Considering an '88 Cab - Advice please

[Chris Lovell]

I am considering buying an '88 Cab in the next week or so. I have a PPI scheduled for Monday. 102,000 miles, black on black, driven year round, interior perfect, exterior almost perfect (one small paint hazy spot (1/2" x 1") below windshield, oil consumption of 1 quart/700 miles, no engine smoke, new power roof, 16" fuchs, alarm, cover, etc. Definitely a well managed, maintained, and pampered 911. Two prior owners both known to me. I suspect no surprises. Price is $21k before ppi. May end up being something less given the inspection.
Please advise on whether I am nuts at this price or in the ballpark for a good experience.
Thanks.

[Rot 911]

Even though the 1 qt./700 miles is within the factory tolerances, based on what others have stated on this board, including Wayne, that engine is starting to use some oil. Be curious as to what the leakdown/compression test shows.

[Chris Lovell]

The leakdown will be interesting for sure. I am also interested in the challenges and complications with the power top. I have been warned that these convertible drive mechanisms are challengeing to say the least and a bear to repair. But the open top may make the trouble worth it.

[surflvr911sc]

A 3.2 w/ 102k that burns 1qt every 700 miles; sounds like a rebuild may be in the not so distant future. The oil consumption can only go one way from here.

Let the PPI and your wallet be your guide. Don’t take it to his mechanic for the PPI, find another one.

[cantdrv55]

The question of excessive oil consumption was raised during the tune-up class I took last week by Jerry Woods and Bruce Anderson. The Porsche manual for my '87 says to expect some oil consumption but that the factory couldn't be specific about the quantity. Basically what Jerry says is to look for engine compression that doesn't deviate much more than 25 psi between cylinders. I believe he also said to look for fouled plugs or abnormal plug wear as those are good indications of worn valve guides. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new here but I don't think $21K to start for an '88 cab in great condition is out of line. Sure there are plenty out there that are cheaper but most of those are ****. Also, I read somewhere that if a Carrera is going to need a top-end due to excessive guide wear, that problem USUALLY shows up early on (like at 40K - 60K). I bought my wife's '87 coupe w/107K in great condition just three weeks ago for $17K. But P-cars here on the left coast are cheaper.

[jaxon]

Just an observation.

Black/ Black Cab.

She'll be hot in the summer when the top is down.

No insult intended to Black/ Black owners!

[89911]

Definetly get the valve guide information. I imagine since you know all the former owners, it wasn't done. My car has 70k on it now and I am going to open it up this winter for guide replacment. The only real sympton I have is excessive oil burning, but it is real hard to get an exact of how much because of excessive track driving, which throws oil consumption rates out the window. So other then dumping oil in it, the car runs like a champ. I am starting to suspect all these car need it, it is just those that get tired of dumping oil in them that get it done. We'll see how bad in a couple of months. My brother 87 was redone at 105 K and his were worn excessively. It really didn't show any sign prior.

[stone43]

NEWSFLASH:

All cabs' interiors get hot when you have the top down.

Goes with owning a ragtop.

I think I just realized after reading this post that my car is eating way too much oil. Had a very solid compression test and my mechanic does not seem to worry about it. I am just bummed that Costco does not sell Castrol anymore.

[buttjoint]

The elect top is no problem, Just keep a eye on it when you raise and lower it, If one side of the top stops when you raise it, stop raising it and investigate whats going on.

[vesnyder]

I have an '83 triple black Cab with ~60k miles. It burns about 1/2 quart every 6-800 miles. The black can be a bear to maintain, but looks great when cleaned up right. I think the black looks the best of all the SC/Carrera's. Paid $24k about two years ago - no regrets. Good luck and have fun!

[Chris Lovell]

Had the PPI today. The leakdown was just about perfect (8% on 5 cylinders) until #5. #5 showed 0% on leakdown. We were amazed. then 25% on compression test. Diagnosis: Burnt valve or broken ring. This will result in a top end rebuild in the next year or so. What is so amazing is how smooth and quiet the engine runs. And seems to have plenty of pull. It also accounts for the oil consumption. Oh well. In my mind, and the mechanic's, still a good car if the price can be lowered to help with the future rebuild.

[jaxon]

Hope you get it at the price you want! Keep us posted.


Jack