What I have learned from this forum

[ddann]

Helpful (and entertaining) list for novice buyers.

11+ thousand for a new targa top...that alone would warrant a pass.

Perhaps it's a candidate for MTV's Pimp My Ride.

[Dantilla]

If you spent more time in Off Topic, you would have added:

24. Bush hates Targas.

I bought my 911 from an insurance auction after it had an engine fire. It sat in my garage on jackstands for a year while I was swapping parts from the donor car.

It put a smile on my face every time I walked into the garage, just seeing the car sit there.

Now I've got a great looking early 911 that is an autocross screamer. people who do not know Porsches simply see a Porsche in nice shape. People who do know Porsches know that long hoods didn't come with Carrera flares and 16x9 Fuchs, and want to know more.

My car is basically a collection of used parts I've scrounged up, so I'm amazed at how much attention it generates, even at a Porsche club event.

During the build, it was simply therapy to go "dink" in the garage for a while.

Now, going for a drive is more therapy.

Well worth it.

[andycook]

I would say that is a very true yet comical list of lessons learned here. I would have to say though, that I agree with those who state that buying a fixer upper is not a good plan unless you have a plan before you even purchase the car.
My car was purchased as a fixer upper, and continues to live up to its expectations! Going on 5 years and it is still not on the road yet.
I have however had the opportunity to drive it a few times in betweend tear downs. That alone reinvigorates me to work towards completion.
I made up my mind when I bought it, I would not do things half-a**ed just to get it going. I have Waaaaay more into it even now than I could ever get out of it. I didn't buy it for its return on investment though. I bought it because I waited 35 years to own what I felt was the greatest sports car ever built.
Just my two cents, and I hope someday to be able to post the ever elusive "Finally Done" post here!!!
Enjoy your car, no matter what stage of disarray it is in. You arlready far ahead of the many who wish to have one but cannot.


And...some of us turn around and do it a second time!

[Doug Steinel]

RFR,

what smog issues does your car have? This board has already cheered you up... and it could give good advice on making it legal without too much pain.

[jluetjen]

Originally posted by RFR

9) The rear engine design is actually dangerous

10) The weight distribution Sucks ( rear heavy)

I'm not sure where you learned these two tidbits on this BBS. I think that most people here would agree that the rear engine opens up a whole new realm of handling possibilities that other drive-train arrangments just don't offer. The rear engine handling thing is something that always hyped up a lot in the magazines. And we all know that you can't believe everything that you read in the press!

[Gordo2]

Enjoyed the list for the laughs. Some of them are hard but laughable truths.

My experience has been considerably better though. Bought my car for extremely cheap ('83 SC with 165k for $5,800; 4 years ago). It's a daily driver. I am judicious in my investments toward it, prioritizing on what needs done vice what I want or would like to have. The pay-off has been a solid running classic car that is a blast to drive.

Hang in there, focus your funds on reliability - then and only then turn focus to "like to haves" and you won't be dissappointed.

Best of luck,

Gordo

[DRV2FST]

I bought a 930 that ran great and decided to do some upgrades. (insert sounds of impending doom here)

I had 2 different shops and a backyard mechanic rip me off and waste my time and money. My car was down for about 8 of the first 12 months I owned it. I have spent at least $20k more than I can sell it for.

I finally found the right shop to work on my car, thanks Porsche Doc. It is fantastic. I get complements on it every day I drive it (which is almost every day). It makes me very happy every time I drive it. I am convinced it was worth it all.

My lessons learned:
1) If you are not a fixer upper (I am not) then buy a car that is already exactly like you want it. It will cost too much $$$ to make it that way after you buy it.
2) It is a rare privilege to drive a car that looks this good and still outperforms new cars even though it is 21 years old. (Z06 guys get really frustrated when they can't beat an old car with the engine in the wrong place.)
3) That privilege (see above) will cost you much more than you think but it is worth it.
4) Don't even try to save money. Take it directly to a Porsche specialist and be prepared to pay until it hurts. Focus your attention on making enough extra $$$ to pay for your habit.
5) If Porsche Doc is reading this please forget #4. I still want stuff cheaper.

[Nine9six]

Originally posted by RFR
Kind words from all :-)

Let me clarify a bit, my car does Not have a broken headstud.

the mechanicals are good.

I am a DIY kind of guy, I custom buld guitars for a living.

The reason the car sits is because the PO neglected the registration for 3 years, it needs smog, and with insurance, I am looking @ about a thousand bucks to get it legal.

Doesn't seem like a lot, but this month 5 grand went out on on CNC costs for stainless guitar hardware I had made up.

This was money I would have loved to put into the porsche, but business comes first.

I also come from the world of Datsun Roadsters, A car that I know INSIDE AND OUT.

In an afternoon, I have done by myself a motor and tranny swap, a valve adjustment is a 15 minute job, Jackpoints are a breeze ( seperate frame, not unibody), etc.
With all the contacts I have made, parts are a breeze to find and relatively inexpensive.

Porsches are a whole new world for me.

That is an understatement!

Right now to satisfy my need to improve my car, I am painting....one panel at a time.

Heck a Porsche is just one really BIG guitar, and I paint them all the time.

Sure hope I get over the learning curve on this new beast and I can say I understand the porsche thru and thru!

Hell, maybe soon I will even be able to race around and discover that wonderful throttle lift sensation! ;-)

If your car is still sitting in your driveway, maybe you bought your car before completing your research on insurance, smog, DMV, and idiosyncracies of your specific model.

[Nine9six]

Originally posted by charleskieffner
beats the hell out of spending money on my ex-wife and smiles at me every morning i walk out to it. doesnt yell at me for spending money or putting long hours into it. does not mind the smell of beer(its a german thang). and the best thing................it doesnt have the ability nor ever will have the ability to call a divorce lawyer or cheat on me. and it purrs all the time when i stroke it! LOL!

Chuckie, perhaps you didn't think things through...Maybe if you spent the same amount of time, money, and stroking on the ex-wife, you could have TWO p-cars by avoiding the EXPENSE of a divorce.

[Plecostomus]

2) you have to spend 20 grand to get a car someone is willing to buy for 10 grand

3) If you don't spend the 20 grand no one wants to buy it at ANY price

Haha. My experience over the past 2 years. I'm sick of it!

[asphaltgambler]

Just look at my signiture.............says it all!

BUT ........I still get a woodie every time I sit in it!

[emcdan]

I look at mine sometimes and say what a 'piece a sh..' then I go for drive...have a blast and get three or four "great car" comments from strangers. Yea....they're worth it.

[PRE-H20]

RFR,

23 concerns in 8 months?...... THATS IT?....... hehehehe well over the years that will increase siginificanly and in 10 -15 years you still wont know why you kept it, but you will look back over your shoulder everytime you close the garage door, and rest assured you will have a smirk on your face......... really.



im on my 17th year (got my 1st 911 at 21) and i still have that smirk...............

alex

[Mike Andrew]

I was fortunate & found a low miler at a fair price. Once I got some upgrades done, my outlays went to almost nothing.
Drining it is one of the best highs I have ever known.
Frequently, when I walk into the garage & see it, I cannot believe that I am fortunate to own such a car.
Spend the $ & get it up to snuff and you won't be disappointed.

[Super_Dave_D]

Yesterday as I drove home in 96 deg temp with very high humidity and heavy traffic, I couldn’t believe I bought a car that I couldn’t drive comfortably in. Got home sweating to death and cussing that piece of shizzit.

Feeling bad I went inside and ordered some more parts for her and apologized. Man I love that car. I hope she forgives me!

[72doug2,2S]

LOL
You also forgot

25) no obvious jacking points (front)
26) The visors will swell up like pillows.

[Hugh R]

What I can't believe is that a car that cost $40 Grand new in 1984 would have such a suck ass A/C system. That's like spending $100 grand today for a car. (Which is I guess what a new one cost anyway).

[Super_Dave_D]

27) the Heat controls between the seats pull up on the crazy levers and turn the knob for fan, the AC is in the console but dont use it because it sucks, the fresh air controls....you will never figure them out! I know motor homes without as many blowers.

[randywebb]

You can't really compare it to a Daqtsun roadster.

That is great old conventional sports car. The 911 is not a conventional sports car.

Instead it is a dirt cheap exotic car - even when new. If you compare it to a Lambo or an Fcar, you'll understand the servicing difficulties, the parts avaialability (better than those) etc.

really the 911 slots in right between the true exotics and more conventional cars in terms of cost, untis produced, servicing difficulty, etc. But in terms of performance it kicks the exotics.

[nesslar]

It's not really so bad as it seems. I mean, after all, you have a Porsche! A Targa, even!
So, in response to your list......
1). It's only money. You can't take it with you, but it might be true (legal) that you can take the car with you.
2). Not for sale.....buy it to keep it. You can't enjoy one if you ain't got one!
3). See above...
4). See Dan in New Jersey. Much less, and better. Ask me how I know.....
5). So what ?
6). Don't need it. I just went through mid 90s temps, it's OK!
7). You can find a better price.
8). Let them use your "soft socket" and tell 'em to take care!
9). The engine is where?!?
10). See other post....
11). Get a Carrera? Own two cars, double your fun!
12). See above....
13). Let the car idle for a bit before shutting it off. Allows the oil to go back to the tank, then won't burn off at startup. Do a search?
14). Don't drive it in the rain?
15). Yup.
16). "Porsche...."
17). "Board" indicates wood?
18). Love that "rice guys/rice car" stuff....
19). ?
20). See above...(Carrera)
21). It's only $, beats having a new KIA..........
22). Yup!
23). Mine's doin' just fine! Blue Magic for the leather, and mats can be replaced (it's only $ ) .

Why own one? 'Cuz it gives you something to talk about, Something to share with us!