Engine longevity 85' with 138k

[onefstm]

I am looking at an 85' Euro Carerra with 138k miles on the odo. It does not smoke at startup or upon deceleration, does not appear to leak oil, and recently had a full PPI at the local Porsche dealer where the compression came to 130 in 4 cylinders and 125 in the remaining 2. Based on what I have read in the forums, this seems kind of low.

The car has full records going back to 87 with many receipts but none for major work such as a motor or trans rebuild. The car is very strong and the trans shifts very good given the cars age. My question is, realistically how long can these motors and transmissions go before they need major rebuilds? I would like to make this guy an offer today but want to make sure that I am not buying something that will soon need major work. Given the facts listed above, let me know what you guys think.

Thanks,

[JRISER]

I have an '85 Euro Cab with 141k on the ticker and she still runs like a "raped ape" with no oil leaks or smoking. I have all receipts dating back to her port-of-entry in Texas on March of 1985.

As to how long these cars will go before a rebuild, I think it depends on four things: 1. How it was maintained 2. Driving habits 3. Climate (mild/extreme) 4. Last but not least, LUCK! Number four might also have a bit to do with the Porsche Gods looking out for you.

I hope this helps.

[AFJuvat]

In my experience, the 3.2 motor is usually due for some top end work somewhere between 100K and 150K miles.

The figures you give would seem to indicate that there is a problem somewhere in the engine. A compression test is nice, but it doesn't really give you a lot of information. A leak down test is a much better test for indicating the health of the engine and where the problems (if any) are.

The life of the transmission is really dependant on how it was driven and how it was maintained though the years. I work on several 915 boxes that have well over 100K miles and have not, witht he exception of fluid changes, been touched. Conversely, I have two customenrs who come in once per year to have synchros replaced.

AFJuvat

[ZOA NOM]

160k, never cracked open, no issues, tight as a drum. Just change the oil religiously and drive it like you stole it.

[onefstm]

Thanks for the responses. I am still up in the air about this car. The owner is asking 12k for the car but in my opinion, the car can be bought for 10,500 or 11k. The only think that I really dont like about the car is the fact that it has leather seats with charcoal striped inserts as opposed to full leather. Aside from that, everything else looks great. Also, out of curiosity, what does a trans rebuild typically cost?