For those following my decision process on a 911...
 

I'm looking at a couple of cars this weekend and need some advice. One car I am looking at is a 1991 C2 Cab with 44K miles($28k). It's with a dealer. The car is black and has some of the normal scratching a black car shows from car washes and receiving less than TLC. It looks like a 10 year old car would. Is there anyway to get a car like that looking new again short of a repaint? The interior is a little worn on the drivers seat side bolsters. What's the best way to repair that? I'm just wondering if a car can be reconditioned to look reasonably new again short of reupholstering and repainting.

On another front I am also looking at an '82 SC coupe (88K miles...$14K) and an '87 Carrera (68K miles...$24K). The SC looks good but the paint is tired. A good buff should help it last another year or two but that's it. What's the cost of a really good respray? Should I assume $4K would cover it?

The only nearly perfect one of the bunch is the Carrera. It's a coupe and is owned by a doctor with all records from new.

I know...I know...Buy the one I like. I will do that. I just need to know that if I buy one I like and it has some cosmetic problems what would it take to get it to where I want it to be?

I really appreciate all the help on the board. You people have made this process less burdensome. Thak you for putting up with all these newbie questions....Bill

Have you thought of buying a Turbo?

Out of my price range, I hate to admit.

Condition condition condition. Don't just 'buy the one you like.' Find out what you want, and go find a really clean, papered, pampered example of that.

In this case, the Carrera likely is the best car. Unusual that I would say that with an SC in the competition. Anyway, I'd still say it's probably overpriced. C2s go for $20 - $25 K in good condition sometimes.

Kiss some more frogs.

I haven't been following your process but the 87 carrera sounds like the best as far as condition.
If the paint on the 91 is just some scratches, you can probably get it looking really good with some polishing, wax and some elbow grease. However, in my opinion, I would not buy a 10 year old porsche that looks like a 10 year old car. That sounds like it was neglected and may need more than polishing and wax.

I'd say its a toss up between the SC and the '87. The SC is pretty low miles, but if the paint is tired and that bugs you, then you'll have to spend money on a repaint (although you might be able to bring it back somewhat with a good detail...depends on how bad it is). If the '87 is in great shape, that is a great year for a great car. The only concern would be valve guide wear. Ask the current owner how much oil the car uses...that's one way to tell (of course you are depending on the owner being honest).

$10K difference is significant...that a lot of maintenance and upgrades. BUT, have you driven the two? If both the SC and the '87 pass a PPI, I'd say go with the one that you like to drive better...and the one that you keep turning around to look at when you walk away.

I would lean towards the 87, hydrualic clutch, g-50 etc,etc.
and one of the last ones the owner can actually work on with just a Bently manual and hand tools. check for clutch upgrade and sway bar mounts on rear. cheap hop up's filter, chip and test pipe.

keith

I know of a SUPREME turbo for only $30k. Needs nothing. And close to you.