Things TO DO When Buying a 911

[randywebb]

I thought this might make a helpful thread -- esp. after the white smoke under the dash post recently.

I'll make a bare bones start:

- change all the fluids -- engine oil, tranmission oil, and brake fluid

- unless you know for certain that the rubber brake hoses are only a few years old, replace them with factory rubber hoses when you flush the old brake fluid. Avoid the braided steel hoses unless you are a hardcore racer with a budget to match -- you'll be changing them frequently.

- go thru all the fuses and be sure they are not higher rated than they should be - rotate/twist each one and check for corrosion

- add a fuse to ensure that all wires under the dash are fused

- add relays for the headlights - the Sucro kit is fine and he is very helpful if you have problems.

[bigchillcar]

fuel filter..i still hear horror stories of people going yearrrrs without changing them..and why not the air filter as well. check condition/proper tension of fan belt. i'd also open up all the headlights and taillights and look for corrosion/replace bulbs at all 4 corners. drive piss out of car..
ryan

[Sonic dB]

Dont forget the coolant flush and check the RMS if buying any Porsche built after 1998.

[kqw]

Wash and wax the car. This will tell you the condition of the paint and reveal the nicks and dings.

Begin your journal/records of what was done maintenance wise.

Lubricate all linkages, check all hoses and their connections.

Learn how the drive a 911. If it's your 1st P-Car, it'll take you about a year to really know the car and how it handles in different situations.

Get a radar detector.

Donate to the local PD's charities. This may assist you in not having to donate to the local coffers.

In winter, run the A/C at least once a month.

Establish a "secret" stash of cash if you can. This for the little upgrades and such that you don't want to explain to the significant other.

If you don't already have them, get extra keys made.

Mark your spot in the garage and it's parameters.

Alarm the car.

Check your tools and add to them as necessary.

[Doug&Julie]

Originally posted by kqw
Mark your spot in the garage...

My car does that all on it's own!

Take lots of photos to document your car at the time of purchase and as you make "modifications". Digital cameras are wonderful.

Keep electronic files along with your "paper" files as records. IF you ever sell the car, we're in a digital age and being able to e-mail records/photos is a major help. If you don't sell, they're still nice to have as records or to see "how far you've come".

Buy "fix-it" style books to help you learn the car, even if you're never going to touch the car yourself. Knowledge is power.

[Miguel Antonett]

All good points, also need to check tires and mainly the wheels; looking for cracks and dints damage.

[ken_xman]

open a home equity line of credit.

[RSBob]

Inspect fuel lines thoroughly. If old, or in doubt, replace immediately.

And following on what Ken says, better take out a second home equity line of credit or marry a Hilton. On second thought.... go with the credit.

[Joe Bob]

Buy gold chain.....ooops, wrong board.....

[ajackson]

don't open a home equity line of credit!

[TerryH]

Originally posted by ajackson
don't open a home equity line of credit!

Yeah, just re-fi and pull out all the equity. Then hold weekly garage sales to supplement your future P-parts habit. Then get your wife that second job.

[ryanmt]

......

check the shift coupler bushings
lube and preload front wheel bearings

[Johnathan]

Having recently bought my first 911 this is a great thread that all new owners should see.

[pa911]

Don't keep track of how much you spend on it.

[bigchillcar]

burn or throw away all receipts from day one..
ryan

[Rodney Nelson]

1. Check Battery Boxes for corrosion. Clean up and add a Battery Pad underneath the battery.

2. Change the wipers

3. Inspect Headlight and Fog Light Lenses, may need to repalce. Check to make sure all Bulbs are working as well.

4. Change Oil

5. Change Air Filter, or upgrade

6. Change Tranny Fluid

7. Inspect Tires, look for dry rot uneven wear

8. Inspect Brakes, pads, rotors etc..

9. Change Fuel Filter

10. Lubricate all linkages

11. Adjust Clutch if necessary

12. Align and balance tires if pull or shake is noted while driving

[Vipergrün]

Setup a delivery location other than your home for those many boxes from UPS

Buy your wife flowers often. Makes it easier for her to say "yes"

Drive the car and rev it high, no garage queens.

Offer to share the Porsche experience with the neighbor kids, take them for a ride.

Get to know your car and be careful when driving. It's fairly easy to swap ends.

Take your car to the track at least once and get instruction from a good 911 driver. These cars are amazing, even in their stock form.