Need help with a 930 i want to buy

Maine930 · 12-15-2006, 04:58 AM

Hi everyone - this is my first post. I've been looking for a decent 930 for some time, and have been doing a lot of research. I'm basically looking for a solid 911 turbo and can only spend around $20k. It doesn't need to be pristine by any means, this will be more of a project for me. Anyway - I have come across one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1976-PORSCHE-930-MECHANICALLY-SOUND-CAR-SEE-24-PICS_W0QQitemZ180062145404QQihZ008QQcategoryZ6433Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It's a 1976 930 at Martin Auto Gallery in Pittsburg. Has 44k miles, silver / lt. blue in color, black interior.
Seems like a pretty good deal - the dealer claims it's the original paint and original miles and that it is in perfect mechanical condition, but with a few cosmetic belmishes - which is not a big deal to me. But as you can see by the pics - it looks like someone put a different turbo on it and an aftermarket intercooler and a later year deck-lid and even a roll bar. Just wondering if anyone out there knows anything about this car. I'd love to buy it, but am a little leary since the dealer doesn't seem to know much about the car or any of the mod's. The 'buy-it now' is $29k, but he said he'd sell it for close to $20k. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

MBAtarga · 12-15-2006, 05:13 AM

Well, it does "look" nice, but this is original paint?

Maine930 · 12-15-2006, 05:20 AM

Obviously not. All I know is what the dealer said. That's why I posted. I'm really unsure about the car and it's a 11 hr drive for me to check it out personally.

carmad · 12-15-2006, 05:37 AM

You need a thorough PPI on this car, or it will cost you another $20K.
I would take the time to go see the car for yourself, and if your gut feeling is good, get the PPI and go from there. This car has had the engine apart, and boost increased which even with the intercooler upgrade, throws a red flag for me. See if the dealer can put you in touch with the previous owner.
On these cars the PPI is key.

Thomas Owen · 12-15-2006, 05:37 AM

A few questions:
What is the discoloration under the oil filter on the longitudinal?
Is there documentation to support the mileage claim?
The paint is not original, at least not around te badge in the picture.

I would be very very careful here because you could find yourself in a situation where what seemed like a good deal becomes a nightmare. There have been many like that over the years...
Good luck, and be patient...

Maine930 · 12-15-2006, 05:44 AM

thanks for all the replies - can someone explain the PPI to me? Sorry for being so ignorant here - this will be my first Porsche. I agree with you all - there are some red flags with this one, but it's about all I can afford. I just don't want to get myself in too deep with a car that has a lot of issues.

Thomas Owen · 12-15-2006, 05:53 AM

PPI - Pre Purchase Inspection. Take the car to a separate independant Porsche facility and have them go over the car from bumper to bumper. Some inspections can get very detailed and thorough, depending on how far you want to go.
It is really a way of fully documenting or supporting the Seller's claims and getting a general idea of the car condition and what issues may need to be addressed.
Another example of a PPI could include putting the car on a frame jig to see if it has ever been twisted, so in short, the PPI can include specific items like the engine or trans, suspension and frame geometry.
The bottom line is to[b] KNOW [/bthe car you are buying and what you will be getting in to.
Results of a PPI can then be used to go back to the Seller to further negotiate the final price, if you are still interested.
Good luck

Thomas Owen · 12-15-2006, 05:54 AM

One other thing - if you have 20k to spend you may be better off with a different 911 to start with. The model you are looking at, in my opinion, could have more expensive surprises than you can imagine.

Mike_Lettrich · 12-15-2006, 05:59 AM

I'm new to Porsche's as well, but the description identifies it as having S cams.

Isn't a '76 930 a CIS car? Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that S cams do not work well with CIS, at least normally aspirated ones.

Is an S cam appropriate for use with a turbocharged CIS car?

Also, is the air conditioning condenser missing from the photo of the engine? What kind of wheels are those?

Other than that, it at least looks like a nice car.

bkreigsr · 07:57 AM

If you decide to pull the trigger, I'd like to talk to you about the owners manual for the Bamberg radio. I'm in the process of retro- fitting one in my 77 930 as the prior owner had replaced it with an Alpine unit.

here's some weird things I noticed in the pics: no stone protector spats on flares, never seen those tuck/roll seat cushions, (but the seats are correct), ivory headliner has been dyed black (poorly), no center console, never seen the 2 words "turbo" "carrera" shaved on the rear seat backs, (usually only 'turbo'), are the thermal reactors still on the car?

the asking price is in line for the description (44,000), but only a ppi will tell if the description jives with the car.

good luck
Bill K

Maine930 · 12-15-2006, 06:13 AM

Mike - very good questions. I have been wondering all the same things. As for the wheels - I think they're hideous - would be the first thing to I'd change.

Thanks Thomas - I will ask about the PPI. sounds like a very good idea. and I'm also starting to agree with you about maybe trying to find a different car to start with. I would obviously prefer starting with a clean, unmolested original.

Black968 · 12-15-2006, 06:21 AM

You are not going to get a 'decent' 930 for 20 G. A 20 G car can turn into 30 - 40 quickly as stated above. If the door jam picture is representative of the rest of the car, it looks rough. The miles are suspicious at 1466 per year. Go and look at cars in the 28 - 30 G range. They are much better and and won't suck your wallet dry.

Cheers

Tom F2 · 12-15-2006, 06:23 AM

This car looks cobbled together, to me. I would not want to get involved with a problematic Turbo, under any circumstances, and certainly not if your budget is $20,000.00. It's easy to spend $10,000.00 on one of these cars for parts alone.

Maine930 · 12-15-2006, 06:29 AM

well - I said 20k, but that's more like a 20k range. I'd consider 25+ for the right car - my point was I don't want/need a show car. this will be a daily driver (weather permitting). so some cosmetic issues, etc. are not a big deal to me. just as long as it's a solid car that hasn't been butchered. I don't think I should need to spend more than low-20's for a decent, 25-30 yeard old 911 turbo.

David · David's Garage

You should be able to find a good 930 up to an 85 model for $25K. At that price you won't be buying a garage queen, but if it's going to be a project car that you can afford to have sitting sometimes until you have the time and/or money to fix it then that's fine.

I'd also spend time learning everything you can about the models you're interested in. You may find that a later model has something you'd want which would really expensive to upgrade to on an earlier model.

carmad · 12-15-2006, 06:42 AM

For a decent 930, you will spend 30-35K. Most 930's have had some modifications. If the mods were done by a reputable tuner, eg. ImagineAuto, and has documentation thats one thing, but if its cobbled together as it looks like this one is, I would keep looking.
As Thomas stated, you may be better off looking for a nice post '87 car which is in your price range, and would make a better daily driver.

the · 12-15-2006, 07:10 AM

I wouldn't touch that car for $20K.

I'd believe the 44K miles are accurate as much as I'd believe the paint is original.

It's a cobbled together, history unknown, non-intercooled '76. Non original stuff all over it. Why would you replace all of that stuff and repaint a supposed 44K mile car? Stuff doesn't normally wear out on a car that is driven 1500 miles per year.

You can do soooo much better at $25K if you have patience and keep looking. That car is a dog, IMO.

Maine930 · 12-15-2006, 07:17 AM

thanks the - i tend to agree with you. the search continues...
anyone that has any leads on any 930's in my price range - let me know.

cashflyer · 12-15-2006, 07:38 AM

Things I notice:
AC compressor missing
More corrosion on the fan than I'd like to see on a "well kept" car
Looks like the sunroof has been leaking
Pedal and carpet wear are consistent with the mileage, but are also easy to replace by people who want a car to look low milieage. Compare to the wear on the drivers floormat lying in the trunk.
Surface rust under oil fill... why?
Obviously a respray... why?

He's willing to drop $9k for a quick sale. That bothers me.

If it were me, I'd say no on that car. At least at that price.

As for PPI, many people here have (from what I've read) had less than favorable experiences in getting a PPI done long distance. I personally say that you need to BE THERE when the PPI is done. It's your money, and you know how particular you want to be. Even if you don't know dinkus about mechanical stuff, you can still point and ask questions. With a long distance PPI that you are not involved with, you're trusting that the inspector feels as closely attached to your money as you do. Guess what... they don't.

K9Torro · 12-15-2006, 07:48 AM

Hi -

Like the other guy's posted already , I would " pass " on this car at anything near 20K there are just too many things that " jump " out at you.

Have you considered a nice SC , or G50 car you can get a nice G50 for the mid 20's and a very nice / excelllant SC for the same money. You are basically going to get a " beater " 930 in that price range at least where I live at that seems to be the case.

Todd