Porsche Newbie:Looking at buying an '84 with 200K miles. Am I crazy?

[aread]

New to the community and have been lurking around the forum for a while now. I've been searching heavy lately for an '84-89 Carrera as a quality second driver.

I have come across a 3.2L '84 Carrera with almost 200K on the odometer. The car has 20 years of service records. It also has a recent Leakdown test that was just under 4% and there is no visible oil leaks. Original paint with some minor chips on the front (which doesn't bother me).

My concern is that to date there has been no engine rebuild or head stud job done, and Im worried that this is a ticking time bomb of a money pit, for an already 34k car (not taking into account there is some wiggle on the price)

Here is the description of the car:

"For sale is an incredibly original example of the classic Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2. In Guards Red over a Greige interior. The 911 comes with original books that are complete with extensive service records. Recent mechanical service (fuel system refresh including new fuel pump, filter, rebuilt original injectors, new spark plugs, new OE starter, new OE speed and reference sensors, oil service, transmission service- all performed 3/16).

There is also a new sound pad in the engine compartment, new Toyo tires on the OE 16 inch wheels. A complete set of 4 locking lugs with key are included. The tool kit for the Carrera remains in the factory packaging, as does the air compressor.

A recent cosmetic detail of the complete interior and exterior, including the reupholstery of the two front seats in OE material. An additional set of Carrera floor mats is included."

[scottrx7tt]

Price is a little high, in my opinion. But it sounds like a nice car. Most cars of that vintage are going to have that kind of mileage on them. As long as the compression/leak down test is good, i would not be concerned with it giving you any trouble any time soon.

[TibetanT]

This sounds like a good car to purchase because it was taken care of all these years.
Now, I would still do a CarFax on it to see why there are only 20 years worth of records. It could be that the OE did not let the original records go when they sold the car, unless of course this is a one (1) owner car, original purchaser, and they only had to service the car within the last twenty (20) years??

The fact that the leakdown numbers show up really good does lead me to believe this was a very well-maintained car, but I am no expert. You might want to do a PPI. If you can take a look at all the service/maintenance records before the purchase, that would be a wonderful tool with your decision to buy. (If the owner does not want to let you see the records before the purchase, that would be a BIG RED flag to me.) But, like I said, I don't think that is the case here. I think the owner would be very happy to share that with you.


Good luck.

[RSBob]

From the recent work and extensive records the car appears sound. I would offer about $4k less and see if they will go for that. If not see if the will meet you half way. Good luck

[deputydog95]

How much is it?

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[Lake Guy]

Only 20 years of records? I know it's nice to have but really, who has that much info. I bought my 84 based on a PPI that didn't include a leak down. I flew down, drove it, listened to it and pulled the trigger. These things are selling fast so I'd say do your due diligence and pull the trigger if you're satisfied - if you don't act fast you'll probably be trampled by the line of people who will buy it.

Good luck

[Nick Triesch]

Buy the car. In 20 years all 911 cars will have 300,000 plus on them. Unless they have been put on display.

[ganun]

Fuel pump, spark plugs or oil change is far from a transmission or engine rebuild or a complete suspension rebuild which by that milage is due. Those are big ticket and I would offer 15k less, as a starting point for negotiations . Sorry if a bit harsh but mileage is wear.

[impactbumper]

Originally Posted by ganun

Fuel pump, spark plugs or oil change is far from a transmission or engine rebuild or a complete suspension rebuild which by that milage is due. Those are big ticket and I would offer 15k less, as a starting point for negotiations . Sorry if a bit harsh but mileage is wear.

I agree 34 being steep. But man those are the numbers. We should accept it. Also agree the small maintenance items are not considered major service but represent consistency.

These cars are indefinitely rebuildable.

OP, good luck.

[M.D. Holloway]

Not that steep. The prices of these will keep going up. Many are used to 2007 prices. Those are gone and won't come back. I will bet that if you don't buy it, it will be sold.

[kent olsen]

Negotiate the selling price but better used and maintained than set in the garage and everything dries up. My 72 has 234,000 on the chassic but lot's of other parts have been changed or upgraded. If it's been used and taken care of I think you'd be alright until you get the bug and start upgrading like the rest of us !!

[sugarwood]

Price is too high. Keep looking.

[Nick Triesch]

Again look at the 356. They are so old and many have had many parts and new motors installed. Heck, new everything installed! I think in a few years the classic 911s will follow the same path. They will just continue to go way up in value. High miles just show what great cars they are.

[tmaull]

34 sounds about right for a Carrera in good nick. This isn't 2008 or even 2014. If the car is totally straight and true, don't worry so much about the miles. Yeah, you could lose a headstud, but that isn't mileage dependent. I'd go for it.

[manbridge 74]

You don't have to be crazy to own one but it does help.

Original paint is cool. No shoddy accident repair and the paint they used back then was thick and durable. Parade the non-perfect surface with pride.

Valve guides are probably your biggest concern engine wise. Worn guides won't show up on leakdown test. 4% on all six is really good.

Last random thought. My bosses 85 911 was on the dyno last week and at 165k miles it had really good numbers that surprised even me.

[mo-mon]

I read that you are new to the community. Are you also new to air cooled Porsches? If so, I would recommend you start by reading Peter Zimmermann's Pre-purchase Inspection over on Rennlist. If you want to spend a few bucks, download The Original 911 Secrets Revealed Guide by Adrian Crawford.

These two articles will show you all you need to know on what to check when checking out this 911.

I will echo the opinion that 200k miles do not scare me, especially after seeing the leakdown numbers. I would be more concerned about the body and rust, if any. Original paint verified by paint meter, original panels, gaps, etc.

Have a ppi done but be present and do your own evaluation (after reading and printing the above articles). Read all the service records.

If everything checks out, haggle a bit and buy it!

Pelican is a fantastic community that will help you along the air cooled ownership experience.

[aread]

Thanks everyone. Looks like it's PPI time. I'll keep y'all posted with the results

[jlex]

I don't care how much routine maintenance has been done.... no benefit to the synchros on that 915 transmission. Pay special attention to how it shifts. If it doesn't feel right, find out the price to overhaul the transmission, then offer that much less to buy it.

[Fixer]

200K over 32 years or roughly 6k miles per year sounds about right to me.

When my 3.2 ['86] had 165K miles it felt the same as when i bought it with 65k miles.

It all depends on how it was driven, it could be tighter than an example with under 100k miles that was driven by someone with much less finesse.

My 3.2's clutch wasn't even slipping at 165K miles, original suspension bushes tight except for stabilizer bushings which are simple.

3.2s are great cars i would try an buy it at $27,500.

[OldSpool87]

Your not crazy, but the prior owner(s) might have been.

PPI is invaluable: the money spent either saves you from buying other's problems or confirms a solid car. I've had both outcomes. It's a win-win.

Where are you located and where is the car? See it in person or use a Pelican member to be a scout.

I don't think you asked but the price seems reasonable. Maybe a little less due to 915 box. Not sure why the G50 cars trade higher. 915 is quite good when well sorted, lighter and more cost effective to maintain.

Get the records and don't focus too much on one criteria like mileage or leak down %. Put all the facts on the table and let them tell you the story. If it makes sense go for it!

Keep us posted.

Good luck!