87-89 911 as daily driver?

[Atlmike]

Hello All. I am considering purchasing a late 80's 911 sometime in the next six months. I haven't settled on body style (Coupe, Targa, Cabrio), but I will be using this car as my only form of transportation. I've owned a few sports cars (MR2, Miata) so I am used to harsh riding vehicles. Can any of you folks using 87-89 911's as daily drivers tell me a little about your experience with your cars, such as problems, maintenance, etc. I'm in the research phase of this project, and any info you can share will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

Mike Smith

[jsmarcus]

I drive an '84 Carrera 3.2L daily. I bought it with 97,000 and the clock now has 144,000. No problems, knock on wood. Buy what you can afford and enjoy! I live in NJ and had a blast driving this winter as SUVs were stuck on the side of the road.

By the way, good call posting here....you'll get many more responses than on Renn.



------------------
Josh
Black on Black '84 Carrera

[GIBSON]

Mike
I don't think you would find an 87-89 911 harsh unless it was set up that way. In stock form they are great drivers, change the torsion bars etc and they can become harsh. The G-50 makes a great trans as far as I'm concerned though I also have a late 915 with a limited slip and it's nice as well. I'm getting to like the hydraulic clutch, for a daily driver I think it would be great. Learn to do your own maintenance and use this board for help and you should be ok. Get someone local who knows 911's to drive your prospective purchase-might save you some grief.

Bruce Herrmann

[makaio]

Just make sure you get a pre purchase inspection done before you buy.

------------------
Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

[Ronbo]

I've been using my '88 coupe as a daily driver for close to 7 years, and have a 45 mile each way commute. I'm just now pushing 200K miles, and it's been more reliable than I expected. As far as repairs, I've only replaced the alternator and the fuel hoses (expensive!). Other than that it's just routine maintenance. Don't worry about the ride being too harsh unless the car is modified.


------------------
Ron
'88 Coupe

[Ronbo]

I've been using my '88 coupe as a daily driver for close to 7 years, and have a 45 mile each way commute. I'm just now pushing 200K miles, and it's been more reliable than I expected. As far as repairs, I've only replaced the alternator and the fuel hoses (expensive!). Other than that it's just routine maintenance. Don't worry about the ride being too harsh unless the car is modified.


------------------
Ron
'88 Coupe

[Jim T]

All things considered (including purchase, maintenance and repair costs), I think the 87-89 Carrera is probably the best overall daily driver of all the 911s.

[Don Plumley]

I have an '87 coupe and while I don't use it as a daily driver, I agree with the other posts that it most certainly could be - especially with the G50 and Hydraulic clutch. Some might suggest that the 964 would offer better HVAC, but I'm a windows open guy.

Biggest difference with your Mitata/MR2 experience is staying ahead of the car's maintenance needs. Checking tire pressure, oil level (and learn how to do that right), visual inspection of the engine and undersides. They are not like Japanese cars that can be driven into the ground. If you treat the car well, the rewards will be unlike anything you’ve driven before.

Good luck!

Don




------------------
don@plumley.org
Das Zoom - '87 Carrera

[epbrown]

After the late 80s SC, probably the best "daily driver" porsches are the 87-89 cars. My one suggestion would be to get a coupe unless you live in southern CA - I think Targas and Cabs are better for weekend drivers, having used my Targa as a dialy driver for a year.

Emanuel

------------------
Everybody wants a normal life and a cool car;
most people settle for the car." Chris Titus
1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
1983 Porsche 911 SC Targa

[89911]

My car is not a daily driver, I've put 10,000 miles on it in 3 years. I couldn't see why not though. The only downside is poor AC and front window fogging on hot rainy days. I see you live in GA. It might get a bit warm in August.

------------------
8 9 9 1 1, The last of the line.