Purchase Advice

1bad914 · 09-23-2003, 05:34 AM

I'm in the market for a used 911 and would like some advice on what to look for and what to avoid. I've budgeted 15-20 K for this purchase, I've looked at a lot of different years and setups, I'm looking for a bone stock, lower mileage 911 . What should I avoid. This car will be garaged and babied. A recent divorce after a 22 year marraige releases my cash and my soul to own a 911.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

Get Peter Zimmerman's book "The Used 911 Story". It's really the best little book for 911 shopping.
-Chris

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Women may come and go, but 911's are forever...well they are!

Sounds like your budget puts you into the category of an immaculate, well-sorted SC model up to earlier C2's with the early 3.6 engine that's a popular engine swap for early car owners. Of course, if it isn't really a daily driver, you could look for a special early car, say '67-'73. I drive a mid-year ('74-'77), but their market value, relatively speaking is lower. You could find an immaculate '74-'75 carrera in that range probably.
Ryan

HarryD · 09-23-2003, 08:10 AM

My advice is to take some time and test drive a variety of models. Each has it's own charms.

The conventional wisdom is to buy the newest example you can afford.

For me, I wanted an early long nose with a long wheelbase. I like hte raw feel and the simplicity. However, I have been in the later models and there is something to be said for creature comforts (A/C, hearing the radio etc) for those long cruises.

1bad914 · 09-23-2003, 09:39 AM

Thanks for the advice so far, I know there are issues with some 2.7 motors, I can spend more money and get a newer model. I guess it comes down to deciding how much you can spend then find the newest lowest mileage car within that price range! It seems that sports car market has taken a hit, I'm seeing some great low mileage late model 911's for what I consisder a good price. I'm looking at a mid to upper 80's Targa or Carrera. Like I said I can spend more if required, I would really love a Turbo, who wouldn't, but it all depends on what I can find. I'm waiting for the big "D" to be final, and the common home to sell, it sucks that I'm paying for a house payment that I don't even live in. Oh well! If anyone is intersted, here is a pic of the 914 that I completly restored, drove for less than a month and sold, so she could have half! The best part is that I will replace the 914 with a 911!

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Hey - could be worse, I paid for a house for two years that I didn't live in - and paid for my ex to go to school too - I can't tell you how happy I am to pay the cash and be done with her... Beautiful 914 - of course you are moving up to a 911 - and hopefully moving up to better women too!

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Targas are pretty plentiful, so it just comes down to what you want to spend, and finding the color and condition you want. '87-'89 have the G50 tranny and hydraulic clutch which many prefer. If you go '90 or newer, you get more grunt from the 3.6, but a more complicated car (abs, power steering, etc). You could also find a very nice SC in that price range, or an early car. You should learn as much as you can (I like Peter Morgan's book "Original 911"), and drive an example from the various eras.

It really depends on what is important to you. Do you want decent AC? Do you prefer a raw driving experience? Do you do your own work on the car?

Every 911 I've driven has felt slightly different. The different models (pre-73, 74-77, 78-83, 84-89, 90-94, 95-98) all have their own minor issues and drive differently, and then even within similar models condition plays a big part. The best advice is to get the best condition car you can find...one that feels tight and is well sorted and kept...regardless of what year it is. I've seen pristine, tight old cars (like mine), and thrashed newer ones. Condition, condition, condition.

jaxon · jaxon's Garage

Man...22 years. That's a long time. I know. I've been married 26. I wish you the best in years ahead!

Now, regarding the 911. Have fun looking. This is a very tough question. But, you asked our opinions.

'84-'94 would be my choice if it was going to be a daily driver. Around here you NEED A/C. Not that those models have it, but...they pretend better than the rest.

If I were going to drive it occasionally (impossible for me), Ryan did a great job of describing my choices.

Don't know if I would go with a 911 Turbo. Even if I could get one for the same money. I love them, just love the others more. Guess I'm a little crazy in that respect.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Todd (Nostatic) has good advice... I will also throw in the drive many comment. I drove 12 cars (from a 1970T to a 1996 993 Cabriolet) before I bought my 87 Cabriolet. Each one has its own personality. Get a pre purchase inspection - oh - and I highly recommend the G-50 Carreras (1987 to 1989) I think they catch the true character of the air cooled 911, but then again, I'm a little biased!

1bad914 · 09-24-2003, 03:08 AM

Thanks for the advice! I do work on my own cars, the 914 was litterally in boxes when I brought it home. I really don't enjoy projects like that, so I would prefer one that I could drive with minor maintenance, if there is such a thing. I'm starting to search now and will hope to have one before the snow flies, if not I'll wait until spring.

Randy