New here... looking at a 83 911 that i cant "see"

mrrolleyes · 06-03-2017, 12:23 PM

first post on here

, but have been on car forums for about 17 years...

I have currently have a major itch for a weekend / no kids car and something i can enjoy other than my x5, that is fun, but no gears to row.

i have been heavily leaning towards an older porsche for the whole experience and a less electronic car than modern models.

everything i find is no where near me in the philly burbs. and the one below is backdated and i fell in love, and its white!

i came across this beauty and I'm looking for some insight.

1983 Porsche 911

before i go thru the motions of getting a PPI half way across the country what "hot" questions should I ask, aside from the typical service history, ownership, and accident.

thanks

Discseven · Discseven's Garage

Looks significantly modified---backdated from outward appearances. Questions to ask are relative to what your particular interests are. For instance, someone looking for a hot rod would ask performance questions about the engine, trans, suspension and brakes. Someone looking for originality would spend a split second on the photo and move one. If you admire this particular 911 and you want value, you have to question what non apparent mods have been made and by whom---and look into the credentials of who did the mods... and pass on junk mods or be willing to do them over when they fall apart. Same with any engine and trans work. What was done? When? How? By whom?

A Porsche without a documented history is pot luck. That's why records make a car valuable. Look at the mileage accruing as noted in the records. Does it make sense? If not... what's going on?

I believe paperwork reveals a great deal about the condition a car is in provided that paper work is ligit. Ask to see records. Someone who has a great car is more than likely willing to scan their records and send them to you.

Mechanical condition is one thing. Body is another. A car can be rusted to near falling apart and with a recent paint job... that car looks great! In person a finger can be poked through certain areas. Question rust condition. Then have the seller put what they just said in writing. If you travel the world to see a car, set an agreement that says if what the seller says is not what you find on personal inspection... they pay your trip. You'll be enlightened after that proposal.

Bottom line... you want a 911 YOU love with the ability to enter that "relationship" offering the right amount of dollars so you don't feel had afterward. Think it through from your own values. you'll figure it out if you give it some delib.

Be interesting if you would share your experience as you move forward.

tdw28210 · tdw28210's Garage

FWIW, there appears to be some issues with the driver's side fender and rocker areas. Bumps on something in the fender and an uneven door skin/rocker/door line. Might be an illusion, but it would warrant a much closer look in my book.

sugarwood · sugarwood's Garage

How large is your search radius.
I would try to buy in person for your first 911.
There are lots of 911 cars in Philly, I think.
Be patient.

mrrolleyes · 06-05-2017, 07:17 PM

thanks for the feedback and taking time for the response..

i did notice the rocker issue but i havent determined if its truly an issue or not.

my used 911 story arrived today but i cant stop browsing the web to read it yet...

here is my objective.

first is budget 30k MAX, this will be a 3rd car thats for ME and will get driven 2nd to my suv. i can go higher but i need to set a budget and stick to it. and like i read all 911's are 25k cars

. but i just dont need a cream puff, its not me nor do i want to pay for it.

i am looking for a 'me' car to get out and drive around and enjoy some me time or when i dont have my girls to go out for the day. or even just drive it to work with the dog.

i do want something that is more about driving and a raw car than something more modern and electronic. the look, the sound, everything makes me grin.

i also prefer the simpler look of a backdated car. it seems like thats a huge headache to do with paint and body, and this one is already completed. i am also not a HUGE fan of the big bumpers.

i have been looking for a while but now that the weather is getting nicer my hunt has really started to increase. everything is just so far away and there are so many variables. also do i really push for a non cis car. and go 84+ but then money goes up.

i just cant like my excitement and impatience get the best of me here.

mrrolleyes · 06-05-2017, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sugarwood

How large is your search radius.
I would try to buy in person for your first 911.
There are lots of 911 cars in Philly, I think.
Be patient.

i search craigslist, ebay, here, rennlist, haggerty...

its slim pickings... i plan to buy and keep, i would like to think my 2nd or a different one would be a very long time away.

MARISOL78sc · 06-05-2017, 07:35 PM

I searched the country for over a year and than my SC appeared at a specialty shop a couple miles away from my home. Start making contacts with PCA and local shops, they may have an insight.

mrrolleyes · 06-05-2017, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARISOL78sc

I searched the country for over a year and than my SC appeared at a specialty shop a couple miles away from my home. Start making contacts with PCA and local shops, they may have an insight.

what shop do you use. im in doylestown, pa

MARISOL78sc · 06-05-2017, 07:47 PM

I use Performance Automotive in Malvern. Car was found at Premier Eurocars in Devon. I also have used Possum Hollow (Bill Boys). Lots of Porsche Specialty shops in the Tri-state area who may know a seller.

mrrolleyes · 06-05-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARISOL78sc

I use Performance Automotive in Malvern. Car was found at Premier Eurocars in Devon. I also have used Possum Hollow (Bill Boys). Lots of Porsche Specialty shops in the Tri-state area who may know a seller.

yes there are no shortage of shops, that seems to be the easy part. i just need a car to take in for service.

going to join the pca now.

MARISOL78sc · 06-05-2017, 08:06 PM

30K for a backdate is going to be a stretch for a no issues car if not impossible. I haven't seen many solid SC's or clean Carerras in that range recently. It being the driving season does not help. Make some calls, get the car vetted and happy hunting. Good luck.

MARISOL78sc · 06-05-2017, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrolleyes

yes there are no shortage of shops, that seems to be the easy part. i just need a car to take in for service.

going to join the pca now.

Call the shops and see if they know of anyone selling........

mrrolleyes · 06-05-2017, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARISOL78sc

Call the shops and see if they know of anyone selling........

going to be a long week...

what was your list of most to least important when you were picking a car.

Dpmulvan · 06-06-2017, 05:39 AM

That car has waves all along the rocker panel and sill, it's painted white for a reason. I bet it's full of filler. Recent insane prices have brought a lot of poorly restored cars into the marketplace. Good luck with your search. Probably better to buy a car from a pca member than off eBay.

Pedro '84 Coupe · Pedro '84 Coupe's Garage

Have you looked at Holt Motorsports?

http://www.holtmotorsports.com/inventory.php

mrrolleyes · 06-06-2017, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

That car has waves all along the rocker panel and sill, it's painted white for a reason. I bet it's full of filler. Recent insane prices have brought a lot of poorly restored cars into the marketplace. Good luck with your search. Probably better to buy a car from a pca member than off eBay.

it was originally white, but i am going to pass and keep looking

mrrolleyes · 06-06-2017, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro '84 Coupe

Have you looked at Holt Motorsports?

Holt Motorsports - used porsche 911 dealer, certified pre owned, porsche 911,porsche 993,porsche 996

nice stuff. might be a bit over my budget, but ill keep an eye on them

Luccia at Pelican Parts · 06-06-2017, 09:15 AM

Welcome to the Pelican community! Will this be your first P car purchase? I hope you end up with one soon! I posted our free tech article library below for you that has a lot of great information about these wonderful vehicles. If you have any forums or parts questions please don't hesitate to let me know. Enjoy your time here.

Porsche 911 (1965-1989) Technical Articles - Pelican Parts

RFP · RFP's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrolleyes

< snip >

i did notice the rocker issue but i haven't determined if its truly an issue or not.
< snip >

Yes, it's an issue. How big an issue it is to you is what's important. I'll bet you lunch-for-a-month that this car has a lot of issues. Frankly, it just looks tired. Keep in mind, that bringing a 'tired' car up to a level where a reasonable person would be proud to drive it can cost a boatload of money. Details, details, details... everything becomes important as you become attached to a car and want it to simply be great.

And the beer bottle opener on the key ring didn't give me a warm feeling

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

PCA's monthly magazine, Panorama, has a ton of cars for sale in its classified section. See if you can get a recent issue. Granted many of the cars advertised there are cream puffs, but there are many solid drivers as well.

edit: looks like they are on line now as well.

https://www.pca.org/browse-the-mart-classified-ads