Thinking of buying this car, what do you think?

[rwilner]

I don't have a ton of experience looking at these cars...just looking for opinions of those with experience. this is an 85 carrera.

Here's the underside of the motor. There is definitely some seepage, is it a reasonable amount for these cars?



Here's the engine bay. It looks clean to me. Do the experts see anything out of the ordinary?



Here's the front area. Clearly there was some scraping underneath. Would you be concerned about the rust on the bottom of the gas tank?


thanks!
Rich

[McLovin]

Areas 1 and 2 look to be almost certainly the oil return tubes.

Area 3 also, but not as clear from the pic.

That would not be a surprise, as those look like the original oil return tubes, which means those are the original seals. That they are only leaking that much after 27 years is pretty amazing.

Area 4 is just a hose or the clamp, no big deal.

Overall, it looks pretty dry, and there's a good chance you can simply replace the oil return tubes and seals (not a big job using collapsable ones) and the engine will be leak free.

Top of engine bay looks pretty clean, honest and stock (which is good). No overspray, painted over latches, etc. Looks nice.

I wouldn't worry about the scrapes on the bottom and gas tank. That's just cosmetic.

Finally, it's missing the catalytic converter, which will be an issue if you have to get a smog test in your area.

[DaddyGlenn]

Take it to a Porsche shop and invest in a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) before making a decision. It will be worth it.....unless you are looking for a project car.

[rwilner]

Yep, I will get a PPI but wanted to get some opinions here first. the car is about 200 miles from me so this is a remote evaluation.

I will not post the glamour shot of the whole car...i'll save that for if I buy it!

[DohertyCM]

Looks normal for a car that age. I wouldnt worry about the bottom of the fuel tank and brush plate....a little Ospho paint and sealer that will be as good as new.
Look for REAL RUST in the bonnet area and around the battery...those are problem areas. The engine has the typical leaks that can handled with ease.
But this is just coming from the pictures.
Also I noticed the transmission has alot of dirt and grease around it...which probably means you have a seal leak there as well...no big deal....just some elbow grease. And speaking of grease...how are the rubber boots for the CV joints...

But, if were mine...I would clean the crap out of it and run it for about an hour and see where the leaks are, then fix them....But it will need a good cleaning.

[wildcat077]

I would ask the owner what he hit to scrape the crap out of the fuel filter cover and gas tank !

It also looks like the left front tow hook is missing,either it wore off or it broke off,makes me wonder if the guy was driving up sidewalks with the car,other parts of the suspension take a licking when that happens ...

Cheers !
Phil

[sc_rufctr]

This thread may be helpful but nothing beats a PAYED FOR PPI.

Don't even consider that car without it. Not negotiable... End of story!

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

This thread may be helpful but nothing beats a PAYED FOR PPI.

Don't even consider that car without it. Not negotiable... End of story!

Yup...wot he said....^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[rwilner]

thanks all, I know I need a real PPI, I passed on 3 other cars based on PPIs...just looking for as many opinions as possible! I want to do this once and do it right.

[hcoles]

the oil filter doesn't look typical, could be a sign of poor maintenance practice, service records or even statements on that subject are not mentioned, how many miles? If you really like the car and are able to put a considerable amount of money in after purchase.....

[CCM911]

Nothing out of the ordinary for a 3.2. I also thought the oil filter was odd(Mahles are black), so hcoles is right on.

But overall, it looks like a pretty nice car. Find me one without any oil leaks and I will be shocked.

[Vino]

Does it look like it's missing the engine sound deadening pad?

How does the AC work, any spray of oil under the engine lid, upgraded AC hoses and more importantly fuel hoses?

Look at the oil cam or chain tensioner line on both sides, my right side is leaking pretty good and doesn't have the updated bracket. No drips on the floor though just a small weep on top of the right side engine tin.

[matt f]

Bosch is making white oil filters.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by CCM911

Find me one without any oil leaks and I will be shocked.

My '88 doesn't leak a drop.

"All 911s leak oil" is a myth.

[McLovin]

Of course, it has sprung leaks over the years, most recently for example from the oil pressure sender. It's started leaking from the cam oil lines, and a couple of other places, from time to time.

I just make sure to fix any leaks immediately. I can't stand oil leaks, and there's no reason for them, other than poor maintenance.

[dcjones56]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

This thread may be helpful but nothing beats a PAYED FOR PPI.

Don't even consider that car without it. Not negotiable... End of story!

+1 Sound advice. Get a PPI from an independent air-cooled Porsche mechanic who is one you choose and who has never seen or worked on the car before. Also, my best advice is to get Zimmermann's The Used 911 Story and read it thoroughly, then get the PPI. I hope everything works out for you.

[dshepp806]

Above all: get the PPI from an INDEPENDENT PORSCHE EXPERT SHOP./......

BEST!

Doyle

[sparkle84]

Really glad to see you passed on that SC you were looking at. From the limited pics this one looks to be in a lot better shape. Where's this one located? That's a great color. You'll get tons of compliments on it. Mine's the same color & people are always saying how much they like it. Looks incredible at twilight.
Anyway, SC's & Carreras are similar as far as problem areas to look for. If you'd like, get ahold of me & I'll be able to tell you the best place for a PPI near where it's located.

Good Luck, Steve

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by McLovin

My '88 doesn't leak a drop.

"All 911s leak oil" is a myth.

+1. Mine also does not leak, even a tiny bit.

[bluetick]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Of course, it has sprung leaks over the years, most recently for example from the oil pressure sender. It's started leaking from the cam oil lines, and a couple of other places, from time to time.

I just make sure to fix any leaks immediately. I can't stand oil leaks, and there's no reason for them, other than poor maintenance.

iawtp.

My '79 doesn't leak either right now. I also can't stand oil leaks. I had a leak so bad last month on a road trip a few months ago that I had to stop and add a quart or three of oil every thirty minutes to make the 140 mile drive home. Fortunately, it was just one of the 33 year old flexible inner lines connected to the front oil cooler... what an awful mess it made though.