What to look for, in buying a used '85 Carrera ?

[Hfaistos59]

First post....excellent site! I hope this belongs in this forum. I am thinking of purchasing a 1985, 5sp, with 86 K miles on it. Just as the title asks, as I am a neophyte in 911's, can some of the experienced folks here tell me, what might be some of the major issues with 1985 Carreras and how to keep an eye on for some of those , as I am doing an inspection and test drive of the vehicle. Many thanks !

[Zeke]

You will find that any one of us and almost all of us will tell you to have a pre purchase inspection (PPI) done by a dedicated Porsche shop. Might be the best $200 you ever spent.

You can go on the PCA web site and find your local chapter's site therefore locating all the resources you need.

I hope your target car is "the" one.

[dshepp806]

Be cautious, patient and use that search function..expensive mistakes are easy in this world....

As Milt noted,..at minimum,..a Pro PPI.


Doyle

[TubbyAZ]

I myself just bought an '85 Targa ROW in May. Ditto the PPI, get it checked. This one has 121K on the odo, but is pretty solid. Some maintenance items like brakes, transmission lube drain and fill, and boots for the tie rod ends and CV joints (repeat after me, rubber rots after 25 years).

But every weekend I get it out and drive it, it impresses the hell out of me how solid it is. And I'm finally beginning to get the hang of that obstreperous 915 transmission.

If the PPI checks out, go for it.

[Hfaistos59]

Thank you Gentlemen.........I will give it the initial "tire kicking" tomorrow and if it passes that, it will go in for a PPI and see what happens. I have heard that the 3.2 had issues with the valve guides due to the Viton seals been too good and strarving the valves, any truth to that? What should be a normal oil consumption on a 3.2, if any?

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

Be cautious, patient and use that search function..expensive mistakes are easy in this world....

As Milt noted,..at minimum,..a Pro PPI.


Doyle

^ X 1,000,000

Do the PPI....YOU HAVE TO!!!!!!

[wolf76]

Issues with the valve guides are true. Symptoms will include alot of smoke, smoke when declerating and excess oil consumption. I believe the norm is 1qt every 1000 miles and the "time to rebuild" consumption is around 1 qt every 400. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Good luck with the car.

Chris

[Icemaster]

Don't be afraid to ask if there's anyone on this board who might reside in your neck of the woods, lot's of folks would be willing to put a second set of eyes on the car with you.

[Nine9six]

Originally Posted by milt

You will find that any one of us and almost all of us will tell you to have a pre purchase inspection (PPI) done by a dedicated Porsche shop. Might be the best $200 you ever spent.

You can go on the PCA web site and find your local chapter's site therefore locating all the resources you need.

I hope your target car is "the" one.

Usually a good thorough PPI, performed by a reputable specialized porsche independent in Socal, or anywhere else for that matter, is more than $200

[bklyn]

Do the PPI, dont let your emotions get in the way, I know thats hard when she's looking so good in front of you but it might save you thousands!!

[DL Lawrence]

Everything you need to know.

Amazon.com: The Used 911 Story, 8th Edition (9780963172662): Peter Zimmermann: Books

[Drisump]

Having been through the process three years and 15,000 miles ago, like the others, the PPI is the key. If you don't have any experience with a 915 tranny, even a very good one will feel difficult compared to a new Accord or Porsche..... but it shouldn't be too difficult. This is one of the items that an experienced hand at 911's will be able to tell you. On my 85 euro the oil consumption (at 90k miles) is about 2500 miles per quart, but every now and then, it will put out a small amount of smoke on start up. A leak down test is quite often an extra on a PPI but I think it is worth it if you love the car, and you're about to pull the trigger. The galvanized bodies are generally good but in, say in the UK, where damp and cold is often the norm (like here!), they have to do quite a lot of rust repair and from what I understand, the 911 hides those problems rather well. Good luck on your quest.

[jimbauman]

A CARFAX is a good idea too.... they aren't always 100% accurate, but it might uncover some information not evident in a PPI...

JB

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by DL Lawrence

Everything you need to know.

Amazon.com: The Used 911 Story, 8th Edition (9780963172662): Peter Zimmermann: Books

Best money you can spend next to a PPI.

[Wil Ferch]

I would step back a bit if you are truly a neophyte. It will pay back dividends later. Meaning?--> step back and study the various "group years" to understand (better) where along the DNA chain you're looking. A PPI is advised.....but what I am saying is that you are (for example) looking at the "sub-group" of cars called 3.2Liter Carrera's. Built between 1984 and 1989. Further sub-divided into 84-86 ( 915 trans) and 87-89 ( G50 trans) cars. As a further example....the 78-83 series was the 3.0 liter SC's. Also great cars but each "group" has its strengths and weaknesses.

My advice is to first study up on the cars and their history....know their strengths and weaknesses.....then follow up on a specific car.

But then again.....that's me.....

[5String43]

As a word guy, I'm totally impressed to find the word "obstreperous" used here, though I'm not completely sure that the 915 deserves that description. The one in my car, which admittedly was rebuilt about 15,000 miles ago, actually works pretty well, as long as you give it the time it needs between shifts - especially first and second.

Further to that, however, I second the notion of a PPI, but note that one of those isn't always the complete answer either. My car, purchased in June, looked pretty good. Then came the top-end rebuild which added a quite stunning sum to the cost of the car.

So I guess the message is, beware. These are solid and quite wonderful cars, but they can be expensive to put right.

[hcoles]

You didn't mention where you are located to let us know who can PPI or drop by as a fellow Pelican and take a look. If you have free time and a high level of mechanical knowledge and skill most things can be fixed at a medium cost, if not the repairs can be expensive. Dickering with +/- $2-3k is irrelevant and is likely to seem like a drop in the bucket. See if you can find out what engine, clutch, trans work has been done, with receipts, post the info. If nothing has been done, start planning for it, open an account and save $400 a month min. You will also read re. people that get used cars and drive the heck out of them for 5+ years with minimal repairs, but I think this is somewhat rare.
It is easy for us to forget all the various things replaced or repaired and how many times we pulled the motor/trans. Not to speak of tires, brake system, shocks, bushings, upgrades. I suggest you consider looking at G50 cars. This is all MHO.

[Mitch Leland]

Dittos on Wil's reply... For instance the "86" has a much better A/C air vent distribution system than the earlier cars. I'm not saying the A/C will blow any colder, but if you want a good A/C system and decide to upgrade the system later the "86" will give you a better cabin air distribution.

Take Wil's advise and step back and look at the differences between the models in your price range. Sometimes for just a little more you can step up to the next model if that is what you want.

Another thing to remember is if there are qualified Porsche mechanics in your area that know your car. Lastly, buy the best car that you can afford... Better to pay a little more for the right car with good records than look for a deal, because the difference can eat you alive pretty quick.

Good luck, you'll love the car and the people that drive them...

[Hfaistos59]

I am located in Charlotte NC. Just got back from the initial viewing of the 911. 3 owners so far. owners80,500, miles ? Spedo works but....... ?? Whale tail, fairly new Kuhmos on Fuchs. Not terribly impressed by its condition. No maintenance records of any sort. Does not have a current NC licence plate. Interior needs help, original seats have been replaced by Corbeau seats. AC not working. I did not see any oil wells under the car in the garage, but I am sure it will need valve cover gaskets. Few rust spots and the rubber is dying on the weather-stripping. It drives fair, the rack and pinion felt excessively heavy though. It could definitely need valves adjusted and a major tune up. I checked the VIN in the national VIN archives, it not stolen and it has a clear title. I think I better get a book quick to review potential candidates. Thanks again for all your help.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Hfaistos59

I am located in Charlotte NC. Just got back from the initial viewing of the 911. 3 owners so far. owners80,500, miles ? Spedo works but....... ?? Whale tail, fairly new Kuhmos on Fuchs. Not terribly impressed by its condition. No maintenance records of any sort. Does not have a current NC licence plate. Interior needs help, original seats have been replaced by Corbeau seats. AC not working. I did not see any oil wells under the car in the garage, but I am sure it will need valve cover gaskets. Few rust spots and the rubber is dying on the weather-stripping. It drives fair, the rack and pinion felt excessively heavy though. It could definitely need valves adjusted and a major tune up. I checked the VIN in the national VIN archives, it not stolen and it has a clear title. I think I better get a book quick to review potential candidates. Thanks again for all your help.

Based on your findings, other than it being an 80,000 mile car, it's not one to get excited about. Sounds like $12K tops and only if you want a 12K project car. For the money you will put in it to bring it up to top cosmetic condition, you may very well find a much nicer car to spend the total sum.

For reference, I have a 9 cosmetically with 240K miles, a G50 car with lots of recent work including a new clutch and I'd take 12K. A friend of mine bought an earlier 915 Carrera with high miles for 6K 6 months ago. Another friend bought an SC with 88k on the clock a year ago for 6K and it's at least equal in condition to the one you describe, but more stock.