Looking at an '85....discuss.

[schwaggen]

Good morning- long time lurker, first time poster. After owning several 356's and a 914, I've been shopping for a late 80's 911- mostly looking at (88-89's) but recently came across a nice, honest '85 -

Curious to hear opinions, pro/con for the earlier ride- I really was looking for an '89, but these cars still (at least the nice ones) command a premium that would put me in a 993 at a similar price.

The car I'm looking at (other than the old headlights which would need swapping out immediately) I'm assuming is NOT a g50 transmission car (?) has < 100K miles, decent original paint, interior needs a little work. Real world $?

Issues I should look for? Thanks in advance.

Schwaggen
Miami Fl

[remroc]

Stick to your original plan to get the G50 car. An '87 to '89 will be available if you are patient. Look for a fresh clutch job in a car with 100,000 miles. Good luck.

[JeremyD]

What he said - and just be patient - I have a feeling more cars will be on the market.

here's a few sites I have collected that you can check out.

Car Search Sites


http://autos.recycler.com/
http://cars.allhere.com/
http://early911sregistry.org/class-cars.html
http://eurosportimports.com/
http://mcl.porschedealer.com
http://porsche.eastimports.com/index.cfm?
http://stanfordeuropean.com/
http://wreckedexotics.chooseyouritem.com/exotics/files/Porsche0.html
http://www.4porsche.com/
http://www.911pcc.com/sales.htm
http://www.911t.org/class/carsale/carsale.htm
http://www.aicauto.com
http://www.allproimports.com/used.html
http://www.autoexchangeinc.com/
http://autoextra.com/search/vehicle
http://www.autofarm.co.uk/
http://www.autoforum.com/
http://www.autofreefinders.com/
http://www.auto-palace.com/.
http://www.autopalacellc.com/
http://www.autoquestcars.com/
http://www.autotrader.ca/
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/view/index_view.jtmpl?dealership_view_name=europeanauto haus
http://www.autoweb.com/
http://www.autoweek.com/classifieds/index.mv?search=1&page=8&year=&make=POR&model=911&state=
http://www.avalanchemotors.com/
http://www.aventuramotors.com/
http://www.beechmontporsche.com/
http://www.bieriauto.com/
http://www.bigmombo.com/
http://www.bluegrassauto.com/porsche.html
http://www.born2bfas.com
http://www.buysell.com
http://www.cacars.com/
http://www.californiacars.com/
http://www.californiaclassics.com
http://www.carbuyer.com/
http://www.cardiffclassics.com
http://www.cars.com/
http://www.cars-on-line.com/porsche.html
http://www.carsearch.com/search/porsche.htm
http://www.carstoreofglenside.com/
http://www.chequeredflag.com/
http://www.cherner.com/classiccars/index.html
http://www.classicautosales.com/html/showroom.cfm
http://www.classicinvest.com/
http://www.corvettesaustin.com/?op=autos&y=porsche
http://www.craigslist.com
http://www.culliganautoplace.com/en_US/
http://www.daveolimpiautomobiles.com/
http://www.daveolimpiautomobiles.com/
http://www.daveolimpiautomobiles.com/
http://www.dealmotorcars.com/
http://www.dealsonwheels.com/
http://www.dennigcars.com/cars_for_sale.htm
http://www.dennigcars.com/cars_for_sale.htm
http://www.dixienashville.com/
http://www.dupontregistry.com/
http://www.early911s.com
http://www.e-bay.com
http://www.ebizautos.com/i5motors/
http://www.ecrsinc.com/
http://www.elcauto.com/inventory.htm
http://www.enthusiastcars.com/index_framev1.html
http://www.europeancollectables.com/ec_reborn/currentinventory.aspx
http://www.europeanlocators.com/
http://www.eurpoeancollectables.com
http://www.evolutionmotors.com/inventory/index.shtml
http://www.exceptionalmotorcars.com/
http://www.exoticcarworld.com/index.htm
http://www.foreignaffairsauto.com/preowned.html
http://www.foreigncoachworks.com/
http://www.forza.weblobby.com/
http://www.foxvalleymotorcars.com/
http://www.germanusedcars.com/porsche1.html
http://www.globalmotorsportsinc.com/cars/
http://www.gtmotorsports.us/Cars%20For%20Sale.htm
http://www.gullwingmotorcars.com/
http://www.hankshelper.com/
http://www.harrystoys.com/
http://www.hatchandsons.com/pages/sales
http://www.Hemmings.com
http://www.holtmotorsports.com/
http://jaxed.com/cgi-bin/ms.cgi?veh=porsche%20911
http://www.kcimports.com/
http://www.kennedymotorsport.com/products.htm
http://www.luxcarnet.com/
http://www.managemycar.com/thumbnail.asp
http://www.mgmsl.com/vehicles.cfm
http://www.midwestperformancecars.com/
http://www.mikeauto.net/Default.htm
http://www.modexotics.com/
http://www.motorheadtrader.com/board.cfm?CatCode=POR&Category=Porsche
http://www.musiccitymotorsports.net/
http://www.naplesmotorsports.com/inventory.htm
http://www.nortnortham.com/
http://www.oregonpca.org/News/porsches_for_sale.htm
http://www.parcars.com/parall.htm
http://www.parkplaceltd.com/default.asp
http://www.PCA.org
http://www.pcasd.org/classifieds/cars.html
http://www.pmletter.com
http://www.porsche-classified.com/
http://www.porschatrader.com/
http://www.premiercars.com/
http://www.prestigeimports.com/default.asp
http://www.raycoeuro.com/
http://www.rallystuff.com/pcar_sources.html
http://www.rennlist.com/ads/
http://www.rgruppe.org/Resources/classifieds.html
http://www.rizzacars.com/index.asp
http://www.rmcarsonline.com/
http://www.rmeurosport.com/
http://www.roadfly.org/porsche/classifieds/cars/
http://www.road-scholars.net/
http://www.route30classics.com/
http://www.rpmsportscars.com/
http://www.rsamerica.net/map/index.htm
http://www.selectmotors.net/SPORTS.htm
http://www.sewickleycars.net/en_US/
http://www.sloancars.com/inventory6.htm
http://www.specialty-sales.com/
http://www.sportauto.cc/
http://www.sporthausinc.com/
http://www.teammotorsports.com/
http://www.thalist.com/
http://www.thecarexperience.com
http://www.tommackclassics.com/
http://www.tremotorsports.com/Home.htm
http://www.truspeedmotorcars
http://www.vintageaircooledmotors.com/index.html
http://www.willhoitenterprises.com/

[crustychief]

Good morning and welcome to Pelican's forum! There are a lot of opinions out there and here is mine. In 85 the 915 transaxle was used. if it needs work then the price can vary a lot. normally I see these cars going for about 12-15K in decent shape. You will here the next tidbit often, get a thorough Pre Purchase Inspection from a competent PORSCHE Mechanic. common problems are oil leaks, sunroof leaks, fuel lines and valve guides. I believe you should get the best car you can afford. The right car is out there for you , you just have to search. Happy hunting!!!

[runfaster]

Make sure you take your time with your purchase... These cars are very emotional and sometimes the desire to own a 911 can override common sense. You know about the Porsche addiction with your ownership with the 356 and 914.

It depends what you are looking for in your 911. Do you want your 911 to have more vintage characteristics like your 356 and 914, or do you want more of a modern day daily driver?

There is a lot of hype on having a G50 vs 915 transmission for a good reason. I bought an 86 and it is great shape and it still shifts fantastic, but it is a PITA running it in normal traffic. But get it out in the open road and it is a real treat to experience.

I love the characteristics of my 86, but at times I wish I had an 87-88 G50. That said, this car is my daily driver and at times it is a little clunky navigating in traffic at speeds under 30 mph.

Honestly, I am looking to get a 993 sometime in the next 12 months. I think there are going to be excellent deals to be had in the near future as this economy goes through its growing pains; or possibly a wind mill and some goats. Depends how bad it gets.

It all kind of depends what your price point is; if you have in the mid 20's, I would try to score a nice 993. But you can get a really nice 87-88 in the high teens though.

Man this is a tough decision...I am confused now.

Cheers,
Craig

[4flyboy]

Schwaggen,

Lots of guys will stress a G-50 car. I bought an all original one owner Ca. '85 Coupe last year with 94K and spotty records for 16.5 and couldn't be happier. The car is rock solid. I changed the lights to H-4's replaced the shift bushings, added a chin spoiler and put some Swepco in the trans.
It's my 3rd 911 and I'm delighted. I've driven a 964 with a G-50 and I'm very happy with my with the 915. My car has the short shift kit and after the bushing replacement it shifts better than my other two 915 equipped cars.
They get a premium for G-50's but overall condition, records and color were more important to me. I didn't want a red or black car.
Take your time it's a big time buyers market. If you pull the trigger early the car you should have bought will appear shortly thereafter. The process is fun if you adjust your attitude. Emotion and impatience are your enemy. ASK the guys on this forum and heed their advice. I literally could not afford to own my car without them.
The only regret that I have with my '85 is the seat height. I'm 6'4" and that particular year has the seats mounted higher! Rats. I'd still buy this car again in a heartbeat.
If you want a car that's been highly modified/tweaked WAIT. They're out there and very expensive to tweak once you get 'em.
Good luck and get ready for the time of your life.

Scott

P.S. Welcome!

[yelcab1]

In order of preference:

993 for its AC and aircool power
G50 for its goodness, but this is only a slight advantage over the 915
84-86 for its bulletproof ignition
911SC for its raw power at lower RPM and you can get one for <$10K

[the]

I'd wait for a G50. Not only for the transmission, but the later cars (86 and up) have the updated interiors and other little bits (headlights, etc.) which IMO look a lot nicer.

Plus, it's a buyer's market. You'll find an equivalent condition G50 for whatever price it is you are looking to pay for the '85, if you are patient.

[911st]

If I was going to do a turbo conversion I would want the 87-89 for the transmission. I also like the 88-9 for the 8" rear Fuchs that were stock.

However, I lean toward the 84-86 Carrera with the 915 transmission. It has about a 100 lb difference in weight per the factory specs, and there is significant cost advantage over the G50's.

86 and latter are notable for there lower seats and a bit stiffer sway bars and little thicker rear torsion bar.

Again, I would get a 915 car and put the savings into a sport suspension kit, cat bypass, sport muffler, 911Chips.com chip, 7&9" rims & sport tires, and track fees. But that is me.

[jh225]

I got my '85 with 55K miles on it about 6 months ago. Only thing I did was new tires, a tune up, new chip and new pre-muffler just because

I freakin' LOVE this car. It will cruise thru country roads quietly and calmly, yet when pressed, it will instantly turn into a road hugger.

My car has zero creaks or rattles, and does NOT mark its territory.

I would get in the car and drive cross country in a heartbeat.

[schwaggen]

Thanks for the quick replies.

1.) Yes...trying hard to take my time. Learned that lesson some time ago, after pulling the trigger on a car and finding several much better ones a month down the road. The good news is I'm in no hurry to get into the domestic disturbance my wife will throw when she sees it in the driveway.

2.) Going to be (more or less) a daily driver, and no track time. So the mods for that- meh. Might go with a slightly more agrressive spring set-up (lowered a tad always looks teh cool) Wheels? We'll see what we find. The Fuchs are fine, no phone dials, Cups good too, we'll just see.

AC is an important part of the deal. My old boss had an 84 cab, and the AC felt like an old lady breathing on you. And I live in Miami. My current daily ride is an 01 Audi S4 wagon, which I am keeping, but in another city. The g50 advantage is clear in my daily commute for sure. Ironic that you see a lot of hi-perf. cars here, and all the roads are perfectly straight lines.

3.) Would consider a cab, but really, I think a coupe (no tails!) is what I want. NO TARGA. Color? I like black but my Audi is black, and I know what a PITA that can be (and HOT) Silver would be nice. No white. Red...OK, if I have to.

4.) Many of these cars have some crazy high miles (which seems to be unique to old 911s) I have read that these motors will go and go, and most 100K motors have at least had the heads off, if not had a total rebuild, so...concerns about hi miles?

Thanks again for your input....

[Chakka71]

I have an 85 Carrera Targa. 30,000miles and installed a Momo Short shift. Much improved. Minimal investment without paying more for a newer model. Besides the clutch issue the newer car isn't much different at all. Find what you like, have a leakdown down and go from there. You'll be happy with whichever you get for sure!

[tonythetarga]

given your location and need for AC, I agree with yelcab and would go with a 993 or a 996. If you are not doing track and want great AC for a daily driver, I'd include the 996 in your search but investigate the engine (rear seal) replacement and try and find one with a bit of warranty left.

[JeremyD]

with you needing AC that changes the game.

In order of $$ I would consider:

993 check for Engine check light - valve guides.
1992 - 1994 C2 or a 1990 or 1991 that has had engine work (including have the sealing ring done on the head to cylinder connection)
1986-1989 911 Carrera - and budget 2,000 to upgrade the AC (and get a lighter color interior)
996 - these are great cars - and are extremely capable - their engines scare the crap out of me - as I have seen first hand some of the carnage. Some = great - some = not porsche's finest hour.

[nut11]

I'd go w/ a 996 in the low to mid $20s making sure the motor rear seal issue has been attended to or a new crate engine installed. The car's all modern, particularly the A/C and a very reliable daily driver once the engine issue is fixed. Until the 964, reliable A/C was a challenge on 911s and you do need cold air in Miami. On the other hand, if you desire endearing classic style over less than that in the 996, go w/ the 85 and make sure the A/C works such as it is. Plus, w/ the 915 tranny, just make sure it's sound (PPI) and do a change out w/ SWEPCO tranny lube. Good luck.

87 blk coupe

[schwaggen]

Will open up search to the 993 as well- I dig them, but prefer the old school 911.

I hear you about the AC issues- I have been in cars where it was fine, and some (as noted) where it was non-existent. Just something to know going in.

No interest in the 996- have driven, and it feel like a Lexus to me (and not in a good way)

Honestly, if I was going to a newer car, it would be a Boxster S, but the 911 is where my heart is.

[JeremyD]

I would not even consider anything before 1986 - that's when the dash vents got bigger and in Miami you need air volume as well as cool.

[RG5]

I wonder if I am in the minority in that I actually prefer the pre-86 dash, with its taped edges on the lower dash and the the smaller knee pad. Given I have an 85 I am perhaps biased. The vents themselves I never use, even though I live in Australia. I get better results just opening the window. Also I have no AC, but it sounds like I am not missing much. RG5.

[al_911]

About two months ago I picked-up a 1986 Targa from a guy in Sarasota that own the car for ten years, the car is in great shape. Plus the condition of the car I also got records going back to the first owner, this out-weights the G50. I also think it’s important who you buy the car from, when I was looking for my car I met a lot of people that really didn’t know much about the car and this could lead to poor maintenance. Take your time & enjoy the ride.

[KNS]

Everyone sems to be saying look for a later Carrera. I like the earlier cars (84 and 85). As the years went by more electronic crap was added to these cars. I think there is a bit of difference in weight from 1984 and 1989 too. Simpler is better - my .02.