85 911 16K good buy?

[85911turbovert]

I found a 85 (i think)turbo 911 with a rebuilt motor (new pistons and such dont know all the details yet)and a new clutch with an asking price of 16K is this a good buy and what warning signs should i look for.

[Superman]

This would be a good deal, if the car checks out. Unfortunately, quality rebuild jobs are quite expensive, so many owners do not pay for a good job. For example, a new set of pistons and cylinders for my car cost about $3,000. Just for those twelve parts. New pistons cost less than $1,000, but new pistons in old cylinders is not a quality rebuild.

Be sure you at least get a professional prepurchase inspection. Don't fail to do this. Also, you should examine all available paperwork on the engine rebuild and talk to the rebuilder.

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'83 SC

[pwd72s]

When the price sounds too good to be true? It usually is.

[Eric Coffey]

If the car is a 1985 turbo and in the U.S., that means it is a Euro/grey market car. It was brought here at some point in the past, and probably converted by a shop to comply with U.S. immisions and DOT laws. In any case, being a grey market car DOES decrease the value substantially, but does not mean that they are all bad cars. However, I would not even consider buying unless it had extensive records.

_Eric

[This message has been edited by freefly (edited 09-18-2001).]

[85911turbovert]

professional prepurchase inspection what is that. Im near boston where could i find someone to do this?

[emcon5]

Originally posted by 85911turbovert:
professional prepurchase inspection what is that.

It is exactly what is sounds like. You arrainge to take the car to a respected Porsche mechanic, and ask for a pre purchase inspection. The wrench will check out the general condition of the car, including the health of the engine, and let you know what needs to be fixed and what it will cost.

A PPI should run you around $150. As to where in you area, someone else here should be able to answer that, or look to the Porsche Club of America page for your region, and they probably have a list of recommended shops.

Spending $150 may save you thousands. Many thousands.

[APKhaos]

Sounds decent! In December I found an 85 non-turbo CA car with 134K miles in 8/10 condition for $12K, which has turned out to be a great deal. It should be an 86 - the first year that turbo models were offered in the US since 1979! If it IS an 85, then it is an import, which will mean taking a really close look at the mods done to make it legal in the US. Now, you've probably read enough to know that a PPI is essential! Read The Used 911 Story by Zimmerman - all the info you will need, plus some great background on the particular points for import cars.

Best advice is to try to avoid making an emotional decision until you have carefully checked it out, and are sure you know all you can about its history [imported/US delivery, maintenance, bodywork etc], mechanical condition [PPI], and have driven it as much as you can. My PO literally gave me the car for a weekend, but that is unusual!

Ideally, try to avoid agreeing a price until you know what you are buying, and what it might cost to get right. There are plenty of clean cars in good condition at decent prices. Lets hope you have found one this time, but be prepared to keep looking if not.
Good hunting!
Tony K
85 Carrera

[85911turbovert]

it might not be a 85 it could be a 86 i forgot to ask (whoops)