potential first time porsche buyer

Fritzle · 06-10-2003, 10:12 PM

I'm looking for a new car and have been looking at SC and earlier 911s. I'm want an opinion from experienced porsche people before I even take this car to a mechanic for a pre purchase inspection.

The Car
1974 911T, with a 1978 3.0L with 30-40k on it(the odometer reads 80 something), SSI exhaust, bilstein shocks. They paint is terrible, and so is the interior(mostly just stained and dirty looking). The current owner is runs an independent german car service shop and says the only problem with the car is cosmetic, mechanically its in great shape. He got the car from a customer with the intention of it being a project of his own that he never got around to. He thinks the previous owner had the new engine installed by motor meister, but he couldn't recall for sure. I test drove it, and it seems like it runs pretty healthy, it started right up and it was fast and roared kind of like my ducati! He says he has been putting synthetic oil in it too.(I was told by a used car salesman that you couldn't do that in the old 911's, but I guess that is not so. opinions on that?) Anyways, he want's 8.5k for it. Does this sound like a good deal?

As an alternative, for somebody who doesn't know a whole lot about cars but wants to learn, would I in general, be much better off getting a late 80's-91 BMW 3 series which would probably be cheaper to buy and maintain, but maybe not as fun or cool?

Thanks

jyl · jyl's Garage

Sounds like one to avoid. Paint is very expensive to put right - a good prep and respray can cost nearly as much as an engine rebuild. The interior might clean up but generally if a car has been cosmetically trashed you have to doubt whether it has been mechanically cared for. Motor Meister has a terrible reputation on this board. Kind of a weird combination of car and engine. The price doesn't seem particularly attractive when you can get a nice clean 911 SC (78-83) for a few thousand more. I'm sure others who are more knowledgeable will chime in.

lendaddy · 06-11-2003, 04:46 AM

No, not a good first Pcar. Just no.

Fritz · 06-11-2003, 05:48 AM

I've just got to respond since my name is Fritz and I lived and worked in Pasadena for many years.

Welcome to the board Fritzie. Consider yourself lucky, you are in Southern California where it is tough to spit and not hit a Porsche. Don't jump at the first one you see, there are plenty to choose from. Decide what style you like (early, mid, SC or Carrera), how it fits your budget and what work you want to do yourself.

This board is an excellent resource. Learn how to use the search in this forum and do some homework. You can find threads about different model years and vendors such as Motormeister.

You should also attend a few p-car events like DE (drivers Education events at tracks like Willow Springs), car shows and such. Over in Burbank/North Hollywood is a shop called TRE. I bet you could stop by on a late Friday afternoon and talk to the guys and see what is in the shop and if they know of any cars for sale. There is also a group from this board that meets down at the Rose Bowl and heads for a drive up Angeles Crest periodically.

Believe me, p-car owners are not bashful about talking about their cars and giving rides!!!

Say hello to Pas for me and some of my old favorites.....El Cholos, Yang Chows (hhhmmmm slippery shrimp), Panda Inn, Bona Corsa and Crocodile Cafe. Did you go to some of the old haunts like Monahans, Monty's and Jurgensens Market?

Zeke · 06:49 AM

I don't think there was a T in '74. I don't know...people come up with obscure facts about Pcars all the time. Nothing surprises me anymore.

I look at these cars all the time and for what you say, I'd pay back of 4K and expect to spend as much or more after you get it. I do my own paint and I'd still not want to go higher than 4K for a mid year car. If it was a '72 or 73, it would probably sell faster, but I hope not at that price (8.5K). If it does sell north of 7, these cars are as good as real estate. In that case, I've stone missed the boat.

sfierle · 06-11-2003, 07:03 AM

Based on my experience, price seems high for the condition described. You might consider a early 911 , maybe 1969-73. They are not a quick, unless you can afford an "S", but seem to be easier and cheaper to maintain and work on yourself. You can find one in the price range of the 1974 you described or less, in good condition. Just my opinion. J

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

run screaming...you do not want this for your first 911 unless you are a mechanical whiz or have really really deep pocketbooks. I'm with Zeke on the price...this is *maybe* a $4K car. And do a search on MotorMeister here.

Send me a private message or email with what shop has the car. I used to live in Pasadena and know most of them.

Let us know what your budget is, what your level of mechanical expertise is, and we can point you in some right directions. Since you are in SoCal there are tons of cars, but plenty of reall bad ones. The good ones are out there too, you just have to know what to look for. I'd take my SC over ANY BMW, although I wouldn't mind having an M Coupe to plan around with (yes, the funny looking one). An older BMW won't be dirt cheap to run either, and the 911 is pretty timeless.

BGCarrera32 · 06-11-2003, 07:48 AM

Run...you'll spend more time screwing around trying to clean it up when you wish you were out driving it. You could easily spend that much again fixing stupid stuff...double your funds and buy a better example.

-BG

Jerome Ryals · 06-11-2003, 09:10 AM

Do a lot of research, use this board there is a great group here that you will learn a lot from. On a more personal level take your time go out and physically look at 10 to 15 P cars that are for sale. Ask the owners questions, true P car affectionados will give you good answers, stay away from most all "used car dealers", use internet resources to compare cars and prices(from everywhere), you are located in an area where the Porsche density is probably greater than most other places in the US. I don't know which years you like but learn the lingo - so to speak. I have 3 early model cars, some call these "long hoods", a coupe, a targa and a sunroof. Two are 912's one is a 911, I enjoy all three equally but the power difference between the 12 and 11's must be felt to explain. Good luck and welcome to the Porsche world, be patient, trust in the force, what ye shall seek ye shall find (eventually) and later ye shall want to improve upon it.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

FYI...not a T model in '74, just '911', '911S' and '911 Carrera'. I'd agree not a 8.5k car. Pics and more detail would be more helpful to give the most informed info to you.
Ryan

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

What did Monty Python say - "Run Away, Run Away!"

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Wow, your story sounds very familiar. I too, was looking at a 74 911 all the while also looking at some older M3's. I love that body style (keep that on the DL since we're on the Pcar forum). But, I went with the 911 for the same reasons you listed (more fun and flash). I don't regret it one bit. I ended up buying my 74 for the same! 8.5K. Weird! Anyway, mine had new paint, 7's and 9's chromed. New interior with RS door panels and a Momo wheel. And the motor was just rebuilt. But, I'm a freak, so like all the other Pcar owners out there, I've put another $4K into it (doing 99% of the work myself). Keep hunting, you'll find someone that needs to sell their baby and it will be a better deal.

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Wow, your story sounds very familiar. I too, was looking at a 74 911 all the while also looking at some older M3's. I love that body style (keep that on the DL since we're on the Pcar forum). But, I went with the 911 for the same reasons you listed (more fun and flash). I don't regret it one bit. I ended up buying my 74 for the same! 8.5K. Weird! Anyway, mine had new paint, 7's and 9's chromed. New interior with RS door panels and a Momo wheel. And the motor was just rebuilt. But, I'm a freak, so like all the other Pcar owners out there, I've put another $4K into it (doing 99% of the work myself). Keep hunting, you'll find someone that needs to sell their baby and it will be a better deal.

Fritzle · 06-11-2003, 01:36 PM

Thanks for the replies, I think I am going to step back from this one. The car isn't even listed so its not going anywhere. The owner says he values the engine at 6k and thats probably why he is asking the high price. He also seems pretty confident that the car is in excellent mechanical condition. I think I'll hold off and research research research until I know more and am able to make a better decision and give him tons of reasons why he should sell the car to me for less. Thanks for the great replies.

Fritz

Groesbeck Hurricane · 06-11-2003, 02:05 PM

And BMWs are expensive to work on. They also, IMO, are not as well built and not as good looking. Keep looking.

Hugh R · 06-11-2003, 03:16 PM

Great Articles on the Pelican Tech Q&A. I just bought an 84 Targa. General concensus seems to be consider an 84 or newer (not year sold, but a true 84 (Carrera) or newer. Upgraded chain tensioner, and clutch and motronic fuel injection, to name a few. Search Pelican site thoroughly so you go armed with information