of Porsches from those years. Also check out the "Used 911 Story" by Peter Zimmerman and the "Porsche Red Book 1965-1999"; I believe both of these books are available for purchase online from Pelican Parts.

[Stuttgart951]

If 35K was my budget - I'd opt for a 993 without hesitation... well... maybe just a little hesitation if I found a nice 87-89 911 Turbo to test drive.

Toughy.

[47silver]

89 turbo