Your SC or 3.2 experience, one year later

[AC78]

I'm getting very close to owning my dream car, an older model 911, and wanted to hear from other SC or 3.2 owners on their ownership experience one, two, three years after purchase.

Has 911 ownership lived up to expectations?
Has it been a reliable car or a costly money pit?
Have you found it easy enough to do your own basic maintenance?
Any other thoughts?

I've budgeted for a good car, am getting PPI's done, buying all the books, reading all the blogs. It's difficult not to feel emotional about this purchase, but keen to hear the views of other people who were in my position a year or two ago and how their 911 purchase has turned out.

Cheers

[pete3799]

Have had mine (SC) 3 1/2 years now and wish i'd bought it 25 years ago.
Definitely has surpassed my expectations.

It has been very reliable in fact i have yet to have any trouble with it what so ever. That's not to say i haven't spent some money on it (not what i'd call a lot) but mostly routine maintenance,new suspension bushings, wheel bearings, shifter bushings,some oil lines etc etc.
I do all my own work, even alignment so no additional costs for labor (i work cheap).
I've tinkered on vehicles all my life so most things come natural to me but if a problem arises that i need some help on this place (Pelican) is just a click away.

Sounds like you've done some homework already so get a good one and enjoy the ride........

[Arne2]

I probably shouldn't reply here, as I've only had my first Porsche ('84 3.2) for about 8 months so far. But once past a couple of minor bugs at the beginning (IMO, at least partly caused by the previous owners not driving it enough), it's been great. I drive it several times per week, rain or shine. I don't expect it to be as cheap to run as some of my prior fun cars, but it's certainly not prohibitive. Like the prior poster, I should have bit the bullet and bought one years ago.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by AC78

I'm getting very close to owning my dream car, an older model 911, and wanted to hear from other SC or 3.2 owners on their ownership experience one, two, three years after purchase.Going 3 years, SC with a 3.2

Has 911 ownership lived up to expectations?
Yes and a lot more. Was a 40+ years dream

Has it been a reliable car or a costly money pit?
Very reliable but while you are in there...

Have you found it easy enough to do your own basic maintenance?
My first sport car, never done any mechanic on car before, bought a lift and never look back. Drop the engine last year for SSIs, M&K Muffler, clutch, fly wheel back dated heat and so on. This winter did a full brake job; rotors, pads, shoes, SS lines, caliper pistons for less then 1K

Any other thoughts?
Go for it

I've budgeted for a good car, am getting PPI's done, buying all the books, reading all the blogs. It's difficult not to feel emotional about this purchase, but keen to hear the views of other people who were in my position a year or two ago and how their 911 purchase has turned out.

With the books and this board, you can do pretty well anything.

Cheers

[tirwin]

I've owned my first 911 for about 16 months. It's a black '83 SC coupe. 65k miles. Engine is in great shape.

I have spent money on the car since the purchase. Certainly more than I first thought. I had a few things that had to be done when I first got it. Those things were in the original budget and known from the PPI. But I got bit bad by the "while I'm in there" bug. One minute I'm fixing something small and the next minute the interior was gutted. I really don't know what happened. It was all a blur. My wife lost her parking spot in the garage and boxes of parts started showing up on my front porch.

And other than the fact that I've been off the road a lot longer than I thought, I have no regrets. I love the car. Best purchase I've ever made.

I have been able to do the vast majority of work on the car. Heck tonight I've been doing the headliner. If I can do it anyone can. But I couldn't have done a lot of it without the help of this forum, Wayne's books, the Bentley and a few other resources. And I've had the opportunity to meet some great people too.

Remember life's a journey. I can't imagine better transportation than our cars. And to paraphrase Ron White -- once you've seen one of 'em, you want to see the rest of 'em.

[brendon]

Over 7 years on my SC. No major problems until this spring - found a broken head stud (this is a new occurrence as all the nuts were tight last year).

I have spent a bit of money on it only because of the while-you're-in-there bug. Funny how a suspension bushing refresh turns into a full suspension rebuild with just about everything Elephant Racing offers...

The stuff it has actually needed has been cheap; mostly maintenance stuff.

[brownrgmac]

I have own my 87 Coupe for 4 years. I purchased it with known issues. Top-end rebuild was expected but since partnering with Master Tech, the experience has been wonderful. The weather doesn't permit year round driving but when possible I LOVE it!

[Tincanguy]

Originally Posted by AC78

I'm getting very close to owning my dream car, an older model 911, and wanted to hear from other SC or 3.2 owners on their ownership experience one, two, three years after purchase.

Has 911 ownership lived up to expectations?
Has it been a reliable car or a costly money pit?
Have you found it easy enough to do your own basic maintenance?
Any other thoughts?

I've budgeted for a good car, am getting PPI's done, buying all the books, reading all the blogs. It's difficult not to feel emotional about this purchase, but keen to hear the views of other people who were in my position a year or two ago and how their 911 purchase has turned out.

Cheers

We had our 78SC Targa for 25 years before it was totaled. I loved it as did my wife. We mourned for several months before starting to look for a replacement, preferably another SC Targa. There were several advertised for sale but every one I looked at didn't measure up to our lamented "baby".

We heard of an 88 Carrera Targa with 83K miles that was recommended by Chris Powell and after looking it over carefully, bought it. We have had it for six years and love it every bit as much as our 78. It is a more refined car than was the 78, especially the DME vs the CIS injection system. We get considerably better fuel mileage and the 3.2 warms up and idles smoother than the CIS SC, especially with a Steve Wong chip. The G50 tranny is a joy compared to the sometimes balky 915 which is very helpful for this 82 year old guy.

You can't go wrong with either a good SC or 3.2 Carrera but if smoothness, power and comfort are important to you, get an 87-89 Carrera

[ScottG]

Good luck in your quest. I reiterate the importance of finding a good one.

My mechanic talked me out of buying an '85 coupe that, despite having only 61k miles, had been under-loved. Instead I found an '86 Targa with 97k miles that had been maintained very well. 16 months and 1000 miles later, I have performed engine and transmission oil changes, air filter, fuel filter and added a fire extinguisher. The only problem was the wire slipped off the reverse-light switch. I fixed it in 5 minutes. The engine sound mat started to sag recently, and I dread replacing it, but this is obviously minor.

Future projects include other maintenance tasks: brake fluid, plugs, distributor, rotor and a valve adjustment. Between these new items and what I've already purchased, the majority of parts are priced very reasonably.

My first Porsche experience has been extremely pleasant so far and I don't regret it one bit. I wish I had more time to drive it, but work and family stuff usually win...thank goodness my '86 has been so reliable. Go for it!

[matt curtain]

I had an '80 SC for about 6 years when I was single. Good timing on my part.
When I bought it, the sychros were tired. A buddy of mine who got me into the 911s talked me in to pulling the trans & rebuilding. Other than a few expensive sockets and with some good advice form the local PCA, we dropped the engine, went over it, and rebuilt the trans with no trouble. I ran the &%$# off that car, and didn't even open the hood for about 2 years in the middle. Great car.
I upgraded to the 3.2. It's been in the garage now for about 20 years. The first few I drove it alot, and it has had some issues. Voltage regulator. Broken engine stud. Alignment issues ( it's an aftermarket wide body) But it's a beast compared to the SC. And with a few more modern technical bits. Lately the issues are from sitting and lack of attention on my part.
I think either way you can't go wrong. The weakenss of the SC is the chain tensioners, and I think you can upgrade them to hydralic type. I had no issues with the tensioners on my SC, but I had over 100K miles and it was in the back of mind.
I'm about to get my Carrera back on the road after about 10 years of it sitting ( kids!), and I'm looking forward to it. I never looked back and wished I had the SC.

[DanielDudley]

I always recommend the book ''The Used 911 Story'', By Peter Zimmerman.

It will get you up to speed on 911s, and show you just how important a PPI can be. When I bought my Targa, I did not get a PPI. I would up replacing the cams, as the wrong oil had been used in the engine, and I had cam lobe wear. Other than that, this 911 has been stellar, and this is a car with 227,000 miles on it. Shifts well, drives well, and has been a good runner.

Unexpected costly maintenance can be avoided in many cases with a pre purchase inspection.

[AC78]

Thanks for all your responses guys, keep 'em coming!

I've saved and sacrificed for many years to get this car, but now that it's coming to crunch time i'm equal parts excited and terrified about what i'll end up with. Your responses are giving me a real boost!

.....and it doesn't help when friends and family are all telling you to buy a WRX or something newer with warranty instead. They just don't understand.

Daniel - i've read the Zimmerman Used 911 book and also the 101 Projects cover to cover several times. They've both been very helpful. I have saved to buy a good example and it won't be a daily driver, so hopefully the major maintenance will be minimal. It's a 30 year old car so I expect to spend some money on it as things wear.

My mechanic skills are fairly basic but can't wait to break out the tools and start working on 101 Projects!

[KNS]

AC78,

Will this be your only car?

[pegasus9]

I had my SC for 14 years. As much as I enjoyed that car, one day I got bored and sold it.

Fast forward 3 years later.
I picked up my Carrera.

It's been a pure joy to be back. More fun this time around maybe in part because I stepped away and took a break.

The 86 has been very reliable.
Just routine maintenance, refurbing the suspension and a new alternator.
Sounds like you're on the right track.

I'm with you on the emotional factor. It is amazing what happens once you turn that key with your left hand.

Best of luck on finding your dream car.

[AC78]

Originally Posted by KNS

AC78,

Will this be your only car?

No, i've got a second sportscar, a Ford Fiesta - the type of sportscar your grandma would own

The 911 will be for weekends, occasional long trips and some times take to work to show off to colleagues etc.

It won't be a garage queen, but I don't intend to race it or rip the hell out of it either. Its going to be a hobby car for pleasure, to teach me mechanics and more advanced driving.

[kanadary]

i've had my 87 carrera for almost 3 yrs. no issues at all, done the basics, oil change, and valve adjust and investigated serveral issues that the previous owner couldn't or didn't do, wiper switch, power seat, and power door locks. had the thing lowered to euro ride height. have some new toys for it that i haven't had a chance to install, H4s, stereo. its been fun, and lots of fun driving it. the only thing i wish is that i could get a stable mate, early 911 coupe..

[timmy2]

11 months after my purchase I'm very happy with my now at 83,000 mile '78 SC.
Bought one to fix up and this one has met that need!
I'm one of those guys that would rather do it themselves than buy it already done.
Sometimes that can be an expensive attitude.
All of these cars are $20k cars...
I'm getting closer with every passing day.
I'm sure I can beat that number without a lot of trouble if I choose to.
Here's my thread on my car.
Finally, back in the game!

[80-911SC]

They are a blast .. had mine just over 4 years I think ...

They are addicting .. they will take a lot of your time .... they may take a lot of your money .. beware of the term "while your in there" ... if your single may get you noticed more ... if your married she will likely hate the car .. mine hates it and she really hates the 914 I brought home even more than the 911 .. if she does like it then you better hide the keys cause you may lose it to her ... if that happens then just buy another one ...


As far as learning mechanics on a 911 ... you could pick a much easier car to learn on .. these are not that technical but they are fussy ... not the best car for a virgin ...

they are as reliable as the maintenance they are given .. if you neglect them ...

you deserve it when it breaks down on you .....

[michael lang]

I bought my car in 2004. It took me about a year of scouring the Internet, traveling to various places as far as about 500 something miles away from where I live. Literally driving my wife and kids nuts. Enjoying the process every step of the way!
I was very emotional about the cars but I had to be very careful and not let emotion make the selection for me because I knew exactly what I wanted. I know for me I have made the correct decision.
My car has never left me sitting on the side of the road or put me in a bad spot. Even when I have been the most frustrated by doing a project on my car I would not trade it for anything. This car has been such a good car, at one time I went 13 track events before I had to open the tool bag to fix something during an event at the track and in all fairness that was my own doing. I knew when I was doing my pre-event inspection that the brake pads were wearing thin in the front but thought I had enough to make it one full day of driving on those pads. I didn't even make it to the end of the first session that day. My point is, take your time and enjoy the process, the right car will find you just like my car found me. The wait will be so worth it as you will have the time of your life.

[CRNT918]

I've had both an SC Coupe and a Carrera Cabriolet, still have the Cab. Both were wonderful cars, drove them on the street, AutoX, and on the track. Tinkered with both of them, learned a lot, and had loads of fun. However, I can't find in any of these posts, the inherent problems these series(or any other series) might have. I'm refering to broken head studs on the SC's and worn valve guides on the Carreras. These problems, if not already adrressed, could become an expensive proposition later on down the road.