The motor issue is real and it's basically a rebuild to fix. Mosy of the early cars are experiencing the failure (oil leaks) and the problem must be repaired by a top end dismantling. 4-6K. Ouch. My friend just did 8000 worth on his 91 C4... Engine leaks included.:(

Killer deal is everything checks out!!!!

Geof, I am sure there are issues with the C2. But as I have found researching all the 911's it seems like every year 911 has their "issues". The "bulletproof" 3.0 motor with 84K miles on the 83' Cab I look at last week had to be rebuilt. Seems like the more people I talk to about the C2 say there is isolated incidents of head "gasket" (or lack thereof) issues. I guess its just a chance I will have to take. This isn't a daily driver for me, so hopefully the PPI comes back good and I won't have to worry about it.

You are right - everytime you buy a car you are taking a risk - just with the Porsche reverse lottery the stakes can get a little bigger.

My advice is make sure the place you PPI is familiar with 964 issues (such as the head to cylinder leakage) - When I got my 964 - 1 1990 C2 Targa - I got it PPI's - and the PPI showed several things that lowered the price - but missed the glaring cylinder head issue.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1104384642.jpg

Even if your heads do leak, what's the big deal??? Most of the time they leak a drop or two, nothing major. As long as it's not flooding your garage. If you don't mind a couple of drops here and there, I wouldn't fork over the $5K to get the top rebuilt. Get more ware out of the engine and rebuild it all at once....
To your point, what's worse??? Having tensioners fail or the airbox explode on the "bullet proof" 3.0 (read $$$$) or have a couple of drops on your garage floor....:rolleyes:

Or have a Carrera with a 3.2?

mmmmmm...Three point twooooo......*droool*.

180k+ miles on mine now, rock solid. A friend (Mustang Saleen owner) drove it the other day and said he was amazed how the car was so 'tight' and the engine so responsive.

Of course, now that I've said this, the engine will surely blow up tomorrow. Time to find some real wood to knock on.

The 964 has been much maligned. Sure that dreaded cyl/head leak was a serious issue, as was the DMF, but many of the problem areas have been addressed by now (I think of the list of things I was looking for when shopping for my "bulletproof SC" ...like carrera tensioners, spring-centered non-exploding clutch, new head studs, and the list went on). As long as the car you're looking at has the documentation to attest to the fixes, and it checks out with a good, knowledgable wrench, it is no greater a risk than any 911(as was pointed out, each car had its "issues"). And contrary to many I've heard, I like the looks of the 964. It has a "modern" look of the classic 911, in my mind anyway. It is neither a 993 nor the classic look; just another iteration which is still a beauty to behold in the way each of the 911s has its "own" look. Bottom line is you've got to buy the 911 vintage that YOU like best. :)

Edward

Well, one might think the 964 issue is isolated, but in reality it's not. It is no secret the early 964 is a more problematic motor than any in the line. Sure they all have some stuff, but when it comes down to it, the early 964 outweighs all in overall issues. Every person I know that has an early 964 has had some significant issue with the motor. I would not call this isolated.

I own a 3.2. 110,000 miles. No worries. No leaks, 1 quart per 700-1000 miles etc. If anything the 3.2 is the most solid peformer of all. Even with the truly isolated valve guide issue of the 3.2's. They are still considered some of the best of the line across the board.

One buys what one will... Just passing known info. Do a search. Read the stuff... buy the car that makes sense. I agree with the above, if it is sorted then it's a great deal... simple.:rolleyes:

:D I picked it up yesterday!!! I had a pre-purchase inspection and it got a clean bill of health. A couple of minor oil leaks, but the guy said its pretty common for this engine. Come to find out the original owner had all the C2 "issues" addressed at 50k miles.

It needs a prety good detailing and as soon as I get the garage cleaned out it will probably get a thorough cleaning.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/clap.gif now post some picts

Excellent!