Intro

[justjones]

Fellow enthusiasts,

Just joined the forum per the recommendation of a good friend of mine (3 time Porsche owner) in hopes of establishing a line of communication with all the knowledgeable members on this board. I am looking to become a first time Porsche owner, though have admittedly been afflicted with the "bug" for the pass five years or so. I've decided it must be air-cooled and that the 3.2 Carrera coupe is my cup of tea. Looking for a clean one in the $22k-25k range and am excited to be able to field some questions your all's way, via this thread, as I spend the next few months searching. There does not appear to be a lot on the market at this time but hope as spring draws nearer the for sales will get a jolt. Any words of wisdom on particular 3.2 MY years/mileage that would be advisable would be much appreciated!

Looking forward to becoming part of the community,

JJones

[r-mm]

I was in your shoes exactly one year ago. Now a happy Carrera G50 coupe owner. Any search will give you the oft repeated wisdom... buy on condition not miles. PPI's are good... BUT... sometimes just impossible or won't tell you everything you need to know. In my case, I got a great 100k mile G50 in an interesting color combo for 19k but for a variety of reasons there was no way to get a "real" PPI. Turns out, it needed a top end on account of it was using a bunch of oil. I did it myself, and now I'm into the car for about $23k. And I know the car inside out. Still a fine deal if you ask me.

I personally think 915/G50 is not a big deal at all. I came from Japanese cars for many years and let me tell you, neither 911 trans can hold a candle to say a Miata or S2000. Or even something like my RSX Type S. I only mention this by way of saying don't get hung up on it, its not night and day. I went into my search agnostic about SC vs Carrera but after working on my motor and reading some of the CIS troubleshooting threads here, I have to say I'm happy to have what I consider to be the finest vintage of EFI. Dead reliable, tunable, reasonable economy but very un complicated, very few sensors and they are not expensive to replace. But there is no way I'd overlook a well priced sorted SC and for many reasons you will read if you google SC vs Carrera, they are even stouter than the EFI cars.

Unfortunatly for you the market has frothed up considerably in the year since I bought mine, but there are certainly still deals out there. Search like its your job and to be frank, don't waste too much time looking here. Go out to cars.com (found some GREAT cars there that I missed out on), use craigslist aggregators, and even ebay where I ultimately found mine, from an auction with no bids, terrible pictures and a too high starting price. Its amazing what doesn't sell on ebay. Contact those people.

[justjones]

^^ Awesome advice. Thanks for your response and personal search. I'll leave no stone unturned!

[Justin@Athens]

I know you are looking for an earlier car but this 964 is available for a discount to Pelicans and looks nice in my opinion. Originally a US car so no problems getting it back stateside.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=191057235683

[r-mm]

Oh yah I had meant to comment on 964's also. I actually started by looking explicitly for one and if I were you I would certainly not ignore them. They seem to be no cheaper or more expensive than 3.2's. The engines are really wonderful, suspension certainly an improvement, style is up for you to decide. They are most certainly more complex however. The AWD C4's have a super cool AWD system that is super complex. They have power steering, abs, motorized spoilers, twin plugs etc etc. I can say with 100% certainty that there is nothing I can not fix on my 3.2, and short of pistons and cylinders, there is no single part that would break the bank to have to replace. This starts to be less true for the 964s. There are some ABS parts, HVAC part, C4 parts and procedures that lean towards "modern" read "better when working but a pain in the ass and expensive to fix". One exception is A/C. If you NEED a/c, like daily driver in new orleans NEED (and I thought I did in CT then I ditched it) a 964 is a way better platform to start with than an earlier car.

[justjones]

I like the 964, but the styling/mechanical simplicity of the 3.2 definitely appeals to me a little more as notioned by r-mm. The one posted here does look like an awesome example of the 964!

Thanks guys

[justjones]

^ Great to hear! Looking forward to absorbing as much knowledge as possible!

[Stonestreet]

I too recently purchased my first 911, an '88 3.2 coupe with 110k in the price range you're hoping for. I love it, but it makes me really and truly hate the winter. Lucky you're in the south.

I think you'll be able to do well at that price point if you're patient. Hopefully your buddy will go along with you to see and drive a few examples before you buy.

Great advice above, and good luck with the search.

[weseeeee]

Take your time and be ready to pull the trigger when the right one pops up. I looked for almost two years (pre internet) until I found my car. Good luck and remember to post a pic when you buy it!

[Jack Stands]

The 3.2 Carreras basically are the same through the years, with the main difference being the 915 transmission (up to 1986), and the G50 from 1987 on. Both can be great cars.

They're old enough to need a good PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a reputable shop, but are pretty reliable and the first models with modern electronic fuel injection.

Enjoy your search in good health!

[jerhofer]

Here's one in your price range.

$24,000
1984 Porsche Carrera

ROW car; black with black leather interior; 71,000 original miles. Recently rebuilt transaxle, new clutch, and pressure plate.
Wheels changed to 17 inch with Michelin Pilot tires. High-flow air intake with Dansk SS sport muffler; original intake and exhaust available.
Garage kept, excellent condition; repair history available...no repairs currently required.
Really must see to appreciate. Retiring, must sell.

Phone: (704) 843-7785 Email: mgore3@carolina.rr.com

[Nico911]

Hi justjones.
I was in your position last year. I found a 1985 Targa, 2 owners, originally from California. The car is an absolute thrill to drive and I love it. My advices to you are simple :

1- Mileage is not a biggie, overall condition is and a recent engine rebuild is a major plus;
2- Good cars come from good people (don't swallow any bs from any seller, just walk away if you have any doubt);
3- Build your own inspection sheet with all the information you can find on the web and if the car you're looking after passes it, then go with a PPI (I didn't PPIed mine but it's better to do so I guess);
4- A car with a good history is a plus : warranty and services books, invoices, option sticker in the warranty book and on the inside of the from bonnet, not too many previous owners, etc...);
5- Walk away from boxes ('75 chassis - 3,6L engine - non stock bumpers - non stock spoilers - bigger wheels kinda thing, no offense to anyone), especially if you're not a DIY guy;
6- Don't buy an ongoing project.

Have fun. Shopping for a car is half the fun of the whole process !

Nico

[nene]

I have had my 86 Carrera for about seven months and I love it, and will even like it more when I finish up replacing the engine fuel lines. My strongest suggestion and speaking from experience, is that if I had not had a PPI performed on the other two previous Carreras, one with 86k miles and the other 94k, I would have had to do spend 7-8k on a Top-end done. No kidding! What I have learned is that these type of cars with low mileage can come with engine issue, due to the weak engine valve guides. Definitely a PPI! Thanx to the generous help of people on this forum, I have learned a whole boat-load...............and then some!

Serge

Serg

[drola]

I have an '87 g50 coupe i'll be listing shortly. Red/black. Price will be a firm 20k. If that interests you send me a pm.

[Augustus]

Test

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Augustus

Test

Test completed...

3.2 is a good choice.

I never did any wrenching before I got an 83 up-graded with a 3.2 and with the help of the board, I kept the trend going. I guess Turbo it is next

[justjones]

Sorry for the delay guys. Thanks for all the feedback! Also, some good deals posted as well!

[justjones]

Greetings All,

After 8 months of searching I finally have my own little piece of Porsche History. It is a 1983 SC. I originally set out to find a clean 3.2 Carrera. I drove a strong G50 equipped 87 a couple of months back but the color was not to my liking (Grey). This car came to me locally and its overall originality and color, coupled with the large amount of recent maintenance, whilst also having mods such as the Carrera tensioners and pop off valve made it a no brainer. The 3.0 engine is so zippy and lively, truly a treat! The PO also installed SSI's with a Dansk dual in single out muffler making it a sonorous treat at that! I'm looking forward to driving it through the end of Summer and on into the Fall!

[WideRide 86]

Beautiful car! Congratulations and welcome to the club

[Josh D]

Originally Posted by justjones

The 3.0 engine is so zippy and lively, truly a treat! The PO also installed SSI's with a Dansk dual in single out muffler making it a sonorous treat at that!

You won't be dissapointed. SC's are great cars. Looks like you bought well. Enjoy!