Need opinions....

[msublett]

My 20 yr old daughter has caught the 911 bug. She's going to graduate 1 year early from college and I must admit I am quite the proud father on both parts. I've got 1 year to find the right 911 for her and get it right if need be. Any suggestions on the best model and year to start looking at? She's fairly mechanically minded and can run through 5-6 gears without making too much of a racket but "pops" is probably going to be 1-200 miles away and I definately don't want her out on the side of the road with a major break down.

[Paul K]

Budget?

993 if you can afford one (high $20k's)

996 if you don't mind them ($ high teens)

A Pre-Purchase Inspection is essential.

[equality72521]

Originally Posted by Paul K

Budget?

993 if you can afford one (high $20k's)

996 if you don't mind them ($ high teens)

A Pre-Purchase Inspection is essential.

Agree 100%

[WIL84911]

And is there a particular model she likes?

[lucittm]

The 1991-1994 964s are priced right now, if you can find one. The 1995-1998 993 is also a good entry Porsche if you can avoid the 4-wheel drive and the Tiptronic automatic transmission. They are the last of the air-cooled motors. Stay away from the Turbo or she will have too many boyfriends.

Good Luck,
Mark

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by lucittm

The 1995-1998 993 is also a good entry Porsche if you can avoid the 4-wheel drive

Mark:

Why do you say that?

Paul.

[lucittm]

Paul,
My comment was related to the number of issues in maintaining the 4S in relation to the 2S and the fact that dad is out of the area so the level of experience and knowledge is minimal. Lastly, if there ever is a problem with the 4S systems, parts are expensive, not too common and need a mechanic who knows the 4S systems.

Personally, I like the 4S. But I would not get one as a first Porsche for my daughter.

Mark

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by lucittm

The 1991-1994 964s are priced right now, if you can find one. The 1995-1998 993 is also a good entry Porsche if you can avoid the 4-wheel drive and the Tiptronic automatic transmission. They are the last of the air-cooled motors. Stay away from the Turbo or she will have too many boyfriends.

Good Luck,
Mark

I dunno...the tip might be perfect. Usually never tracked and lower prices, May be perfect for a 21 y.o. female grad. Not being sexist here.

If you can get her in one, a nice early Boxster might be more to her liking. I pased on a pristine 2000 Boxster with a slush box/50K miles for my wife (she wants 4 doors) for 9900$. Perfict entry level Pcar for a young woman. I bet she'd love one if she drove it for an afternoon.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by lucittm

Paul,
My comment was related to the number of issues in maintaining the 4S in relation to the 2S and the fact that dad is out of the area so the level of experience and knowledge is minimal. Lastly, if there ever is a problem with the 4S systems, parts are expensive, not too common and need a mechanic who knows the 4S systems.

Personally, I like the 4S. But I would not get one as a first Porsche for my daughter.

Mark

Mark:

I do not know if the 4s and the 4 have the same awd system, but my maintenance has been 100% reliable, and relatively simple & cheap to maintain (oil changes). Plus you can't feel the awd until you need it, so it doesn't get in the way.

The 993 system is lighter, simpler and less intrusive than the one used in the 964.

On the whole, I would think a 993 Carrera 4 would be the safest option.

Unless you don't mind a 996.

Edit: +1 for trying out a Boxster. Plenty of time for 911s later on, plus they can be had for a lot less $$.

Paul.

[msublett]

Tried to discuss the Boxster with her and got laughed at. She likes the pre-1990's and it must be air-cooled. She's going to be a hard-core owner and will probably have it in a DE type event before the temporary tags are off of it.

[bxtech]

Wow.....that's great to hear that your daughter is really nuts about Porsches! I'm sure she'll just love her graduation gift!!

I ran across a VERY nice 911SC with SUPER-low mileage. It almost sounds like a time capsule! I think that might be a good and reliable car. I will PM you the info.

[Paul K]

Okay, how about his?

1988 Porsche 911 Carerra

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by msublett

Tried to discuss the Boxster with her and got laughed at. She likes the pre-1990's and it must be air-cooled. She's going to be a hard-core owner and will probably have it in a DE type event before the temporary tags are off of it.

Has she ever driven a Boxster? Tell her its a convertible Cayman.

In that case the choice is clear...84-86 911. The G50 cars in similar condition usually run $3K more and aren't really worth that premium. (And I own an 87 G50)

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by msublett

Tried to discuss the Boxster with her and got laughed at. She likes the pre-1990's and it must be air-cooled. She's going to be a hard-core owner and will probably have it in a DE type event before the temporary tags are off of it.

Then, just like me, she needs to have an 87 Carrera with the G50............as the song goes".......Heaven....I'm in Heaven......"


Neil

[kidrock]

87-89 with G50. Nothing simpler than changing out the DME relay when something goes wrong.

[msublett]

Mom got some more out her..1985-90 wide body, coupe or sunroof. Stick (when mom asked about an automatic she laughed harder than when I asked about a Boxster) dark colored with Fuchs. Turbo "would be handy" but not essential.
I'd like to keep the search to the Eastern US with a budget of 25-30 tops. PPI will definately happen by my mechanic.

[rnln]

a young girl with 200 miles away and don't want a chance of breaking down, I wouldn't get an old 911.
If it need to be an old 911, get her a red convertible slantnose like mine

[rnln]

oh mine, I give up. She is a real hard core girl :lol:

Originally Posted by msublett

Tried to discuss the Boxster with her and got laughed at. She likes the pre-1990's and it must be air-cooled. She's going to be a hard-core owner and will probably have it in a DE type event before the temporary tags are off of it.

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by msublett

I'd like to keep the search to the Eastern US with a budget of 25-30 tops. PPI will definately happen by my mechanic.

Simple...find an honest 85-86 Carrera that has been meticulously maintained for about $15-18K.

And a nice used base Civic for about $6K. For when the 911 does something quirky. Or when she wants A/C. Or it snows and the roads have been salted.

Insure the Civic as her primary ride...the 911 as a limited use car.

Spend the remaining $7K for a widebody copnversion.

[Bob Kontak]

I have a 20 year old at Akron U. Just put your foot down like I do and say "Okay, sweetheart" That will set her straight.

Did some minor searching. I found zero Turbo-look cars for sale that were coupes 85-89. Several cabs and a Targa or two. Just an FYI. May take several months to find one she likes.

I think she has her years right but she needs to add 84 to the range. I would skip the SC given your fear of her breaking down. Too many parts in the injection system as you know with your 80.

She won't have a major breakdown. She/you will have several little breakdowns or annoyances until the car is sorted. That's where that one year buffer is critical.