newbie needs advise on purchase

[schwarz633]

OK, I’m looking to purchase a 911 (my first) and have found a likely candidate. It’s a 3 owner 1985 sunroof coupe, classic Guards Red/Black, 74K miles, power sport seats, cruise, power windows, 17” x 8/9” RUF wheels with dark gray painted centers. Also has a RUF tach that seems to have bigger than normal numerals on it. There is documentation that indicates that in 1988 (~40K miles) the engine was rebuilt with 3.4L P/C, new valves, valve guides, chains, chain guides, heads chamfered, rod bolts, and a bunch of other things that I don’t remember as I don’t have copies of the documents. The total bill was ~$12K (US), which also included the wheels, new tires, a front spoiler, SSI heat exchangers and a RUF DME.

The paint/body is very nice, not flawless. No evidence of rust, other than the black molding that wraps around the corner of the rear bumper. I don’t know what you call it, but it is on the face of the bumper and runs from the big block thing to the bellows. It must have steel inside of the rubber that has rusted, causing this strip to pucker and stand out from the bumper. Is this part replaceable?

The air conditioner belt was and has remained off since the current owner bought the car 10 years ago. The headlights have been upgraded to H4’s with painted trim rings. It needs front and rear hood shocks. Low mileage, but probably 8 year old Sumitomo HTR tires. Engine appears to be very dry, 1 drop/week claimed by owner. He has put about 2K miles on it in the 10 years he has owned it, basically a garage queen.

Seats, interior, and headliner are very nice. The dash seems to be a little wavy and has some curling around the vents, no cracks. It appears to be leather, seems like there was some stitching around the edges. I didn’t verify, but the owner claims everything to be operational.

The label on the inside of the hood has me confused. The only thing listed in the options section is CO2. Other labels that I have seen pictures of had codes for things like sport seats, power seats, cruise, etc. This label doesn’t indicate any of these options, but the car definitely has them. Can anyone explain this to me?

The owner has a document that he obtained from Porsche with the VIN, engine, transmission numbers, as well as a listing of the options (no codes). The VIN & engine numbers on the car do match this document. Is there a way to determine if the engine is “numbers matching” without having this Porsche document?

Any comments, advise, suggestions that will help me determine if this is the “right” car will be appreciated. Asking price is $17K (US).

[2.7RACER]

Needs tires, the AC inop. Where is it located? Anywhere but the southwest needs to be checked for rust.
With 3.4 pistons and cylinders it isn't a numbers matching car anymore.
The standard PPI at a shop of your choice.
If all is good should be worth 15K, keeping in mind you need to spend $1,000 plus to get the AC working and $500 or more for tires.
Good luck,

[stormmaster]

Price seems in line....yes the bumper impact strip has metal in it and it does rust....mine did the same thing...I replaced mine....I got used ones very cheap in perfect contidion....new ones are about $100 each....sounds like its a pretty nice car...although a PPI by a local Porsche shop should be performed in order to determine engine leakdown/compression check...and to look for other areas that may need attention....for your peace of mind it is well worth the money.....

[stormmaster]

should not be any rust issues with an 85 as the bodies were galvanized from the factory...however if there is bodywork done to the car that coating has been disturbed and may have rust issues as a result.

[schwarz633]

I know the car hasn't seen snow and probably not even rain in the last 10 years. Chances are pretty good that it has always been a fair weather driver. If I decide that I want to proceed, the next step will definitely be a PPI.

[stormmaster]

good luck....hope it works out for you....just remember there are lots of fine cars out there....make sure it is what you want...don't settle

[defcon65]

It's a good model year, sounds like it is in decent shape and the price is about right. Have you owned a 911 before? It sounds like you are well-versed in their technical aspects, maybe you have just done your homework. A PPI is a good idea, plus I'd check out that VIN discrepancy before you put any money down.

[William930t]

PPI including a leakdown & compression test with a fully warmed engine is a must. If you can, post the numbers (results) on this board and we will give you more input. Good luck!