Price of basic upkeep

Sephiroth · 11-03-2002, 02:23 PM

I'm considering getting an older porsche, either the SC or the 84-89 model and was wondering how much the basic upkeep of a car like this would cost? How much does it cost for oil changes, basic maintenence that might come up, tune ups, ect. ect. I know a lot of the charges are going to be random depending on the luck of the vehicle and some cars have a lot more going wrong than others. But what's the general reliability of these cars and what are some of the common and uncommon problems that might come up and how much will they cost to resolve?

Thanks,
Seph

Sephiroth · 11-03-2002, 04:01 PM

I know I'm a lamar for bumping this thread but any information will be helpful. I'm getting ready to buy a new car and am trying to decide whether to go with something new or go with a classic supercar.

Thanks

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

Expect to spend $1K - $2K when you buy the car - almost always the previous owner will have neglected things during the course of the vehicle's sale. Ongoing costs are difficult to estimate - if big things go wrong, like the engine or transmission, you'll pay an awful lot.

If you're just talking general maintenance, you could probably get by for $500 or less a year, if you don't drive the car much and if you do your own work. If the car's an everyday driver and you take it to a mechanic for every little thing, I would think $1000 - $1500 a year would be more reasonable.

Costs are so dependent on which car you buy - has the previous owner done any engine work, transmission work, changed the clutch, etc. If not, then you'll have to budget to eventually do those things.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

If you get a good solid car it really depends on if you drive it daily or just weekends etc. Also depends on how much of the maintenance you can do yourself. You need to have valve adjustments at 10 to 15k intervals and keep the oil changed.
Beyond that they are very dependable for the most part.
Be forewarned though. It isn't the money you need to spend but the money you will want to spend on your car.

good luck

Sephiroth · 11-03-2002, 04:34 PM

That's not too bad, I was looking at epinions and people have the tendency to only write the bad side of things. What's involved in valve adjustments? Something easy to do by yourself or take it in to a mechanic? I wonder if walmart would do the oil change...take it in, tell them you want the 15 dollar basic oil and fluid change...that would be interesting

Thanks for all the help.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

No offense but I don't think you would want walmart to change your oil. Besides the 3.2 84-89 models take about 10 1/2 quarts of oil and there are two separate drain plugs to drain the oil.
I wouldn't trust someone at walmart to put air in my tires much less change the oil.
As for the valve adjustment I have not yet done that one myself but plenty here on this board have. You may want to do a little more research on these cars before you buy. The maintanance on these cars need to be done by competent mechanics that specialize on these cars. You take it to a non-porsche wrench and you are asking for trouble. Once you learn about them you can do the alot of the stuff yourself if you are mechanically inclined.
This board is invaluable in that department.
Anyway good luck

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

I'd say the same thing. I'm currently working on getting my 73T on the road but if you do your research they're actually pretty easy to work on, but only after you do the research.

philfran · 11-03-2002, 04:55 PM

If you are handy and have the tools most of the preventitive maintenance can be done by yourself.

Oil change is very basic. 10 or 11 quarts of oil. Drain the sump and also the storage tank and change the filter.

Valve adjustment a little tougher, took me 8 hours on my first one. It is a PIA. Order Waynes 101 projects book from Pelican and you can have an idea what is involved in most projects.

Always get a PPI but they are just a snapshot in time. I had one done on my SC and passed with flying colors. After a couple of years and 15,000 miles I found a broken head stud. Damn, big bucks. I hope to do the repair myself. Will be quite the test.

Good luck and DO NOT get in a hurry. Drive a bunch of cars. It is a buyers market right now and for the forseeable future.