Newbie question on Porsche purchase

GregB7S4 · 12-19-2006, 12:18 PM

I am interested in buying a 911. Want a 87-89 3.2 coupe with G50 trans and LSD. I also want it to have full maintenance history, and have no major issues(body mechanical or interior). I have a mental budget of $15-$17k. Am I dreaming or is this possible?

DW SD · 12-19-2006, 12:27 PM

with higher miles it would fit yoour budget, which can be just fine, with the right maintainence.

welcome,

Doug

David · David's Garage

I think a car in that condition with all records will fetch more.

cnavarro · 12-19-2006, 12:35 PM

It also depends on if you purchase retail, for example:

http://www.midwestperformancecars.com/inventory_detail.php?id=75&num_images=10.5&firstImage=oldmpcimages/3021_1.JPG

I've purchased from them and they go through the car and replace or repair anything that is an issue.

I'd venture you probably could get an unsorted, unknown vehicle for the price range you mentioned - or if you can get a really good deal.

There is an individual in town who has similar to what you want, that had about 60k miles, but with a somewhat abused tranny (synthetic improved the shifting and overall grumpiness) and targa top and seal issues for about $20k. Otherwise, the car looked excellent and ran great. No history provided tho :-(

rnln · 12-19-2006, 01:26 PM

I think it will be very hard to find with that price. Also, at this age, there are not a lot out there with full records.

dbrisson · 12-19-2006, 01:29 PM

In my area mid east coast 12-15 will fetch a 3.0 sc, most 87 and newer are in the 20's for a solid car. I would like to trade up out of my 82 eventually but so far its been a fun ride.

AvonGil · 12-19-2006, 01:45 PM

You can get a decent targa for that price, but you will have a hard time finding a coupe.

JB36 · 12-19-2006, 03:45 PM

This past summer I paid 17.5 for and '87 coupe w/ no LSD. Very good condition; especially the original paint. Needed few things fixed; all under 1k worth of repairs. 104 K on the odometer. This was a private sale. You're in the price range where the miles will be on the high side and or condition not as desirable. Patience and a range of 17-20K should get you a nice G50 911 in the 100-120K mile range

sig_a · 12-19-2006, 05:30 PM

1987 Targa from original owner with 16700 +/- miles at $22000 this past May. Super low miles and purchase from original owner was well worth the premium over high miles and numerous owners IMHO.

GregB7S4 · 12-19-2006, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I may expand my search to include a targa and maybe I will find something.

the · 12-19-2006, 06:02 PM

I don't think LSD was a particularly common option. If it's a must, that will make your search a lot more difficult, because it is going to eliminate the majority of the ones for sale.

You can certainly find a G50 Carrera for $15-$17K. Full maintenance history? That's hard to find on most cars, for some reason, most don't seem to keep very good records. No major body or interior issues at that price? Hmm, that might be tough. At $17K, I'd expect a higher mileage G50 car with some cosmetic and some mechanical issues.

sig_a · 12-19-2006, 06:10 PM

1987 Coupe with 23500 miles at $29999. Cassis red. No turbo tail. Search at Autotrader.com. G50 but no LSD. Near Boston. Female owner who purchsed in 1988. Dealer is selling it for her.

caliber60 · 12-20-2006, 10:45 AM

What's LSD?

petrolblue83911 · 12-20-2006, 10:53 AM

Limited Slip Diff.

tonythetarga · 12-20-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by caliber60
What's LSD?

just had a flashback to the 60's and remembering asking the same question back then

defcon65 · 12-20-2006, 11:02 AM

If you look for a targa in your price range, make sure the top is in good shape and doesn't leak - replacements are $10,000 new. Why a G-50? You'll definitely find something nice in your price range if you look at an 84-86 Carrera. The bad press on the 915 is a bit overstated, IMO.

Regards,

Drago · Drago's Garage

I've got an '87 Carrera Targa up for sale.

It's a solid car in good condition for its age, w/ only one issue...mileage.

219K.

The heads have been rebuilt once, but it's probably getting to be about time to have them done again...hence the price.

$11.5K

I think this is a fair price for an '87 Targa, G-50, original paint, leather interior, new Targa skin and head liner, good compression. Could use a Targa bar repaint but otherwise looks great. Non-LSD car.

GregB7S4 · 12-20-2006, 11:14 AM

defcon I did alot of miles in an 84 Carrera (my Dad's car going back 15-20 years ago)with the 915 and was not a big fan of the transmission. Much prefer the G50/hydraulic clutch combo.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

You really need to drive several of both - the 915 and G50. I had a 915 and to be honest it gave me no mechanical issues but was not the fastest/smoothest shifting tranny around. I've read here that several folks have been able to tune the notchy feel out of their 915. If I were looking for an 80's 911 again, wish I was, I'd make my choice on condition vs. 915/G50.