Second verse same as the first?

Was talking to another first-time 911 owner today and we got on the subject of what we'd do differently if we were shopping again. I thought it would make a good topic for the board as well. So, what would other first-time Porsche owners do over?

In my case, I'd:

1) Get a black or silver car without the whale tail. I bought the red because I liked the car and thought the color would grow on me. It hasn't - I'm still ambivalent. And I'm in the process of removing the tail.

2) Splurge and spend the extra money for a 87-89 Carrera, just to have a "last of the line" car. Most of the mods I've got in mind for my car over the winter were standard features on the Carrera. I'd also get someone's garage queen - the money you spend upfront is less than you'll spend bringing the car up to "nice."

3) Get a non-sunroof coupe. Okay, I'm still conflicted on this, but I'm 60-40 certain I'd get a coupe if I did it again. As much as I love the top-down driving, I'd rather have the purer lines, stronger chassis, better re-sale value, and improved security. I also wouldn't mind losing the occasional leaks I get, and lower maintenance (no top to rebuild/reskin, fewer seals to replace). And the footwell is larger on the coupe, important to a guy with size 15 feet.

So, anyone else?

Emanuel

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Everybody wants a normal life and a cool car;
most people settle for the car." Chris Titus
1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
1983 Porsche 911 SC Targa

Emanuel,

I bought an 83 sc gaurds red cabriolet about 1 1/2 years ago. The car has been very reliable besides the occasional leaks here and there but I completely agree with you.

The guards red hasnt grown on me and sometimes I dont like driving it cause it looks a little too flashy. I would prefer a softer less subtle tone of color, like a grey metallic, or forest green, maybe black.

In addition, I would also like to own a coupe, although I love driving with the top down in the summer. The coupes have the best lines and are tighter around the corners.

also, my 83 needed a lot of upgrades that came stock to 84-89.

so if I had to do it all over again, I would buy a 87-89 coupe, NOT guards red, and a coupe with whale tail.

I'm serioiusly considering getting just that but also keeping my flashy red 83.
one for the summer, one for the winter. with 2 POrsche daily drivers, the miles only grow half as much on each (assuming I drive each equal time)

Porsches are like good fly rods. You need a different one for every occasion and for assundry reasons. They're also both pretty expensive.
Fly rods are just easier to store.
Gonna be tough to find a "Last of the Line Coupe" with no sunroof.
Rather like looking for an R.L.Winston hollow body for under $2500.
Regardless, you're hanging out in the right neighborhood.
Cheers,
Mrdi

My first 911 was a 1970 911T. Sold it after getting a ticket for doing 57 in a 55...Interstate 5! Told the ticketing cop I was going to buy a 4X4 pickup, in order to save gas at 55 with no fear of tickets. I did just that, but after 6 months Porsche-less, I couldn't stand it. Then looked at the (then) new '74 models, couldn't stand the accordian bumpers. Bought a used '72 911S coupe, and I haven't been Porsche shopping since!

I would avoid buying a sportomatic box. I think I'm happy with just about everything else!

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John Forcier
69 911T

To be honest I would probably have avoided my 77 Targa, due to the problems that they are prone to, didn't do any real research. Just wanted a 911. But 4 years later and I love it and will never part with it.

Shawn

I'd skip the sunroof, too. Puts weight up too high. In my case, I'd also cut to the chase, in terms of brakes and suspension, instead of doing it in steps. I bought new SC calipers and Turbo torsion bars before going to Turbo brakes and bigger bars.

But that's about it. Live and learn.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page