best year and model 911 for a noobie

[61sktnbug]

just curious what everyones opion was on the most affordable and best 911 for a 1 st time buyer who dosent have alot of cash but has time and runs a shop? so i do have acces to parts and labour no prob , any advice?

[Bob's Flat-Six]

Ok, I'm being serious now
Get a 911SC. They make a nice all around 911 and probably the best bang for your buck at this point in time.

[CindyDuck]

I have a 79 SC, easy to work on and 3.0 is reliable
Mike

[61sktnbug]

Originally posted by Bob's Flat-Six
Ok, I'm being serious now
Get a 911SC. They make a nice all around 911 and probably the best bang for your buck at this point in time.

love the sc's but there a little high in my range of monies!!!!

[earlyapex]

The SC was made in relatively large quantities and is a great bang for the buck Porsche that also has great Porsche character and performance. I recommend the book, "The Used 911 Story" by Peter Zimmerman as a concise reference on this subject.

[silverc4s]

Find a nice 1974.

[jkarolyi]

Keep looking and be patient. You can find decent (but not cream puff!) SCs in the 6K-9K range here in Southern Cali. Take a vacation and drive one home. Also look at any '76-77 911S models (which have galvanized bodies) with a 3.0 SC engine swapped in, these can be pretty cheap.

If you're looking to pay less than that up front, be prepared to sink mega-bucks into it regardless...in my 12 "bargain" Porsche buying experiences, there is no such thing as a sub-$8,000 final cost Porsche. Just to warn you.

[JeremyD]

Originally posted by 61sktnbug
love the sc's but there a little high in my range of monies!!!!

Then save your money and wait... Nothing worse than a car you can barley afford up on jack stands and not be able to drive it, because you can't afford to fix it.

[cantdrv55]

Good advice above about waiting and saving. Don't buy a junker because it'll cost you more in the long run. If you really want a Porsche now though, get a 914 and expect to spend about $6K for a good one.

[Rot 911]

I agree with the others, either buy a great 914 or save your money until you can buy a sorted out 911.

[61sktnbug]

what im looking to know is what years to look for ,

[Twehttam]

78-83 SC or 76-77 with the 2.7 sorted out

[rcecale]

Originally posted by Bob's Flat-Six
Ok, I'm being serious now
Get a 911SC. They make a nice all around 911 and probably the best bang for your buck at this point in time.

Unless, of course, you REALLY want to experience all that these cars have to offer.

Then you'd want to do yourself a favor and get a Carrera Targa.


Until you've gone topless in the open air, you really haven't lived.

Randy

[jkarolyi]

...what he means by a sorted out '76-77 2.7 is a documented rebuild by a reputable engine builder. These engines in particular are known for not holding together unless the engine rebuilder knows what they are doing.

There aren't any of these concerns however, if the '76-77 has had an engine swap with a 3.0 SC engine.

Twehttam, why did you exclude the '78 SC? Typo? Those are usually pretty good bargains.

[Twehttam]

Yup, typo! Edited to include 1978.

[jtkkz]

or get a early 911, not too expensive to maintain, many things you can DIY, just make sure you find a good example, no rust well maintained.
No smogging issues too, not sure if where you live needs smog check?

[kach22i]

How about a well maintained 912?

I've seen some going for half what an equally good shape 911 goes for.

It may not have the performance of a 6 cyl 911, but then again neither does a $50,000 356 speedster.

[wholberg]

Definitely a 911SC. My favorite years are the 78-79. If you look without urgency for several months, you should be able to find a good one in the $8 - $9K range.

A PPI (pre-purchase inspection) is a must. Members of the Pelican board may be able to recommend someone when you get ready to buy.

Budget $1 - $2K for repairs right off the bat, and I think you can be into a reliable driver for $10K.

Get in touch with your local PCA, or other, Porsche club. You may find contacts there that lead you to a good, inexpensive car.

Good Luck!

[jtkkz]

There are some some good examples of early 911's out there, that are fair pricing that have been offered to me, but they are not advertised.
Unfortunately they only give a day or 2 if your lucky to jump on it, somtimes onlya few hours to make a decision.

[DustinTarditi]

Buy the "Used 911 Story" and drive as many 911s as you can get your hands on.

IMHO, you're better off even with a mid-year 911 that has been well sorted and taken care of than an SC that has been ridden hard and hung up wet.

I was looking for an SC originally, but a 1974 911 with all the upgrades and rebuilt 2.7 fell into my lap. It's working out well for me.

I really enjoy the simplicity of the car, (it's a little tame compared to the 3.0+) but it is a classic look and fun to drive - my wife keeps eyeing it up, however... It'll probably be her toy someday and I'll get something a little more aggressive in the future. We'll see. I'm still learning about the car - I've not come close to scratching the surface of what it's capable of - I need a PCA driver event or something.

You'll find the right car, though... give it a little time.