Likely Buying first 3.2 Carrera Today - Thoughts Please!

[robotsex]

Hey everyone. Today is the day (hopefully) I fulfill my dream of owning a Porsche.

I've spent the last few months absorbing as much as I can about 1972-1989 911's and decided on the 87-88 Carrera's because of the G-50 transmission, styling of the car, and overall performance. I found the car I want and it's getting PPI'ed at Callas Rennsport in Torrance as we speak. I plan to make this car my daily driver here in Los Angeles.

Car Info:
-Silver/Black - 1987 Carrera - 77k miles
-Exterior Condition: 9/10 (original paint, but one paint chip about 1/6 the size of a quarter on the hood -- very minor)
-Interior Condition: 10/10 (seriously immaculate never seen a better interior on one of these cars)
-Carfax is clean
-Price: $21,000 (pending PPI info) (NADA is $22,000 for avg condition, but I know this stuff is kind irrelevant and the actual market dictates the price)

Recent Work: PO just replaced the top end to stop any oil leaking and replaced the clutch.

Modifications: The car currently has non-stock exhaust, but to what extent I'm not sure. I know the the current owner bought it from a guy who removed the Catalytic Converted so he had it put back on to pass smog, but the exhaust tip is certainly not stock. PO said he left on the tip or muffler to give it a throatier sound -- I think he still has the original if I want it (which I do).

Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, etc? Especially on the price of the car? From my research the price seemed right for a low miles mint carrera. Initial asking price was $23,000 but we agreed on $21k and if there are any issues that require fixing to get the car to "daily driver" status I'll re-negotiate.

Questions I plan to ask guys at Callas following the PPI (suggestions welcome):
1) Any must fixes to get this to daily driving condition?
2) Results of compression and leak down test?
3) How close is the car to being stock and what has actually been done to the car?
4) Any body damage history
5) What score out of 100 would you give the car overall off the top of your head?




Anyway, fingers crossed it goes well. Any feedback is appreciated!

-Chris

[grizzfan]

It all depends upon the answers to your questions during the inspection. But from the looks of it in the photos you've put me into covet mode!

Good luck,

Tom

[Targa Me]

Seems like you've done your homework. 3.2 is a great engine. I have a '84 3.2 Carrera and I use it as my DD and now have put, almost 100k mile on it since I bought it, totaling 193k plus. keep up on the regular maintenance and you should be fine.
Good luck, welcome to the Board and a premature congrats.

[5String43]

Only thought I have is the obvious one - be real sure that the current owner gets it smogged before you complete the deal so that what you get with the car is a current Cal smog certificate.

[mikehinton]

It looks great. If it "passes" its PPI, go for it. I bought my '87 (my first 911) two years ago, and it has surpassed all of my expectations. They're great all-around cars, whether you use it as a daily driver, road trip car, or autocross car. Hope it works out for you.

[LUFTMAN]

does a/c work? this is a problem area even at peak operation cooling is barley enough on 90+ days . what do you mean by top end work ? many of the 3.2 engines have had exhaust guide problems (using oil) spark plugs will foul out with oil. i have done valve jobs as earley as 30,000 miles people replace fouled out plug so engine runs without a miss (dishonest people) hopefully not in this case . check c.l.t. test no# should be less that10% but some times carbon on valve can cause a poor seal that is why old spark plug condition is very important to look at to confirm no oil usage. valve job is exspensive $4500.00+ looks like a nice car good luck and regards tom 35 yr porsche technician

[WIL84911]

Great choice IMO. Good luck with finalizing the sale!

[gregwils]

I would say the guys at Callas will give you the information need to know in a report including leak down and compression results. If I were spending $21k in today's climate I would want to confirm it is an "accident-free" car, plus ask for receipts, particularly from the top end and ask Callas to review those receipts. All 3.2's are great cars, the G50 cars are nicer shifting, but I still love my 915.

[kg911]

If you know anything about Tony, he will give you a very accurate and detailed PPI. He did mine ten years ago and has worked on the car ever since. You should feel confident with his assessment and they are one of the best shops around..

[gavinc69]

Looks nice, hope it all goes well

[JAR0023]

I'm new here but not new to paint and bodywork. It may be the light or angle but looks to me like the paint on the door (bottom pic) is off from the paint on the body and fender.

I'd be looking for evidence of respray on the door.

J

[kepperly]

Has it had the clutch update? I assume that with the top end rebuild they redid the guides, take a look at the injector fuel lines and rubber fuel lines in general. Turbo valve covers, have the lower delvar studs been replaced with steel? C/V joints, rear wheel bearings. oil cooler fan and oil temp switch. Stock a/c or updated with barrier lines. Keep r-12 if you can it cools better. Windows, do they both go up and down correctly, most of the time its the switch not the motors. Cruise work? Stock chip? as soon as you get it inspected, buy a Steve Wong chip and cat "test pipe", You will be happy you did Make sure all the hvac controls work smoothly Get a new DME fuel pump relay and put it in your tool bag along with a new fan belt.

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

[Gemballa2006]

great advice right above me here, I just want o stress the lower studs. It is not a matter of if they will fail its when. Have these addressed right away if they haven't been already. Having one snap deep inside is a PITA and expensive, ask me how I know. Besides that, there is good advice here, looks like a real beauty, enjoy it, but be prepared to walk if need be, there are lots of nice ones around. best of luck

[CCM911]

Originally Posted by JAR0023

I'm new here but not new to paint and bodywork. It may be the light or angle but looks to me like the paint on the door (bottom pic) is off from the paint on the body and fender.

I'd be looking for evidence of respray on the door.

J

+1 On the door respray. I thought my eyes were just playing tricks on me, but if you compare the color of the door to the surrounding areas, it looks different. But then again, it could just be the light in the picture. Nevertheless, definitely worth investigating further.

[goat]

Looks very clean.
If you have not thought or been told this yet. Get a car fax. It can tell you of any accidents plus milage verification, and smog passes or failures.
Tim.

[NeunElf3.2]

+1 on the engine compartment fuel lines. I recently purchased an 88 that I knew would need a clutch. WIth the engine out, replacement of the (previously "'repaired") fuel line at the rear of the engine was easy. (search the forum for for fuel line repair with engine in place). Also, double check all electrical / switches (mirrors, seats), fresh air blower and sunroof function. Good luck and enjoy!

[robotsex]

Ok just heard back from Callas.

The driver door and the engine cover have been repainted and it isn't very noticable color difference in the daytime but under florescent light its pretty obvious he said. Hey said no evidence of body damage though.

Other than that he said car is looking good and they are going to do the compression and leakdown test next if I want to proceed.

Thoughts?

[Targa Me]

I'd keep going. You can ask the owner about the painted door and hood, but without you knowing facts, he could make up any story he wants.
If I were in your shoes, I'd have Callas continue looking at the car.

[Techne]

In my mind, the re-spray on the door and hood brings enough of a question mark to take the car out of the league of a $21K near-perfect car.

That doesn't make it a bad car by any means, but if you are prepared to pay top dollar like that you deserve to have no questions or stories. People paint hoods all the time for rock chips, but why the door too?

[Wil Ferch]

G50 is a good trans but had clutch throw-out lever bearing problems. Both factory and aftermarket fix kits were available. All G50's will ( at some time) suffer from this problem unless fixed.....factory fixed this late in the game around April '89 production. Fine car....looks like a clone of my 85.