First Time Buyer...
 

Hi,

For the first time in my life I am in a position that I will need to purchase a car and I will be making enough money that I could, conceivably, buy a used Porsche. The fact of the matter is that I am not a huge car enthusiast, but I do like Porsches and if i am going to drive a car would love to drive a Porsche, preferably a 911.

I was hoping some of you may be able to suggest specific models based on my needs as well as answer a few questions?

I am looking for something that is cool. It doesn't have to be particularly "easy" to drive, I would rather something that was a little bit fun. Extras are secondary, I couldn't care much less about computers or automatic seats. Also, I will be mainly using it in Canada, so have little need for AC (I have heard some models have had AC problems). I would really like something that is as reliable as possible for as close to daily use as possible.

I was also wondering if anybody could tell me how much I can expect to pay yearly in repairs and maintenance on a Porsch (I like the 993's or earlier, but could potentially look at something newer depending)? On average, how much effort am I looking at?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

To be honest early porsches didn´t really have what you would consider extras. They were drivers cars. If you like the 993 then I would suggest if its a 911 you want then stick with the 993 model. Its the last of the air cooled generation and a very nice car. Porsche parts can be expensive so whatever you buy go for the best one you can afford. I´m not quite sure though from your post if you really want to dedicate your time to 911 ownership however. Have you considered a boxster at all. More modern and possibly reliable for your needs and actually a great little car

I just purchased an '85 911 a few weeks ago and put $1,000.00 in it before I got it home, ( PPI, oil change, A/C recharge, steering column bushing, pulley seal ). I don't expect to spend any more for a while...3000 miles.

For a daily driver, buy the newest 911 you can afford. Keep a couple of $K CDN in reserve when you initially buy, for the unexpected repairs/maintenance. Plan on $1-2K CDN / year expenses. You'll probably spend less. Good luck on your first Porsche purchase.

I suggest you get Peter Zimmerman's book, "The Used 911 Story" and go from there. Also need to know your purchase budget.

Depending on your means and your ability to do some work yourself or have a mechanic do the maintenance, you could be all over the map.

Can you give us a ballpark on what your budget and time-line are?

For example, if you said $18K, I would recommend a lot more research (months) than if you said $60K (and you just wanted to go get one). IMHO, they're all cool and reliable (if properly maintained). :-)

+1 on getting Pete's book.

Have fun and best of luck!

The 911 buyers guide helped me decide.. Why don't you test drive different models from used car lots?

I don't think a Porsche is a good buy as a daily driver in Canada if this is the only car you have to use.
Have a look around during this coming winter and see how many Porsches are on the road.
I think you will find they are all tucked away in garages for the winter period. They don't take kindly to winter tyres (or tires) or the crap that you Canadians put on your roads during winter.
A Porsche any model is a cool car owners of 911's will tell you that 928's or Boxters are not but this is usually done to take the mickey out of the owners (ie done in jest).
Having said that I would not try to change your mind on owning a Porsche they are fun to drive and as I said earlier are cool regardless of age if well kept.

Where in Canada do you live? As a Montreal resident I can tell you that my car is put away December 1 and taken out sometime in April or May at the latest. My car is a daily driver for those 7 months but parked for the other 5. If you live in Vancouver then that is another story. Then again I see a lot of newer 911 carrera 4's and Boxsters on the road all winter long, most likely leased cars that get given back at the end of term. Listen to the members of this board as there all out for your best interest and have been there and done that before you and me. I agree that if you like the 993 then stick with that, but it all depends on the $$$$ in your wallet.

A well maint. 91 C2 with tiptronic. Get a good shop to do a PPI verify maint. history pref. a 1 owner if u can find it. look for no more than 75k miles and pay around 15-17k. will get u thru the snow and muck of winter not much worry about rust and maint. is not really too bad.

IMO

Where in Canada? If you are in the Toronto area you can pop over and take my 88 coupe for a spin. Will give you an idea what the "older" ones drive like. Send me a PM if interested.

Don't do it; we all all diseased

wiser words were never spoken...

also pretty darn wise.

Follow the sage advice above...and above all, make sure you get a good PPI (pre-purchase inspection) from a reputable wrench before you waste all that cash that's obviously burning a hole in yer pocket.

Good luck in your hunt, and please keep us posted with your results.

P.S.---***we like pictures***

I dont subscribe to that newest you can afford thing ONE BIT... especially having owned a 993 and disliking it after the honey moon period. Bunch of Bruce Anderson poppycock nonsense.

Drive the different models, buy what YOU LIKE.

The newer the vehicle, the more expensive parts cost.

For most people I recommend an 87-89 G50 911

I think, in general, it's all about budget. You need to keep a few thousand $$$ in "reserve" no matter what you buy. Buying the newest/best car you can afford is all about the budget and model you want. Want a classic 911 driver (78-89) and have $20K total? Most likely you should be looking at 78-86 and the car with the best maintenance history. Got $25K? Then it's into a nice 87-89 with some 91-93 911's with a good history. $30K and want a nice non-S 993? Should be able to find one.

Daily Driver leave it on the street no worries with rust min. maint auto for city traffic electric windows ac and lowest price kinks worked out by Porcshe = 91 C2 with tiptronic. I did not say it was the best most fun sought after respected or my fav just the best ford of 911's ;) IMO

Amazing, thanks so much for all of the feedback. I will be in Calgary, so weather can be harsh. There are actually a surprising number of Porsches out here, but we'll see if they are on the road in the winter.

I will definitely keep this board posted if I take the plunge!! As things get a bit more solidified I may be back for more advice/opinions.

hmmm, winter driving, eh? maybe you need a Carrera4 in any of the 964, 994, 996, or 997 flavors.

I may be a little late to the party but phrases like this sound like someone on a very limited budget. IMO, an older used (expecially cheaper) Porsche is not the car for a limited budget daily driver unless you are an excellent mechanic or have a large reserve of cash. Simple things like a fuel line, fuel distributor, or clutch will cost more than most folks are expecting and all it takes is one NLA part or mysterious no-start problem and they are stranded without transportation. Yes I know that there are many dependable cars out there but I wouldn't put all my eggs in a 20 year old basket of any brand. But hey, I'm not a big risk taker. If you are in this situation, keep the dream alive, keep saving, make a wise choice. Remember that "Every Porsche is a $20,000 car"

More like $30K, IMO. Well, at least for 911's.