Looking to buy, need help
 

Looking at a 83 sc or 84 targa. I'm somewhat familiar with the differences but want opinions of pros & cons of each. Driving differences?. What to look for that might cost me in possible repairs. Neither has had any major motor work. The sc is 150k miles & the 84 is under 80k. Both are just under $20k & very clean. What would be a good price for either ? Any other years to consider for this price point?
TIA

Is the SC a coupe? Coupe or targa can be a major factor in your personal decision. If it doesn't matter I would choose the 84 after a thorough pre purchase inspection. Ask about head studs and valve guides (although I don't think valve guides were as big an issue on 84s??) The 84 has a more modern fuel injection system. Pick up a copy of Peter Zimmermann's book: The Used 911 Story.

Going to hear it over and over, but it's worth saying - Get a PPI before purchasing either. I own an 84 targa - so naturally I would go with the targa. What are you going to use the car for? Will you track it, DE's, daily driver??? Do you live somewhere you can enjoy the open air Targa?

I would get a PPI, then post with pictures and more info and I bet these guys can help you make a better decision.

Good luck

Just under 20K? That should get you a lower mileage - later carrera.

In the age of ethanol, I would focus my efforts on the fuel injected cars - or stock up on Stabil

I would go for an 87 for that price, that way you get the better transmission in the G50 as opposed to the 915, if your stuck on one of these 2 cars go for the 84 for reasons stated above

+1

Thanks for the replies. Yes the sc is a coupe. I'm in SoCal & would be driving it as a weekend fun car. Maybe some DE's. I've heard about the 87-89 tranny but also hear the earlier cars feel a bit more raw. I'm looking for a fun driver that will be reliable. Is there a mileage point where motor will need rebuild or do some go strong for 150-200k? Any other major repairs needed over 100 k?

For $20K either of those cars should be in pristine condition! I think you need to keep looking.

SOME Carreras (including mine) have needed to have their motors' "top end" rebuilt well before 100k miles to fix (among other things) worn valve guides that cause excessive oil consumption.

Cars with 915 transmissions will frequently suffer from worn 1st and second gear synchros at this point too.

Both are straightforward, but costly, repairs. At the price point you're suggesting, I'd be looking for cars where both have been done/documented by a reputable repair shop. This forum's search function can be very helpful for these kinds of things.

Another issue for you in S. Cal is air conditioning. These cars come with marginal ac that, in stock form, uses long lengths of leaky hose and r12 (freon) refrigerant. There are good aftermarket solutions to getting cold AC, but again, $$$

+1 a million times on this!!!!!!!

I would vote for the 84 based on the newer style fuel injection (DME) versus the semi mechanical FI on the SC. In the days of trying to stay compliant I think the Motronic might be easier to deal with.

As for the price, seems like you could get alot of pretty nice late 80's Porsches for that much $.