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

[Final13]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by Final13

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.

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.
First 911. Considering a 200k mile car.
Would high mileage scare you off?

[Final13]

Originally Posted by 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.

I'm prepared to do some of the more "conventional maintenance" in almost any price range. Good opportunities to upgrade at those points where things like suspension and brakes would be replaced anyway. Old cars leak, so I'm prepared for a bit of work in those areas as well. I'd like to hopefully not have to overhaul a motor until later as to get to enjoy the car sooner.

[Final13]

Originally Posted by OsoMoore

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.
First 911. Considering a 200k mile car.
Would high mileage scare you off?

I'm no stranger to high mileage I have a current vehicle with +250K and a previous vehicle with about 600K...great links, thanks for the info

[eyuzon]

It's been said before; buy based on condition not mileage.

[47silver]

engine and transmission work can be done quickly.. body work takes a long time,
get rust free whatever you get.

[Final13]

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

[Final13]

Other than the ones mentioned already' ( Wayne's, Bentley, Used story) is the following worth a look? "Porsche 911sc, The Essential Companion". Author Adrian Steather.

[Packet82]

Originally Posted by Final13

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

Check under the battery. One leaky battery in the car's past will result in a ton of rust that's a nightmare to fix.

[cali4sun]

I agree with what's been said. Buy the best example you can afford you might want to save a little to get a nicer SC. I jumped on a nice looking 80 SC (July 2012) for $6K on Craigslist. Bought 1/2 hour after posting.

I knew it needed engine work big time after I drove it, and tires. (NO PPI) obviously, don't do that again! I do not do my own vehicle work. I just put in $4500 for Noise Bearing leak repair (noise bearing seal sleeve), turbo valve cover leaks repair, tune up, new brake pads, repair hand brake, repair heater blower, drivers seat belt, shift coupler and bushings, a few other things.

Car runs great so far and looks good, and had all the upgrades already done. However, probably should have waited and bought a nicer example not needing as much work.

Still need to put in new stereo and speakers.

Good luck!

[ScottT80]

I wouldn't worry about high mileage if it has been taken care of. Mine has over 200k without any serious issues.

[Final13]

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...

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by Final13

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...

If you haven't done so already, post a WTB (Want-To-Buy) in the Porsche Cars For Sale - Pelican Parts Technical BBS subforum here.

I found a lot of leads and got a lot of responses when I posted here. (This one became mine 1979 911 SC Targa North Carolina)