Newbie Needs Help
 

Porsche bug got me!
It started with an 84' 944 PITA car. Now I'm selling off my RZR's and motorcycles to fund a 911
Just so happens that there are two from private sellers here in my small town. A black 1986 911 Targa w/ 39800 miles, and a Black 1995 Carrera with just under 50000. I think I can get the 86 for $25k, or the 95 for around $31k. They both look great, and this discussion is keeping me up at night. :rolleyes:

I was hoping for some opinions, or thought on things I might consider to help me choose?

casey

Welcome Aboard!

Wow a 3.2 with only 40K on the clock, how does the underside look? Leaks? Wow.

I would not toss out a solid 993. Wow what a nice dilema to have.

If you do not do a PPI, insist on a Leak Down Test.

I know! Neither are "officaially for sale" Hopefully I have an inside trac (and I live in Alaska,lol)

I do need to define my " both looks great" quote. I'm new to Porsche, so my eye and knowledge level is low.

The 95 is almost perfect, never seen snow, garage, covered, records etc. The 86 has sat out, so the paint is dull, but not bad. The dash has one small crack, but he has a new uninstalled dash to go with. I can't/wouldn't test drive now(with salty roads), but it runs I know. I didn't see any leaks, but my eyes were so wide open, I might have missed something.

Drive them both, if you can. Totally different characters between those two cars. The targa will be a more vintage experience, the later car will feel a bit more like a modern car. Neither is bad, just depends on what you like.

I asked for thoughts and opinions, and they are appreciated guys!
There are a couple factors in play for me... Knowing how I like to parlay onto "better" things, which would be the better investment, and/or which is most likely to re-sell for higher?

3.2 for better resale. Although picking up any older car as a financial play is dangerous. Plus it's a targa so it's less likely to get stolen. Really try to get a PPI by an air cooled specialist. It's well worth the $$$ and has saved me from at least one basket case. Read up on both in the Pelican forums. You'll soon find each has there own peculiarities both positive and negative. Then at least you'll know what to look for.

Alternately a fellow Pelican might be willing to look it over. Don't fall in love and try to be objective. As stated before these are very different cars. My bias would be for the 86. If it shifts well, it's a fantastic platform.

Also, and this is hard, but just know that the right car will come around.

What's your intended use…daily driver, track car, weekend joy rider? The 993 has a more developed suspension if you are track oriented.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Small town in AK aye ? Where 'bouts. I'm from up there. Don't worry.... i won't snake your deal, i can't afford the one i have. ;)

GOOD ADVICE HERE. And a Targa is well..... a targa [some like them] I don't. Resale not as good. and older air cooled car has to be exceptional [and not a targa].

I was kidding about living in AK. More like small town Ohio.

Good stuff. Thanks.

I doubt I'll ever see track time. I have a 335 and a Ducati, and I'm old(er) now, so speed isn't my main factor. I've always wanted a true sports car, and I think Porsche is what my mind says is "true".

I just want the best, most reliable, fun sports car under $30k.

Again, thoughts and opinions welcome. What would you guys be shopping for with $30k budget?

If you can get the 993 for 30K, do it.

So, you're 21?

If you can get a 993 with 50K miles and great condition for $30K then you're about $20K-25K under market pricing. It would either be the deal of the year, or there is something really wrong with that car by my reckoning.

I'd also be a bit worried about the 86 Targa if it has been sitting outside a lot of its life. I think we've all seen the hidden rust threads under the windshield seal in the front and especially the parcel shelf and seats in the rear. Those things can happen to coupes, the Targa probably even more likely to leak.

I guess the 993 rear window seals are prone to leaking and also leading to hidden rust, but if that one has been in the garage most of its life, less worry.

I'd be worried about hidden rust (especially in the 86) that could be missed by someone that doesn't know where to look.

Mark

I looking at the 95 this Friday. I'll get some pics and details.

Thanks for the pointers on the 86. With the deal($30k plus skid steer) the 86 price would be about $22-23K. I am tying to schedule a look at it for asap. Any other places to t=look for rust, or other issues?

21x2+2. but I'm really immature for my age. You should see my RC toys. I have issues for sure!

I think if u want a classic porsche experience, the sc would be a better choice.

If you dont go for that 993, id appreciate the lead on it. I really want to add one to my garage (email me iav0930@gmail.com im no hassle cash buyer).

skid steer??? to recover a Targa?.....that has been outside in Ohio?

remember these older cars did not have good rust proofing.

Pay special attention to the shifting on the '86. It has the 915 transmission. If balky, you're going to shoot yourself for not going with the more refined 993. You want to drive the car, not let it drive you. Nothing more vexing than a stubborn transmission that demands to be babied. I'll be second in line for the 993 if you walk away from it!
You need to post pix so we can decide for you! ;)