1984 Targa - no records or documentation

whitey1983 · 05-12-2014, 01:33 PM

Hello,

First time poster - been viewing the site as a guest for a few years. Found an '84 Targa that I'm really interested in (first time buyer)...current owner has no documentation or service records. Pending a thorough PPI that comes out clean, would the lack of documentation be a deal-breaker to the seasoned vets out there?
Roughly 90k miles.

Thanks for any input - I will share PPI details when I get the report on Saturday/Sunday.

bcoats · bcoats's Garage

I think with a solid PPI you could use lack of records to lower on price. Obviously lack of records isn't ideal situation, but the PPI is key. If you like it and price is right go for it!

dicklague · dicklague's Garage

pass and get a coupe. Will always be more valuable and desirable.........my opinion

boss11 · boss11's Garage

without documentation PPI is crucial (even with documentation it is)

use all the negatives to drive price down, I managed to drive the asking price down by almost $6k based on the PPI report

If you like the car and the price is right - Buy it

it is part of the fun to bring them back to their former glory

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

Where are you located? Make sure that whoever does the PPI is an EXPERIENCED PORSCHE SPECIALIST. Check for rust and broken head studs. See if you can find out where the owner has been taking the car for service, they may have some background on the car.

I think Targas are undervalued, and make nice drivers.

boss11 · boss11's Garage

don't get caught up in the coupe vs targa debates...

many of us prefer targas, buy what you like!

whitey1983 · 05-12-2014, 02:12 PM

the car is in south florida - I am finalizing PPI details tonight/tomorrow with the current owner. Have already spoken with Vinny at Gulf Performance Center in Pompano Beach and he can take it in on Saturday. Some posters here on Pelican have recommended him in the past. Assuming positive results, I will take the trip down to Florida and drive back to NJ with it.

Thank you all for your thoughts as I go through this process for the first time.

Eli W · 05-12-2014, 02:12 PM

+1 on targa coupe debate and I have coupe,

If it gets a clean PPI buy it, make sure they do leak down and compression tests if possible ask if you could be there for the inspection some shops do not have a problem with if you want to be there for some of it.

My car had next to no documentation but it had a good PPI so I went for it, I have been smiling ever since.

Side note, I'm not seeing as many 74-89 cars on craigslist.

whitey1983 · 05-21-2014, 09:56 AM

Following up - '84 Targa in FLA has many issues and I have passed on that one. Also had a PPI done on a 3.2 Targa in Texas. Compression results are 170-175 on all cylinders and leakdown results are under 4%. Current owner has complete service history.

Flying down for a test drive and will drive back east.

Thanks all for your help.