Newb with a couple of questions

[Steve2112]

Hi,

I just wanted to check if there is a FAQ section with the most frequently reposted questions that come up here for a 911 newbie. If you could point me in the right direction that would be great.

I come from a Subaru background - I had an 05 STi, and now have an 08 G37.

I am looking to pick up a mid 80's 911 as a second car, and found an 87 that I am going to test drive tomorrow. This example has 200,000 miles on it with no service history, so I am think I am going to pass, but the car was mint on the inside and out, so I wanted to take an opportunity and test drive it. They have it listed for 15.9K which I think is a bit high for 200K miles.

Thanks,

Steve

[KevinP73]

Before you do anything do a search on the term P.P.I. ! It very well may be the most important question you can ask before buying the 911.

[Hugh R]

Check out the "Tech Info Center tab at the top.

This is one write up that is there that might interest you.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/technical_specs/911_guthrie_faq.htm

[longhornchris04]

Second and Third the PPI. Knowing your area would help somebody (not me) suggest a good mechanic to take it (or future 911s) to.

Also, while 911s are great, based on your current cars it will be different from your STI or G37. Just keep your expectations in check.

Also... Don't Lift.

[Steve2112]

Thanks - I am in the Rhode Island/Massachusetts area

Thanks for the tips so far.

[SteveinTO]

Miles become almost irrelevant at 200,000. Almost everything that could break/wear out has been fixed/replaced at least once. If you are not familiar with the common failings of these cars, have a PPI done by a competent shop to see where the car is in the maintanence cycle of major components.

[carlosR]

I'll just add one thing that might be relevant, considering your Subaru backround. I've owned Subies too and you gotta realize this is no Subaru. It's a quirky but loveable old car. I think once you get into them you will that you either love them or ? I met a guy with a really nice STI out in Washington last week, we were both doing road trips and my S60R and his STI, both silver, kind of gravitated toward each other. Good luck and buy some of the books on what to look for on the different year models.

[onlycafe]

this might help some.
good luck, and welcome aboard.

[Steve2112]

Thanks for that book info - I just ordered it.


I took that 87 for a test drive today. It seemed very tired, and labored through the gears and did not feel like a 5.7-6.0 0-60 type car when new. The brake pedal was very hard, and didn't have much of a stopping power. The engined seemed a bit loud too, but I don't really have any reference points until I see more cars.

Oil pressure gauge seemed to match RPMs e.g. 3 bar at 3000rpms. They wanted 15.9 for it, without much flex on price - plus no service history so I had to pass. There will be more!

[Oh Haha]

Probably a good decision to pass.

As others will tell you, the right one will come along. I drove several before mine fell into my lap.

Read up on the 911 and then go out prepared to find the best one for your money.


And be sure to post pics of it.

[KevinP73]

Sounds like the decision to pass was a good one. Most often the purchases that are based more on emotion than logic turn out the be the ones we regret very quickly. Take your time as there are plenty of good candidates out there. And as Wayne points out, pics are manditory !

[Steve2112]

I will be sure to post when I do get one - here is the old ride - a stage II STi - it dynoed at 292whp, and 322 wheel trq.

[Oh Haha]

Cool.

I drove a buddy's 500HP(claimed) STi and it was a rocket. Also, drove another Pelican's slightly warmed STi and it too was a rocket.


Both were almost new and drove well but they just are not an air-cooled Porsche 911.

You'll understand what we mean when you get yours. One day you'll be driving along it and go " NOW, I know that what those guys meant".


Good luck in the search, my friend.