Future Owner Question...

[VaSteve]

Everyone has an opinion, so I'm looking for some. I want to be a Porsche owner. What I am looking for (allowed to buy) is an "affordable" Targa for <$10K. I am not as concerned with how nice it is inside, but I want to know what years to stay away from, what to look for: SC, S, etc. What are the typical problems (A/C doesn't work, oil leaks, rust). What service I am supposed to expect from a high milage car (rebuilds, valves, timing chain).

I'm not looking for a major investment, or a project for myself, jsut something to drive around when the spirit moves me.

What are you suggestions?
Thanks
Steve

[techweenie]

At your price range, you'll be looking at '74-77 Targas, since you mentioned A/C.

You will want a low-mileage '74 or a documented rebuilt '74-77. The documentation on the rebuild must indicate case-savers (Timeserts) were used when it was rebuilt. You will want to choose a trustworthy local mechanic (dealerships rarely see cars this old) and first ask about customer cars that might be for sale.

Do not skimp on the PPI (pre-purchase inspection) and do compression/leakdown tests on the engine. Also plan to closely examine the chassis on a lift, since most of the cars you'll be looking at were built before all panels were galvanized, and Targas are notorious for leaking.

One thing you might want to do is arm yourself with knowledge by buying one of the several books about selecting a used 911.

Good luck!

[GB83SC]

I would try to find a SC that has solid mechanicals, and poor cosmetics.
This way you can drive have fun, and slowly work on the rest.
The 3.0 in the SC is almost bullet proof and very reliable.
The rust issues are far less with a 78 on.
Do a search, there is tons of information regarding your question.
Good luck.

[techweenie]

My rule of thumb is that you can have a car with mechanical issues; with exterior issues or with interior issues. But never more than one of the three, because the expense will kill your investment/value ratio.

I like Steve's original plan to find a car with interior issues only, because the car can be fixed over time and without having to go into a shop for long periods.

In my opinion, it will be difficult to find an SC Targa under $10K that has interior issues only. However, I've been proved wrong before!

[VaSteve]

Thanks for your suggestions. Let me clarify.... I don't expect perfection on the outside either, just not something that will need an immediate amount of attention.
Steve

[GB83SC]

Steve,
here is a link to the local NoVa,DC,MD board. One nice thing about your location is the strong Porsche botherhood in the area. I would post your question there also, someone might know of a car in the area that would fit the bill.
I am also moving there in the near future.
good luck.






http://www.dorkiphus.com/porsche/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=34808d8a560573d377079d19d54251c6

[VaSteve]

I found this board last night. I took me 30 min to re-find it again this morning!
Thanks!
Steve

[chuckw951]

Hey Steve,

I bought my first Porsche, a 1978 911SC targa for $7000. It needed dash, seats recovered (I went with sheepskins), door pockets, interior vinyl, oil tank, rear sway bar mount, tires, some fuel lines at the fuel pump repaired, heat exchangers and the paint needed attention. Actually, aside from some rock chips, it wasn't too bad after a good coat of wax. I drove the car for 10,000 miles or so after the inital work was done.



Then it "jumped time" at an autocross and required a top end rebuild and some head studs. Sold it for $12K and considered myself lucky. But looking back on it, I should have kept it...as after that I went on to a 944, 944 turbo, 914 and now back to a 911....as the other Porsches were not 911s.

Anyway, while a 911SC or 2.7 911 or early 911 could be found for under $10K, do your homework and learn as much as you can about these cars. Then go hunting. Once you've found a car that you'd be interested in, have it checked out by a professional shop for $200 or so. These cars are getting old...buying a car that needs all "101 projects" can turn into a expensive venture!

When you buy a car be sure to join the Porsche Club of America...the local chapters (Potomac and Chesapeake) have a number of great events. Check out http://www.pca.org. I believe PCA has a program that allows you to join for 6 months while you look for a car. PCA has a magazine with classifieds and website classifieds. The potomac region has a website with classifieds at http://www.pcapotomac.org. There are many Porsches for sale in the DC area....the challenge is to find a good one.

Chuck
Annapolis, MD

[nostatic]

there is a saying....they are all $20K cars. You either pay now, or pay later.

You will have to hunt hard to find a solid car for under $10K. Your best bet would be to find one with tired paint and interior but solid mechanicals. The problem is that owners who let the interior and exterior go likely didn't take care of the mechanicals either...

[Bob's Flat-Six]

$20,000 Yeah that's where my mental block kicks in too

[farleyd]

Hi, i bought my 1978SC Targa for 9K. It needed... nothing! Perfect paint, perfect interior, perfect mecanic. Rebuild with all new synchros 915 tranny. All of the desirable upgrades. Engine has 190K miles, no leaks. Strong.

Drove from Kansas to Montreal, Canada. 1500 miles that went too fast. The ride, not the SC....! Just be patient.