Pros/Cons of buying a Euro 911 in US??

mansueti · 04-13-2005, 06:08 AM

I am looking to buy my first Porsche and I am looking at year 1980 thru 1993. I am looking for a weekend car and looking for a strong car at a fair price. SC, Carrera, or 964 are all in my sights but looking for the right car in regards to condition, documentation, mileage, color, etc…. I am looking at a stock car as much as possible. I do not need a bunch of fancy upgrades but I am not a purest so if there are upgrades on a car, that is OK, but I may not pay a whole bunch more to get them.

There is a 1984 Euro 911 for sale in my area. My question is related to the pros and cons of buying a euro car in the states (Michigan to be specific). Being this is my first 911, should I stick with an official US car or is a Euro model OK. Do I have to worry about anything related to registering a 1984 Euro 911. Any special or additional taxes? How about the differences in emission and/or catalytic converters; will that cost me more or cause registration issues? How about safety issues related to special car reinforcement to meet US safety standards. How about insurance? Will US insurance companies sell me insurance for a Euro model?

How about performance? I understand some Euro models are lighter and have more horsepower. Do Euro models cost any more for maintenance and/or services? Are some parts more expensive or harder to get.

I think you get the gist of my question. Any feedback would be much appreciated……..

Ron.G · 04-13-2005, 06:41 AM

I have a 1980 euro and have had no problems with registering or insuring. emissions might be a issue if it has the smog stuff taken off. Not that big of a deal to fix.

My car has the reinforcements if you can call them that, in the doors but they did a good job.
No regrets here.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

lookup the smog law requirements for michigan online, unless someone pipes up sooner. cali is tough we all know..i lived in detroit in '98, but don't remember their laws. euro models very often do have higher horsepower ratings. i'm sure the knowledgeable people will chime in..
ryan

IROC · IROC's Garage

I have a Euro 911 in Alabama. No issues. Then again, in Alabama, if a vehicle can move under it's own power, it's street legal.

Mike

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Euro Carrera means higher compression and more HP. Call your insurance co with the vin number. Some will not insure a vehicle with a zzz in the vin - but that can vary by state/company.

They are typically lighter - and more powerful - and if you are exepmt to emissions you can typically hop them up a little easier.

gerard vaglio · 04-13-2005, 08:46 AM

I have a 79 euro 911 in California, no problems with insurance, smog or parts and I've owned it a long time, 15 years+.

That said, be very, very sure the car was federalized and all paperwork is in order or you could be responsible for that when you register the car and that would be expensive. For assuming the additional risk a euro should sell for 10% less then the same US model even though it might/might not have more performance.

Most people feel a US model is better, all things being equal.

mansueti · 04-14-2005, 07:51 PM

Thanks all for all the good feedback and advice. Drove the car today. Turns out I actually drove this same car 2 years or so ago. It is in much better cosmetic condition now..... Still on the fence about buying it. It is a 1984 Euro 911 with 73K miles. New paint job and resealed glass all around. The seller is asking $16,900 (it was priced at $14,500 two years ago.) Title is clear and he did not have any issue registering in MI. Exterior looks very good and interior is fair to good. Has new tires, brakes, & shocks. The current owner only has records from his repairs. He did not know if it has a catalytic converter or any additional side impact bars.

Finding a good condition, non-Targa, 911 SC or Carrera for under $18 or so in MI is quite a challange. Does not seem to be that may cars in this class for sale.

Based on what I have stated, does this seem like a fair price?????

yelcab1 · 04-14-2005, 08:15 PM

You in California?

anthony · 04-14-2005, 08:24 PM

Quote:

It is a 1984 Euro 911 with 73K miles.

One issue with the Euro cars is that you have no way of verifying that 73K miles. It could easily have 173K with a fresh paint job and top end on the engine.

Smog and federalization issues aside, I'd go purely on current condition and documentation and wouldn't pay extra for low miles.

rrpjr · 04-14-2005, 08:34 PM

Depends chiefly on where you are, i.e., state smog and other requirements, when car arrived in US (DOT documentation to support this), and if car has been suitably "federalized" for your region. I own an 84 Euro in California, a strict state, and have had no problems, but car has been titled, registered, smogged and insured here since 1984. As noted, some insurance companies may spit back your VIN, as it does not conform to a US number series. I discovered this. But I found several large insurance companies that understood the anomaly and would insure (21st Century and MetLife). Classic car insurance companies, if yoiu qualify, have no problem with it.

mansueti · 04-14-2005, 08:35 PM

I am in Michigan...

Thanks for the advice on the mileage. A PPI will be completed if I decided to move forward on the car....

mansueti · 04-14-2005, 08:42 PM

The seller did not have any DOT documentation but there was a small plate on the door that the seller indicated the Secretary of State in MI (same as DMV in CA) stated it had to do with emmissions. The seller had this car officially registered in MI and it cost about $185. Sound a bit high to me but not too outrageous.....