Buying my first 911...what to look for?

[Final13]

The rundown...

Looking to potentially pick up a 911SC. Realistically with the next year, maybe 18 months. 10k max budget. (unless thats unrealistic) Trying to find a resource or resources for more common issues to look for. What are the more "hard to find" parts ect. I'd also like to try and get an idea of what some of the more common replaced parts and interior pieces might run. (Swap meet or otherwise)

You will have to forgive my obvious green questions. Just looking to be pointed in the direction of a more "informed buyer".

[Joe Bob]

Anything you like should have an inspection by a qualified 3rd party.

3.0s are prone to head stud issues.

[Arne2]

Pelican Parts: 911 FAQ Version 2.2

[Final13]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Anything you like should have an inspection by a qualified 3rd party.

3.0s are prone to head stud issues.

finding said qualified third party is a tricky one, but I will be on the lookout

[Final13]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Pelican Parts: 911 FAQ Version 2.2

Great link, thanks!

[Packet82]

Do yourself a favor and save up a few more grand for a decent condition SC. You can find them for 10k, but they're going to need 10k in work to be a $13k car.

[Porchcar guy]

If you have not perused the search function, then I invite you to use it and you will find many of your questions answered with reams of information concerning a first purchase, upkeep and other esoterica. also, look at the for sale items to learn about the different parts and read the tech section for all the how to's. Pick up a Bentley and Wayne's book...101 things YOu can do ...Good hunting !!

[Final13]

I was hoping to stay around 10 but I have noticed a trend in the 13-19 range...

[Final13]

yes, I've poked around the search function with limited results. Wayne's book on order

[Beltdrive]

Final13 I hope your a handy guy with a well stocked garage cause parts and labor for some bodies profit will be expensive.

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by Final13

finding said qualified third party is a tricky one, but I will be on the lookout

Updating your profile with your general locatio may help you find someone.
You'd be surprised where you will find experienced Porsche people...

10k will get you a fixer upper unless you can find a distress sale.

[Final13]

Originally Posted by Beltdrive

Final13 I hope your a handy guy with a well stocked garage cause parts and labor for some bodies profit will be expensive.

No stranger to wrenching my friend. Not really equipped for welding or re spraying ( nor do i have the skills required) but other than that the only for profit work would machining for me if needed.

And I don't know if I'd call my garage well stocked but if I don't have it I can get my hands on it without renting/paying for it

[Final13]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Updating your profile with your general locatio may help you find someone.
You'd be surprised where you will find experienced Porsche people...

10k will get you a fixer upper unless you can find a distress sale.

Didn't even take a look that way, dully noted and changed. Although I will be moving back to the Nashville area early next year

[aigel]

You won't have a good experience for $10k. You can wrench yourself, but parts are still going to cost. I would recommend an initial $13-15k price to get ahead a little. You need to get out of the rock bottom price range to get much more car for the money.

I recommend looking for cars right here on Pelican and wait for a member's car to go up for sale. Usually, if owned for some years, these are very well kept and upgraded.

You should also extend your search to the 3.2 Carreras which are not much more $ and essentially the same car.

G

[timmy2]

Lots of good people in both of those areas. A good PPI shouldn't be a problem in AL or TN.
Pelican Parts Technical BBS - Search Results
Pelican Parts Technical BBS - Search Results
An advanced title search with the right words can yield great results.

[Final13]

Originally Posted by aigel

You won't have a good experience for $10k. You can wrench yourself, but parts are still going to cost. I would recommend an initial $13-15k price to get ahead a little. You need to get out of the rock bottom price range to get much more car for the money.

I recommend looking for cars right here on Pelican and wait for a member's car to go up for sale. Usually, if owned for some years, these are very well kept and upgraded.

You should also extend your search to the 3.2 Carreras which are not much more $ and essentially the same car.

G

I've made the "shoulda spent more money" mistake before. Good info to have. Ideally I'd love to not have to tear into the car before enjoying it even a little after buying. Thanks for the info...

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by Final13

finding said qualified third party is a tricky one, but I will be on the lookout

If you find one up this way, Eurasian Auto in downtown Birmingham are absolutely first class...I can personally cvouch for them. They are outstanding.

Neil

[BlueWing]

Look and keep looking here. If it is from a member you know they were into their car.
Search their name and you will see a bit of history of the car.

Best scenerio is where they are upgrading to a different Porsche and you can benifit from their previous stewardship.

If it is a crappy car a search here might uncover what you need to know.

It is a great community with plenty of honest involved members, better than buying from strangers or dealers.

Terry

[OsoMoore]

My budget was 10-15K so I was looking for an SC last winter. I found a great deal on a '79 at 12K from a Pelican previous owner and previous-previous owner, bought in April 2012.
The cars I found at 10K and lower were not suitable for a daily driver, while at 12K I found one without rust and with an engine rebuild.

My advice is to do a lot of looking before you buy. Take your time and don't jump at a car because it looks like a great deal - its better to miss a good car because you were too careful than to snap-buy a car that sucks away your money. You are in the South, so you'll probably be able to check out more potential buys in person. I got a copy of Zimmerman's The Used 911 Story, which is a great buyer's guide. It will help you know what potential problems to look for so you don't end up paying for a pre-purchase inspection on a car that's not going to be good.

Good luck, and feel free to ask about cars here as much as you like - there's no dearth of opinions, advice, and general knowledge.

[mreid]

I'll second everything said above. I just bought a 111,000 mile 1984 Carrera for $12,000. It has never been touched (including anything other than routine oil changes) and is 100% original. For your price, you should figure it will need a reseal and valves adjusted at a minimum and may need brakes, suspension work, and possibly paint. Up your budget to $15k and be very picky. They are out there, but be patient.