Questions regarding 911 purchase...

[Paul K]

Hi Guys,

I am all set to buy a Carrera targa this fall. I will have $17k to spend, plus another $2k for ‘other stuff’. I plan on scoping for cars during late summer, then we will take the week of Labor day off to go look at cars, get a PPI and drive a 911 home. I’ve done a bunch of research, and was originally thinking a nice ’86 would be perfect (as good as it got before the G-50 without the G-50 premium), but the more people I talk to, the more I hear that I should buy a G-50 car. I don’t want to start the whole 915 vs. G-50 thing all over again. I really need to drive a sorted 915 & G-50 back to back, but before I do that, I have the following questions…(This car will be a daily driver when the weather permits, and I plan to do some DE and maybe even Auto X down the road.) So on with my questions...

1. Can I find a decent G-50 targa on the West coast for $17k?
2. If so, should I look for one instead of a sorted 915 (buy the newest…)?
3. Do any of you know of Carrera targas that will be offered this fall in OR / WA / ID / MT / CO / NV or CA?
4. Should I shoot for a car that has a documented rebuild or look for something with lower miles then plan on doing that myself?
5. I am fairly confident that it will be best to look at cars priced at $18-19k, and see if I can get one with my $17k with $2k left over. This is better than spending $19k then having nothing left (for a while) for immediate fixes, correct?

I’d like to add how much I appreciate all the helpful advice I’ve gotten thus far, and thanks especially to those who have emailed me. It has been a long time coming, (since I was 12) but 911 ownership is finally in sight!

Thanks,

Paul.

[gabenheimer]

I live in Las Vegas and it took me four months to find a g-50 coupe. It was located in Sacramento and I drove it home during the heat wave this last summer. Next time I'll wait for fall - that was one miserable drive! I paid $18,000 and it is in decent condition. Most likely it will need a new clutch in the next 5,000 miles.

I sold my '86 targa for $17,000 in April 2006 with a newly rebuilt 915 and new clutch. The car was in great shape and sold quickly.

After driving both, I can't really decide if the G-50 is worth the premium. Both are somewhat notchy although the g-50 has 124,000 miles on it. Maybe if it were fresh it would shift smoother.

[Rick V]

I wouldn't make the trans the reason to buy or not to buy. A 915, done right can shift fine. (I like nine and hate my fathers same year cars)
It all depends on the car. Drive as many as you can. You have heard the "buy the newest..................."I say buy the one that fits you and your budget best. I was dead set on buying a Carrera, and I bought an SC after I drove her. I didn't listen............thank God.
Good luck, the hunt is half the fun. You will meet alot of Porsche people, most nice.

[Paul K]

Thanks Guys.

I just saw this and thought it looked like a good deal- but we'll see what is available come fall.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=215382562&dealer_id=59267395&car_year=1986&num_records=25&search_type=both&keywordsfyc=&make=POR&model=911&transmission=&distance=300&address=97850&make2=&advanced=&certified=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=1989&color=&LNX=ESTAFSRCHUSDTEXT&keywordsrep=&start_year=1985&drive=&engine=&doors=&style_flag=1&fuel=&cardist=206&LNX=ESTAFSRCHUSDTEXT

[HarryD]

Paul,

Glad you are finally looking. Like someone else said, drive a few first to see what is fgood and bad. I have an early 915 transmission and once I got the rest of the car sorted out, most if it's issues went away.

If you are looking at high mileage cars, I would say that you want a car with a DOCUMENTED rebuild over a similar model that may need one.

Most important, be patient and the one you want at the the correct price will become available.

[berettafan]

i have no problem with my 915.

you need to buy the nicest car you can afford and don't worry about what tranny is in it. i suggest looking at EVERYTHING from the first SC to the last Carerra and i would get started now.

btw, you left coasters have all the good cars. Or. seems to have MORE than their fair share!

[Scooter]

PM Drago. He has a G50 Carrera for sale right now in the greater Seattle area.

[Paul K]

Scooter,
I can't do this until the fall- need to take care of some other stuff first. I need to quit looking and focus on research- finding the '86 I posted the link to got me all jazzed up! My wife tells me I need patience...

Harry,
great to hear from you. Sorry we missed you at the parade- I thought your car looked great! I agree on the documented rebuild- no Motormeister!

Berettafan,
sound advice. Hearing from guys with 915s that shift well is reassuring, because I am still not convinced that the G50 is the 'only way to go'.

When the fall comes, I'll post a request for leads on specific cars and I can start narrowing down the search. Sounds like I can find a decent car for $17k so that's reassuring!

Cheers,

Paul.