Thinking of getting a mid-eighties 911

[sdusablon]

I am completely new to the Porsche world (I own 2 Volvos and a motorcycle)

I'm looking at getting a mid-eighties 911 to replace my motorcycle as my fun toy. I am currently looking at a 911 Carrera that's just been imported from Germany this spring. It has 160 000Km and is stock.

What should I be looking for? What questions should I ask the seller? Is a dealer the best place to have a PPI done? What are the known weaknesses in the mid-eighties Porsche?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Steph

[old_skul]

Start with the 911 FAQ located on this website off the main page. That will tell you a lot about the differences between the various iterations of the 911.

Then come back and we can tell you all about ROW cars. (Rest of World, ya know.)

[Kemo]

I would suggest looking at ALOT of cars and dont fall in love with the first one you see. Now is a good time to get a great car for a great price, so take some time to shop around. ROW cars sometimes get a bad rap because the conversion work to make them legal here in the states was shoddy. That doesnt always have to be the case. Im not sure what needs to be done with the car to get it into Canada. As far as the PPI, it might be best to ask around the board here or maybe look to see if you have a porsche club in your area you can join. Word of mouth seems to be the best advertizement.

[GSpreeman]

Has it had a top end rebuild yet?
Does it have the fork upgrade in the transmission?
G50 transmission are more consistent than previous transmissions
A/C will probably suck, but that's normal
Does it have the turbo valve cover upgrade? If not, talk down the price.

[greenmonster]

If you lurk around this forum long enough you'll pick up alot of info quickly (that's what I'm doing).

As old_skul mentioned read the FAQ here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/technical_specs/911_guthrie_faq.htm

It's also not a bad idea to pick up the issue of Excellence magazine which has the buyers guide for the MY's (model years) your interested in.

You mentioned the 80's so that'll be the SC or the Carrera. Both have some minor issues that needed to be address, but with the age of most 911 hopefully the PO will have taken care of 'em.


Oh... and the button is your friend There is a multitude of real life experiences archived here.

Hope this helps,

JP

[Icemaster]

Took me 18 months to find my first one. The RIGHT first one that is. Be prepared to look at a LOT of them. I've been buying toys for years, but the FAQ here even helped me as there are things specific to these cars you need to look for. Use common sense, and determine what your must haves are and dont compromise. Make a decision on whether you want the 3.2, or 3.0, the '83 tranny or '84 on, rear spoiler or clean deck...drive them both and see what you like, that's really the only way to determine whats best for you.

[sdusablon]

Here is what the current owner is telling me

"3.2L(dry motor) with cams, exhaust, filter, and hydraulic timing chain tensioner, topping 237hp, fast car. Factory whale tail, 159.000kms, leather, kenwood cd/radio system"

Thanks for the info so far. It is really helping

[89911]

Think harder, and get a late eighties 911

[jbripps]

I looked for nearly a year before I found my car 2 1/2 years ago. Now, I'm selling in order to work my up the 911 ladder. Send me a PM if you are interested, and I'll shoot you some pix. No pressure here though, it's been "for sale" for quite some time. I'm waiting for the right offer and the right new owner as well.

regards,

[nostatic]

What year, and what's he asking for the car? Any pics? If you post them, undoubtedly people here can notice any inconsistencies, and you can get an idea of the pricing/market. Also, you should have a good independent Porsche mechanic to a PPI (pre purchase inspection) before you plunk down the cash.

[sdusablon]

It's a 1994 Carrera. He is asking $26K Cdn. I'll post the pic when I get back home tonight.

[nostatic]

I assume you mean 1984? That price sounds high...

[Purrybonker]

$26K Canadian ~ $18.5K US give or take. Sounds like a good deal to me if you can get comfortable about the car. Euro imports - particularily those imported just prior to sale - make me a bit nervous.

The Canadian market is a bit stronger than the US. G50's here (as an example) go for over $30k ($21.5 US) but if we import one from the US we add 13% GST/Duty so it works out pretty close. The Canadian market tends to be a bit stronger because of slightly less supply than in the US market.

The Canadian market seems to have softened this year similar to the US market.

[Rick Lee]

Originally posted by sdusablon
Here is what the current owner is telling me

"3.2L(dry motor) with cams, exhaust, filter, and hydraulic timing chain tensioner, topping 237hp, fast car. Factory whale tail, 159.000kms, leather, kenwood cd/radio system"

Thanks for the info so far. It is really helping

What the hell does this mean? Would you buy a car whose engine didn't have cams, exhaust, filter? Hydraulic tensioners came on all 3.2l Carreras. What an added bonus that his has them too. Does this guy think he's gonna edumacate whomever buys his Porsche?

[Icemaster]

Dry motor = no leaks. (Oil or otherwise)

Still seems high to me....I agree though about the import concern however.

[RickM]

I would assume he has hotter Cams in the engine but which ones? Right on with the car already having Hydraulic Chain tensioners...duh. Which exhaust? Which Intake modifications?....you need to get specifics. And while you're at it ask how he came to his HP numbers.

For all we know he used a Dartboard Dyno.