New Porsche Owner/Buyer

newporscher · 02-10-2006, 11:27 AM

Hello 911 experts! I am new to the wonderful world of 911 ownership! So.....I am about to purchase a 1990 911 C2. I heard tale of there being recalls and issues with these. What do I look out for? I have always wanted a Porsche and am now able to afford my first one. I want to be careful....I want fun and to join the club....not on the sidelines with a broken down 911. Any comments and feedback is helpful! Thanks a ton...I await your help!

Also....I live in Atlanta and wanna get into a club or driving track siutuation...any direction on that?

Jack Olsen · 02-10-2006, 11:37 AM

If you want to be careful, then get an independent Porsche shop to do a pre-purchase inspection on the car. The 1990-92 motors had a head seal design that frequently failed. The fix is very expensive (figure a top end rebuiid). That model also had some issues with the dual mass clutch, power steering pump, and dual distributor belt that you should have looked at before you work out a final price with the seller.

The 964s are great cars, and a relative bargain in the 911 world. But you absolutely need to get the car looked at by a pro if you want to avoid potentially 5-10K in 'surprises' that could sideline you from a lot of 911 fun.

tonythetarga · 02-10-2006, 11:38 AM

Welcome to the board and the world of Porsche ownership (almost). In the 911 section there is a Porsche Buyers guide. You should read through it and learn whatever you can about 911's in general and then zero in on the car you are thinking of buying. There is also a board geared to 964, 993 and 996's.
Next, and MOST important, have the car inspected (PPI) by someone in the Atlanta area that can be recommended as a reputable guy from someone on this board. Good hunting!

stormmaster · stormmaster's Garage

If you need a reputable shop to do the PPI let me know....The guy that does all the work on my car is very reasonable and will give you great advice....and once you buy one....he is a great guy to have around...he is on the North side in Smyrna....not sure about the club racing group here in Atlanta...I haven't rejoined PCA since my recent purchase...I have been out of the loop for a while....you might also want to consider SCCA solo ll as a starting point to develope your driving skills....just a thought

newporscher · 02-10-2006, 02:44 PM

Wow....thanks for the info and the direction Jack Olsen, Tonythetarga and Stormmaster....I really do appreciate it.

I will get a PPI done before purchasing the car. Also, it is someone whom I know that is selling it and so he is flexible with price....the car has 115K miles on it....had a new clutch put on last year by a Porsche dealership....I am getting for like $9,000.00 as-is. I need to replace a door panel on the passenger side and replace the set of door locks.

I will also heed the advice to read the buying manuals provided within this community website. Thanks a ton guys.....looks like I need to check the head seal dual mass clutch, power steering pump, and dual distributor belt....I assume all of this will be covered within the PPI?!

Thanks a ton......

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by newporscher
Wow....thanks for the info and the direction Jack Olsen, Tonythetarga and Stormmaster....I really do appreciate it.

I will get a PPI done before purchasing the car. Also, it is someone whom I know that is selling it and so he is flexible with price....the car has 115K miles on it....had a new clutch put on last year by a Porsche dealership....I am getting for like $9,000.00 as-is. I need to replace a door panel on the passenger side and replace the set of door locks.

I will also heed the advice to read the buying manuals provided within this community website. Thanks a ton guys.....looks like I need to check the head seal dual mass clutch, power steering pump, and dual distributor belt....I assume all of this will be covered within the PPI?!

Thanks a ton......

That seems like pretty much a 'can't resist' price, but do the PPI anyway. There are some Porsches that aren't a bargain at $0.00.

newporscher · 02-11-2006, 04:07 PM

Hey Techweenie....thanks for the input. I will most definitely get the PPI done. Yeah....I am getting it for a great price.....I pick it up tomorrow and am taking on Monday to get PPI done. If it all checks out then I will be driving this next week!

)

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

A 1990 964 in "below average" condition will sell for over $15K all day long. For $9K you could have the top end done, new DMF/clutch, have your distributors rebuilt and STILL be way ahead of the game. A well sorted 964 with all the known possible issues resolved, even with 110K is worth $20K... If you don't buy it be sure to let us know how to contact the seller!

As far as track driving, you can't do better than PCA Driver's Education IMO.

lars63 · 02-11-2006, 04:27 PM

Welcome to the forums

I agree with the PPI I could save myself a world of headaches if I had one done took two years to fix all the issues.

That's a great price good luck

newporscher · 02-12-2006, 06:57 AM

Thanks GaryR and lars63....I will post the results of the PPI and will put up pictures soon. Everyone here has been so helpful...I appreciate it!

petrolblue83911 · 02-12-2006, 09:40 AM

Sounds like a great deal!-be wary of buying from a friend, so a PPi is a must, I say this not because your buddy may be trying to off load a problem on you, not at all, just think though how bad he would feel if you bought the car, and then needed to put 10k into it!

-if for example your total budget is in the 9k range, you wouldn't have any $ left to do these repairs and then would be stuck, so just make sure you and your buddy know exactly what the car needs before you buy so you are both aware of what it will really cost!

-I agree, with the opinions noted, even if you had to put 5 or 6k into this car it would be a great deal!-but if you needed to put 10k into it, it would be a nearly 20k 964 with 115k miles on it, and would no longer be such a great deal.-this is why a PPI, complete with leakdown numbers, etc is necessary.

Ray B · 02-12-2006, 10:02 AM

Welcome. Plenty pelicans and P-car stuff to do in ATL. Use the search button to find a local mech. I'll put in my usual plug for Jack Lewis in Norcross-worth the drive. Run like hell from Reggie at Proformance Place on South Cobb Drive

PM me if you have any questions. Good luck!!

stormmaster · stormmaster's Garage

Reggie has always treated my brother and myself very good....what issues have you had?

Ray B · 02-12-2006, 10:56 AM

Don. You have PM. I'd be arrested if aired my thoughts on Reggie on the forum.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

9k for a '90 964?? wondering what's the catch! does it come with a motor?!

like others have said..tough to go wrong with that price. makes me wonder if it has 'frame damage' that a jig can't fix or a motor that absoltely needs the 10k of work. gotta be one or the other. anyway, welcome to the board.

ryan

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

I'd have to agree with bigchillcar. Why so cheap? Figure that a good, clean 964 C2 should go for about $20-25K (or thereabouts). If you're being asked to pay less than half of that, WHY? Even considering replacing a door and locks, is the seller really so out of touch with market pricing? Or is there some deep dark secret that you don't know about?

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

Definitely join PCA, their DE program is great.

newporscher · 02-12-2006, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the comments and direction here. I am getting at this price because the guy really is out of the loop on what he could get. He does not go on internet much and works a lot so he has no time to adverstise and dealwith this....I am an easy sale for him. 1 year ago he had a new clutch put on, air serviced and a tail light fixed. Door locks are screwed up and door panel needs replacing. The aforementioned work was done by a local porsche dealership north of Atlanta. He knows the mechanic at that dealership via a friend. That guy knows the car so I am going to meet him also and see what he says. He also had new Pirelli tires put on 9 months ago and has not drivien the car 100 miles since. It sits in his garage most of the time. So...I am getting the PPI done and will consult with the mechanic on what issues need to be corrected. If it is 3-4K worth of work...OK.....if it is more then he either comes down in the price or I look elsewhere. I have known this guy for like 5 years....he means no harm but I am having professionals look just the same. Situation is just unique....

stormmaster · stormmaster's Garage

I wish you all the luck in the world with the purchase....make sure you post some pics if you get the car...you will have a pm in a few

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Quote:

I am getting at this price because the guy really is out of the loop on what he could get. He does not go on internet much and works a lot so he has no time to adverstise and dealwith this

you gotta love it..a guy with enough smarts that he can earn enough to afford a 964, but too dumb to figure out what it's worth today..

newporscher..with your luck, if this car is legit, don't hesitate..take the first plane to vegas and put all your money on..anything. lol.

ryan