Your comments on this 1990 Cab

stone43 · 11-20-2003, 01:44 PM

This is actually a local car and the guy works for my company. But I bought my last car without consulting this board, and told myself never again.

So, bottom line is that I am interested in bumping up 5 years, getting the 3.6, more advanced interior and better looking front and rear end.

I am concerned about the miles (my 85 has 25K less) to price ratio.

Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=10156&item=2443603759

Let me know what you think. I am assuming at least $1K price flux from his advertised asking price (not on ebay) of $20,995.

jrb964 · 11-20-2003, 01:59 PM

Looks like a good car. Did I miss something, how many miles are on the car? I searched and could not find it anywhere.

It looks like all of the 964 problems have been addressed.

There is only one item that I'd be concerned about. I have a 91 C2 Cab, which I've owned for three years, and I've had two major problems with the cab top. And both of them were expensive. These cars are much more sophicated (nice way to say complicated) and the cab top can be a nightmare. I've finally converted by top to a semi-automatic.

The price seems very right. If you can get it for under $20K - pull the trigger.

That's my opinion....

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Looks nice from here.

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

At 146,000 miles this will make an enjoyable driver and for $20 grand it seems like a great deal for a fun weekend car.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Depends....like your car, but not the power? Do the 3.6 upgrade like many of us have done.

If the guy works at your company and you liked the car, you should have pulled the trigger prior to him posting. If he did not ask before posting, he needs a slap.

stone43 · 11-20-2003, 03:25 PM

Although he works at my company, we don't know each other well (over 7000 employees).

The car has 145K miles. How long before a rebuild?

My car is very nice, but I really like the look of the 90 cab (really, really like the look of the 996, but that is not in the picture right now since I may be doing some SoCal house shopping soon).

SO a 3.6 upgrade for my card does not seem feasible.

JRB, what were the problems, and how can I detect now?

stone43 · 11-20-2003, 03:26 PM

I guess another question I have is: Is this just an average deal, or a good deal? It is a buyers market right now, and I was not shopping until this one popped up.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

my guess is that it will be ready for a rebuild sooner rather than later, though there there doesn't seem to be a ton of data on high miles 3.6 engines. Also I'd ponder what a refresh on the tranny would cost. In general I think it will be a more expensive car to own than your '85. But if you wanna play, you gotta pay.

Looks like a nice car though.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Well if you are going to SmelLA, there are more than a few choices up there.....

As to your associate at work....take it to a shop....do an inspection, make him an offer.....he pulls the ad prior to close of the auction....bada bing, bada boom.....

Too fast? Wait for LA....repent in leisure or deal with reality and wait for a better deal.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I think you could get a much lower miles car for about $20K.

Adam · Adam's Garage

Looks like a neat car with many of the 3.6 issues resolved (flywheel, dist. vent kit).

It looks very tidy overall, I really like it!

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Doesn't say if the Cylinder head issue has been addressed. My 1990 C2 had a power steering pump gasket leak and one of the cam covers too. Leaked a couple drops a week. When I fixed that - and cleaned up the engine I also noticed I had the dreaded head to cylinder leak. Not enough to drip - but it was there - and it needed to be addressed at some point until that yellow cabby put it out of it's misery.

Picture below. BA says - it's not a matter of if - but when they start leaking at that gasket less junction.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Just to be fair to the 964 crowd - one of the guys at the last Porsche gathering I went to was telling me about a 1990 C2 Cabriolet that had over 400,000 miles before cracking the case - and no top end before then too. I thought he was talking about an SC!

stone43 · 11-20-2003, 04:31 PM

I hear you Nostatic. I am not looking for another sinkhole for cash. My car still needs a few things as well.

I am especially not looking to do a rebuild (BTW, what does a 3.6 rebuild cost?) Lots of data on 3.2 and 3.0's but little on 3.6. Does that mean it has a longer life? Or there is just a small statistical sampling so not a lot of data?

The only other knock I have on the car is the interior color. I have learned that darker is better when they get older. My black interior looks new compared to this one.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I think a rebuild is likely about the same between the various engines, but I could be wrong. I believe there isn't a lot of data on high miles 3.6 engines, but there have been some rumblings about valve guides going at lower miles, and of course the infamouse cylinder head oil leak on the '89-mid '91 964s. Then again, the 96-98 993 can have the check engine light issue (carbon buildup), so every year has its "issues".

Darker interiors definitely hold their look longer, as the lighter leather gets dirt in the cracks pretty quickly and it is tough to clean (and keep clean).

But it really comes down to whether or not the car "sends" you. My research seems to indicate that SC/Carreras if they are well sorted are the cheapest cars to keep running. But if you want the 3.6 grunt, then you gotta go high, or go home.

Kevin Stewart · 11-20-2003, 06:21 PM

the biggest issue is the 4wd system that i have heard (repeat heard) goes bad and is expensive, do this first thing in the morning call the guy and take the car and have a ppi, your best bet, by the way i also have a sc with cab conversion wide body and a 3.6, i wouldnt give it up for that price, Looks like a nice car but PPI, Kevin

rsr808 · rsr808's Garage

It looks like a nice C4 but it's not a "deal." I think a C2 would be more fun of that vintage and seem to be under the impression that you can easily come by one for $15-20k... especially in LA. That C4 does look sweet though.

911gilley · 911gilley's Garage

DEFINITELY get a PPI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I was shopping for my 993, I found a low miles dealer car out in St. Louis via the Internet, and the car looked GREAT and sounded like a super vehicle all around. I had a Porsche dealer out there do a PPI prior to purchase. They found that the alternator fan shroud was missing off the car which ulitimately led to overheating and MANY oil leaks, cylinder #1 O-ring leak.....the car's rear tire had a nail in it, interior had black spots all over, and many other things.......they recommended not buying it anywhere near the asking price.

I perservered and a few days later found a private owner car which, after having another PPI, I bought.

The cab tops are a big issue, and certainly stress having it checked during the PPI.....if they become out of alignment or bent, are expensive to repair.

Car looks nice from the photos, and the cabs are a blast to drive. Just do your homework before handing over the dough.

If you are really interested, and are afraid of time running out (ebay auction), approach seller and give him a deposit check for car contingent upong a successful PPI showing car needs no more than X amount of dollars in repairs at this point. Write it on the check (along with VIN number) or have him sign quick written agreement on these terms.

Hope I was of some help.