Which 911 would you choose?
 

'87 911 Red/Blk 100K new rebuilt engine and new paint, Fuchs
'90 964 C2 Blk/Blk 105K (no leaks I'm told). The first owner was a mechanic. He may have fixed the base leak issue if needed).

Both are in great condition, A/C converted to RU-134, southern cars, all in good working condition.

$18.5K for each

Tough call. Who did the rebuild and how thorough were they? I guess I'd lean toward the 964, but I don't like red so that's influencing the thought process.

Both Coupes?

If both are coupes and the C2 had the base leak issues fixed, AND you can live with the looks of the C2, then I would go with the C2.

I had the same dilema - I would go with whichever one looks closest to what you always wanted.

Have you done compresion test on both? Always be suspect of mechanic owned cars, they know how to make a engine sound good while selling it

I would take both cars to an unbiased mechanic (not the owner) and get it checked out.

My favorite is a 993. When I was younger I wanted a 911SC, but not now as a daily driver.

Both are coupes with sunroofs. The rebuild on the '87 was done through a reputable race/repair shop last fall. Includes new A/C compressor, dryer, …

I haven’t had a PPI done on the 964 C2. I don’t like the lower part of a 964 bumper i.e., looks like a fat lip. I’ve had PPIs done on two cars in the last month and the expense was worth every dollar. In each case I was at the point of buying the car over the phone based on trust. I’m still looking.

What will each be worth in 5 years with both at 150K miles? The ’87 may sell for $13K and the ’90 for $15K. My guess is that they both will have the same maintenance costs.

FYI … My local mechanic told me that compression checks can me manipulated to get a desired or better result. A leak down is the most accurate and worth the money if you are concerned about the engines condition.

"FYI … My local mechanic told me that compression checks can me manipulated to get a desired or better result"

Exacly why you take it to an unbiased mechanic - Someone who wants to earn you as a new customer if you buy a car.

As for maintenance cost - EVERY SINGLE Porsche mechanic in souther california that I have spoken with (over 10) always say to stay away from the 89-94 C2's and C4's because of maintenance cost - It was har for me to do since I liked the C2 and C4 look along with the rear auto wing but I did it base don their knowledge - I am now happy with what I found - A limited widebody model with allt he upgrades minus the turbo motor.

Just keep looking, you know when you find the ONE, you just know it.

devo230-

Are you using local shops for the PPI's? If so, What shop are you using?

Regarding which one. If they both checked out and were in identical shape, and the '87 has had a good rebuild, I'd go with the red one(assuming color made no difference).

But. . . I'd know better after looking at them both.

I agree with bigrubberjeep "you know when you find the ONE".

Good luck

Jaxon

I'd go 87

McKenna,
I like the quote.

In my heart, I'm looking for a lime-green w/blk 911. I think it was a color of an RS/RSR model in the early 70's ... too expensive.

I like the blk/blk of the '90 964 C2, but I think the '87 (no tail) will be best for me. I'm a DIY guy. Although, I would enjoy the power asst'd steering.

There's a '75 Carrera for sale at FlatSix: coupe, lime green/black, black graphics, rebuilt 2.7 engine. Very cool car, probably around that price 952-884-2060

Price is too high on the 87...only 100K miles and already new paint and rebuilt engine?

Id also stay away from the 90... based on reputation of 964 oil leaks, unless documentation was provided to state otherwise.

Devo - I see your point on the power assisted steering, but their is also something nice about having to flex your arms to make a sharp 90% turn going 30+MPH, you just owuld get that same road feel on a Power assisted vehicle.

It's kind of like GoKart driving - MM I love it!

Devo,
It is ultimately which car that you want and what you plan to use it for. Bruce Anderson says that you should buy the best, most recent model that you can afford. That being said, I am not a fan of the 964 (prefer the 993) but it offers more creature comforts than the 87 carrera, along with larger displacement engine, better gearbox, better A/C, etc.
On the other hand, the 87 was the last of a breed. Does it have the g50 gearbox? If you are doing your own mechanical work, it is easier than the 964.
Each has its pros and cons. No matter what you end up deciding an independent PPI is a must.

Man if I had to choose, it woud be the c2, you can put coil springs on it, the g50 tranny, lets just say the 915 is really not the best tranny most have the first gear syncro gone and some the second gear, the g50 all the way here, the 3.6 has more power runs smoother a modern porsche motor, just make sure the updates are done heads/ distributor belt etc, I also believe the c2 has power steering, the older cars are just a little raw, I own one, the c2 has a better dash, better brakes etc etc etc, the worst case is a back date but i really dont like the blade bumper on early cars, it looks like a after thought to meet bumper regulations, Kevin

The '87 should have the G50......

'87 was the first year of the G50. The 964 has a G50 also, but with improved shifting linkage. I think the dash and venting for A/C may be the same between the '87-'88 cars and the 964s (not sure).

Easy... Mine!:D

In terms of depreciation, my guess is the 87 will be worth more than the 90 in a few years, all things being equal. Why was the 87 re-painted? Was it a top notch job? An engine rebuild and a nice new paint job on a car selling for $18.5K does not make much sense to me as those 2 items, if done right, could easily total $12K or more.

Get the c2 it has better everything.