What years to buy?

[cdconner76]

I know this is a technical forum but I wanted your opinions before I lay down some cash. I am looking into purchasing a used 911 in the next 6-12 months. I'll have about 28k to play with and I'm wondering what year model would be best taking into account insurance, that I will be doing much of the maintenance myself, and reliability since this will be a daily driver. Are there certain things I should be on the lookout for? I noticed after looking around that there seems to be some major service around the 60k mile mark on these cars. What's done then? What needs to be done on a regular basis considering it will be an air-cooled engine? I read through the Pelican check list are there any other items to look for? High cost items that you commonly found needing attention on used cars? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[88911coupe]

With that budget I'd suggest an '84-'89 Carrera and you could easily have some left over for goodies and surprise repairs. An SC ('78-'83) would be even less and you'd have plenty left over. If you start looking at the 964's which are from '89 (all wheel drive only) to '94 you need to be careful of some issues in the first couple of years. Check the buyers guide on this site.

Later,

[cdconner76]

I've been looking at the '84-'89 models. I like the bodystyle. What is the life expectancy of the engines on these models with proper maintenance? I see some with 100k+ miles. BTW, even on these models I'll have $200 a month insurance payments since I'm 25. Even with no tickets or accidents. Sheesh!

[Rick Lee]

I would narrow it down to a pristine '88-'89 Carrera with an excellent maint. history. They tend to have valve guide wear issues, but not all of them. If you find one that has had a top end rebuild at a reasonable mileage, you can be relatively sure the engine will stay strong for a very long time. Get a PPI, make sure you have it checked for rust, accident damage and suspension issues. If you find one that has not had an engine rebuild, be sure to get a leakdown test. That's what made me buy my car, and I'm still convinced my engine is one of the lucky ones. Also try to find documentation of the car's oil consumption. I keep a detailed log book of everything I put into or on my 911 - date, mileage, brand, grade and quantity. And keep at least $2k in reserve for minor repairs and upgrades once you get the car. One month of ownership will teach you more than one year of research.

[Rick Lee]

If you're 25 with a good record and some co. is quoting you $200 a month, find a new insurance company! I have quite a colorful driving record and plenty of traffic court experience to go with it. I pay about $84 per month for my '87 911 and my '87 325is together. I have USAA and there are plenty of others just as reasonable.

[Planter91C2]

i am not just saying this because i like 964's but you should look at them. i believe they represent the best "deal" right now.

and as far as your insurance goes, increase your deductible.

[Jim T]

With $28K burning a hole in my pocket, I'd look for an '89 Carrera.

The 89 is not that much different than the 87/88 (it does have some nice things standard, like 8 inch rear wheels, though), but its kind of cool because its the last of the line. And, for $28K, you should be able to find a very nice one.

[stuttgart]

BUY 78-83 HAHAHAHA

[Superman]

'83 SC

[cegerer]

For $28k you should be able to find a decent 69-73 S. Simple to maintain and one hell of a daily driver! -- Curt

[jluetjen]

Thanks Curt! You took the words right out of my mouth. Why settle for one of 10s of thousands of Carrera's or SC's made when you can have a real live factory hot-rod? Only a few thou S's were made each year. Get a real live 7000 RPM MFI'd "S" ! Be the envey of all of your friends in the R-Gruppe. Smile every time you watch the opening to "Le Mans"! Have your local pollution enforcement officer happily wave your car right past the emissions test!

Porsche 911 Nirvana!!!

[9XI]

Obviously, buy what you want to.

You will need to work on it, in all likelyhood so save a few thousand for repairs and upgrades.

I would second the vote for a restored 69-73 S. You should be able to find an outstanding finished restoration for low 20s. No reason it can't be a daily driver -- I drive one daily and so do a number of others here on the board.

So if I had $28,000 in my pocket.... I'd buy a the best '72 S coupe (because it is the only model with the 2.4 and steel bumper guards) I could find for low $20Ks. That would buy a nice one -- done, or nearly done, with all rust vanquished, sport seats and other goodies. I'd save $6,000 or so for future engine upgrades, and stock away $2,000 as a buffer for misc repairs.

Another interesting route would be to buy any '69-'73 T in absolutely cherry condition for $15,000. Throw a $7,000 Carrera RS motor in there. Do another $4,000 in suspension mods and other misc upgrades. And, still have another $2,000 in the kitty for future "events."

Either of the latter two options would be waaaaaaaaaaaay ahead of an "89 Carrera in my book.

So, go drive a bunch of year/models and figure out what you like. Then, be PATIENT and wait for EXACTLY the model you want and one that clears PPI, etc. Once you buy it, you'll own it for ages, even if your heart lusts after some other car that you should have waited for.

[jrdavid68]

You asked about mileage - check this thread out regarding miles on the SC's and Carrera's.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62764

I have an '86 Carrera with 167K miles - never been cracked. Last week I had a valve adjustment done and inspection of the valve guides showed very minimal wear.

I agree with Richard LeSchander - focus in on the '88-89 Carrera. You will be able to find a really nice one for that money.

JrDavid68

[emcon5]

Without getting into the whole longhood vs. SCWDP thing, if your insurance company wants 200/month, I would seriousely look at earlier cars. The older the car, the less the value, the lower your rates should be. Carrera's are nice, but I am not sure they are $10K nicer than a good 911SC.

On the other end of the spectrum, it won't be an off the shelf type thing, but $28K will get you pretty damn close to Jacks Black Beast.

Tom

[Mark 69 911]

'69-'73 T,E or S

or put the 28k down on a 993


forget about all the other models, they really don't count.

[mwbaum]

If you buy an early 80s SC you will have enough left over to buy a real classic to boot.....a 356

[MarkY]

I vote for an '87 - '89 Carrera. With $28k you should be able to find a damn nice car with less than 50k miles. I'm of the opinion that if you do your homework, you'll be able to find a car that needs next to nothing and will be able to be a daily driver.

I would rather spend $28k on a great car than $23k on a car that need $3k worth of work. You said you want a daily driver so obviously you don't want the car on jack stands every other weekend.

I looked for over a year and purchased a 1988 coupe with 19k miles. In a year, I haven't put but about $75 into it, and that was for minor things that didn't HAVE to be done. I am do for a valve adjustment though.

Good Luck.

[Jim T]

Originally posted by 9XI
Obviously, buy what you want to.

You will need to work on it, in all likelyhood so save a few thousand for repairs and upgrades.

I would second the vote for a restored 69-73 S. You should be able to find an outstanding finished restoration for low 20s. No reason it can't be a daily driver -- I drive one daily and so do a number of others here on the board.

So if I had $28,000 in my pocket.... I'd buy a the best '72 S coupe (because it is the only model with the 2.4 and steel bumper guards) I could find for low $20Ks. That would buy a nice one -- done, or nearly done, with all rust vanquished, sport seats and other goodies. I'd save $6,000 or so for future engine upgrades, and stock away $2,000 as a buffer for misc repairs.

Another interesting route would be to buy any '69-'73 T in absolutely cherry condition for $15,000. Throw a $7,000 Carrera RS motor in there. Do another $4,000 in suspension mods and other misc upgrades. And, still have another $2,000 in the kitty for future "events."

Either of the latter two options would be waaaaaaaaaaaay ahead of an "89 Carrera in my book.

So, go drive a bunch of year/models and figure out what you like. Then, be PATIENT and wait for EXACTLY the model you want and one that clears PPI, etc. Once you buy it, you'll own it for ages, even if your heart lusts after some other car that you should have waited for.

You do make a convincing argument! If I personally were spending that kind of money on a 911, I would do either one of of your 2 options. But for me, it wouldn't be a daily driver. (My next 911 will either be an early car or a 993. Or an early car with a 993 engine!)

For a daily driver in Texas, I think an '89, (with functional air conditioning!) is a better choice for the majority of people looking to buy their first 911. They are easier to find, easier to buy (you can still find "no stories" late '80's 911s), and I think most people would enjoy it more as a daily driver.

But, you're right, there is no substitute for looking around, driving models of various years, and getting the car the feels best to ya.

[pwd72s]

I just want you guys to notice. I'm expressing NO opinion here. It wouldn't matter. I mean, this guy was born six years after my daughter.... Bruce Anderson's opinion is to buy the newest and best car you can afford. Who am I to disagree?

[autobonrun]

I'd buy the best 79-83 911SC I could find for less than $20k. Sit on the remainder of the cash until you get a "feel" for the car. Then use the rest to modify it to your personal liking (shocks, torsion bars, tires, etc.). I firmly believe that just because you have the money, you need not spend it all at once. Save some for modifications, improvements, and repairs.