Help with 1st purchase decision

[tincob]

In the past two months, I've driven SCs, Carreras and 964s and I've decided on what model I want.

I've put a lot of thought into my selection so please no arguments why I should choose/consider other models - I agree that there are some great examples out there, but not for me, at this moment.

Currently, I'm weighing two cars for purchase:

A) 88 Targa: 56K miles with a top end and full 60K maintenance done.



B) 87 Targa: 73K miles, all original with no updates. RMS weepage but no drip.



Both are half a day drive away from CT and my weekends have been tied up with kids stuff so I will only be able to check out one in the near future. Otherwise I would have seen both in person by now.

If it looks good when I check it out, I'll probably put down a deposit and get it scheduled for a PPI.

Car A is going to be a few thousand more than Car B but both are in the $22-$25K range based on final negotiations.

If you were the buyer, which of the two looks to be the better option?

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I know there are lower priced cars out there in other states but the likelihood of me flying out someplace to drive it back are very, very low. If my kids were older, that would be a fun trip but not right now.

[chris.817]

#2 if for no other reason than the wheels especially if you're not into the rear wing...

Top end at 50k on the other bothers me.

Both are pretty pricey.

[tharbert]

+1 what Chris says... They sound too high for non-turbo and a targa to boot. Keep looking, the right car will find you. I'm not arguing...it's just that, well, friends don't let friends buy targas. There, I said it. I feel better now.

As an example: $10k

[tincob]

Ha, ha, tharbert but I like targa's.

That wide body purchase is an unfair comparison. Not many deals like that come by on a regular basis. In the Northeast, the prices are definitely higher for a clean example (targa's and coupe's).

I like the plain rear and I have plans for a ducktail in the future with a front spoiler.

I believe car A had premature valve guide wear so the top end was done. It was done by a decent shop so it should be good for a while.

Car B has mismatched tires (front does not match back) so that needs to be rectified.

[tdw28210]

As the owner of a 911 for all of 24 hours now (not kidding), I would go with "B". Though it lacks the rear spoiler which is the "classic" 911 look in my mind, it appears to be more original and cheaper. Unless you really hate working on cars, then go with "A".

[Bob Kontak]

Front and back tires are different sizes as from the factory.

I like car A better. Premature valve guide wear is normal on a 3.2. Nix the steering wheel and wheels. Paint looks better on A but cameras never do any paint justice. Could just be the time of day and amount of sun

Targa top should be a consideration as well.

[tincob]

Sorry, I should have been clear, the tire brands are different.

I've read that you should have matching tread patterns front and back.

[911dean]

If you have to have a targa, I'd go with car #2. Sorry! I'm just a coupe fan. Mine even has a sunroof, I wish it didn't have. Finding a good car under 20k with low miles is difficult in my neck of the woods also.
Dean

[Porchcar guy]

Newer car, less miles...less maintenance needed..BUY car "A". Wheels and wing are replaceable but upgrades will cost more !!

[tanmanbgoh]

There are deals out there...this has had NO probs so far..six months

[peon77]

Of the 2 choices I think its got to be number 2. It looks like an honest car and it doesnt have a "story"

[Flat Six]

Assuming both in reasonably similar mechanical and cosmetic condition, for my money (and solely between these two choices as you ask), I clearly prefer #2 because it has:

1) Fuchs rather than real/replica cups
2) 930S wheel rather than Momo Monte Carlo(?) -- though a Prototipo would be nice . . .
3) clean decklid

Just my $.02

HTH

Dale

[RSTarga]

Tough choice either one but I dislike the newer wheels on A. It's good that the top end was done on A, if well done that's about 4-5K of work, you can get real wheels and new tires for less.

[davidva930]

I would not limit my search to areas within driving distance. I have purchased three 911`s without seeing them in person. There are plenty of ways to purchase an out of state car with some peace of mind. Finding a special car is some areas is like trying to find a wife in Alaska. Supply and demand. The last unseen car I bought was a 911 from an online ad...I`m in VA...car was in Florida. I looked online for a Porsche shop of my choice for a PPI, not the shop where it had been serviced....it got good marks after the inspection and I bought it. It cost me $125 for the PPI, and $520 to ship to my warehouse. I know it may seem risky, but with all the Porsche support/advice here and the ability to find an decent Porsche PPI shop. you may end up saving a bunch of money, regardless of whether the car is in your area or not, get a PPI. BTW....not trying to change your mind on the Targa, but the 3 I`ve owned were leaky, noisier, colder, hotter, not as stiff, and harder to sell vs coupe.

[megerian]

Since we're offering opinions, I prefer whale tail only on wide-body cars (turbo and turbo-look) which is a vote for B. I happen to like Speedline wheels, but they don't look right on car A.

[Bob Kontak]

megerian - That is a Carrera tail on car A. But I think you are meaning all tails on skinny cars.

[fbarrett]

An all-original car means that previous owners resisted the urge to mess about with it and instead kept it as God and Ferry intended. This often takes as much effort (maybe more) than changing things. So the original car is likely to have had higher-quality custodians and care. Before you decide between these two, do look at both in the flesh. Buy the Illustrated Porsche Buyers Guide and read about all the important things to check. That $20 book could save you thousands.

Frank

[tdskip]

Car B looks less messed about with, once you deal with the tail on Car A there will be an even bigger difference in price.

[timchar]

They both look nice....obviosly they would both be a fair amount cheaper in California. Very low miles on both. If you have any contacts in the west coast. You could probably save 3-5 grand or so...I would take my time either way...good luck...

[whiz05403]

Car A!!