I found a 85 Carrera Euro import that I am thinking about buying...

[rxtrom]

Hello All,

I recently have been in the market for a 3.2 Carrera. The color, tranny and location did not really matter to me as long as it was in good condition and preferably original paint.

Well, I came across an 85 ROW (Euro) model that is a 2 owner car. The original owner imported the car new and there is documentation only from the past few years as far as maintenance. The odometer reads 105k miles and seemed to have lived in TX its whole life.

It is modded with a chip and exhaust but everything else is original and seems to be in good shape. I like the HP from the Euro models and this one is probably a monster with the chip from 911chips.com. I have not put eyes on the car but I am really close to pulling the trigger. Asking price is 37k

I am reluctant to post the link or pictures but tried PM'ing a few members without much luck. I am really looking for a knowledgeable person to look over a few pics and let me know if I am making a mistake. If you have a moment please PM me your email or let me know here and I will PM you the details.

I would really appreciate it!

Thanks.

[darrin]

Why not use the board resources to find a good place local to the car's current location to perform a PPI -- given how some carreras have valve guide wear issues (which require a top-end overhaul to alleviate) and other issues that might not show up in pics but would be findable by a knowledgeable mechanic, I'd put a lot more faith in a PPI than review of fotos

[jlex]

I had an '85 for 15 years before selling it last year to a guy in the Netherlands, so I can look at photos for you; however, I'll have to agree with darrin: there's precious little you can tell by seeing a photo. You or a trusted inspector should put your hands on it. For example, how can you tell what the cylinder compression is or how can you tell if the 2nd gear synchro is worn out in that 915 transmission unless you drive it? A balky transmission will take all the joy out of driving it and money out of your wallet real fast. Due to the increased cost of these cars, not only would I get it to a mechanic to go over it, but even if his report is good, I'd buy a plane ticket & drive the car myself before purchasing it. Just my 2 cents...

[aread]

Originally Posted by jlex

I had an '85 for 15 years before selling it last year to a guy in the Netherlands, so I can look at photos for you; however, I'll have to agree with darrin: there's precious little you can tell by seeing a photo. You or a trusted inspector should put your hands on it. For example, how can you tell what the cylinder compression is or how can you tell if the 2nd gear synchro is worn out in that 915 transmission unless you drive it? A balky transmission will take all the joy out of driving it and money out of your wallet real fast. Due to the increased cost of these cars, not only would I get it to a mechanic to go over it, but even if his report is good, I'd buy a plane ticket & drive the car myself before purchasing it. Just my 2 cents...

^^+1 for what he said

[hillskier]

Either have a PPI scheduled by a reputable shop or better yet, buy a plane ticket and drive it to the PPI. Cheap insurance on a big purchase and you know exactly what you are getting. Nothing worse that having a car arrive only to be severely disappointed not to mention out a lot of money when all the unknowns begin to surface. I know first hand.

Good luck!

[jlex]

Originally Posted by hillskier

Either have a PPI scheduled by a reputable shop or better yet, buy a plane ticket and drive it to the PPI. Cheap insurance on a big purchase.

Ha... nah, get the PPI done first. If the mechanic says the car has fleas, save the money on the plane ticket & keep looking. You'll eventually find the car you're looking for if you're not too anxious.

[Bleedsblue]

Either a PPI at a shop, or a PPI by a knowledgeable member near the car (there are many members here I'd trust more than a random shop) is key at that money. Pictures are useless. And I agree, save the airfare until you're sure it's probably worth it.