Originally Posted by OsoMoore (Post 7061136)

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.

Originally Posted by Final13 (Post 7061786)

I'm hoping to do my best to NOT snap buy. I'm not in a hurry. I will definitely take a look at the Used 911 Story. I will be the first to admit my ignorance on 911s and their idiosyncrasies. Finding one that has had a rebuild is a priority and a concern. I've seen some amazingly peculiar "rebuilds" in the past in other cars.

Originally Posted by mreid (Post 7061172)

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.

Originally Posted by OsoMoore (Post 7061817)

It sounds like you will be in for a great time. Another resource I found useful was searching up old pelican threads about high mileage SCs. High mileage shouldn't be a problem if the car is cared for, even 200K+.

EDIT: Here are a couple relevant threads. They are Carrera's (1984), but the cars are similar and the principle is the same.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/683200-first-911-considering-200k-mile-car.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/632837-would-high-mileage-scare-you-off.html

Originally Posted by Final13 (Post 7062470)

any overlooked but common rust areas? I assume fender wells, inner fenders, cowls, under the car in general...

Originally Posted by Final13 (Post 7063717)

I'm looking to do all the work short of major body, paint, and machining. as far as mileage, I'm not worried about that.

Wish list...
1. Rust free
2. Recently rebuilt motor (or at least one not in need soon)
3. Targa

The rest I'm game...