advice for potential buyer...

[yet_to_911]

i'm in process of learning about 911s, this forum has been a great source of information.

looking for some advice about an SC i have found for sale.

the car is a 1978 SC, don't know mileage, don't know service history; haven't gone to look at it in person yet. seller is asking $7800. cosmetically 'ok', all original parts/paint.

the transmission will need work, hard shifting in to 1st and 2nd.

the previous owner has removed the cat and smog equipment. current owner has new exhaust to install.

the thing that has me most concerned: (seller's quote) "I drove it for about a week to and from work while my other car was in the shop and it ran great but on the last day it was really hot outside and I was cruisin along and it seemed to lose power a bit and kind of had a muffled sound."

something to worry about?

anyhow, any advice is appreciated,

-Jeff

[Zef]

PPI...so you know how you will have to spend to put her back on condition...Loss of power (substantially) is normal during hot outside temp. to a certain degree...!

[yet_to_911]

@zefsuper911 -

thanks for the reply, appreciated.

anything beyond a standard PPI in order? leakdown test, etc.?

-Jeff

[Dantilla]

Leakdown should be part of a thorough PPI.

[azasadny]

My advice:

1. Get a PPI
2. Hang out here and use the "search" button
3. These are all $20,000 cars, so your $7,800 car will need about $12,200 worth of work to get it all sorted out.

[Don Plumley]

Like Art said, they tend to be $20K cars - that's good advice. That's not to say there are not $12K deals that run great for many years, but your odds tend to go down the cheaper the car.

Where are you located (place in your profile information)? The board can help direct you to a competent and trustworthy mechanic. The $200 or so you spend on a PPI could be the best money you ever spend on a Porsche.

[yet_to_911]

@azasadny, thanks for the reality notice, i have read that on these forums before!

@Don Plumley, i'm in the inland empire, southern california. any advice re good Porsche garages would be very welcomed.

thanks again everyone for the advice,

-Jeff

[Don Plumley]

Just over the hill from you is Hergesheimers in Lake Forest. Probably a good shop or two in the inland empire, but herg's is a nice shop.

Good luck,

don

[yet_to_911]

@Don Plumley

thanks again,

-Jeff