We are going to see a 87 924 - what do we look for

[chrismorse]

HELP, my boy wants an 87 924s 3+ hours away. What do we look for??? don't know anyone to do a PPI. He, (we) are going to look at it tomorrow, great price???? Compression 140-160, $3750.
Obvious stuff, rust around doors, windows, leaks, inside and out, smooth running, braking, ???

Ive had speedsters, 911s, (including my dad's 74 911), and A killer 914 auto-xer, and other cars, but would appreciate any advice on what to look for on the 87.

Help, he has set this for tomorrow. I will recheck tomorrow morning before we depart.

Might be a good deal???

Thanks Guys,
chris

[jjeffries]

Oil/water intermix in coolant tank, dipstick.

Lifters quiet after car started?

Clutch operation (15-20 hours charged by shops to replace) and no vibration or noise from clutch and torque tube bearings at road speeds.

Vibration at idle likely means collapsed motor mounts.

When were timing- and balancer-belts last done; miles AND time important. Water pump at same time.

Does it shift nicely?

Interior dry? Look all over, under rugs.

Dash in nice shape? (Unlikely)

Shocks and struts good? No clunks/rattles over uneven surfaces? Tires worn evenly?

That would be a good place to start. Others will add more.

Best of luck,
John

[pfarah]

hey Chris,
Ask the seller for any service records and check if the car's been on the road over the past few years. If it's been sitting, then John's list of required maintenance should be part of the negotiations.
Since you've been in the car hobby, go with your gut instinct and first impression when seeing the car.

[Rasta Monsta]

Look for receipts, clutch and belt service.

[Rasta Monsta]

5.0 First-Time Buyer Questions

[chrismorse]

We spent 14 hours on the road, construction traffic delays, and checked out the car. The service records were minimal but did show a T belt retensioning, battery, starter, fuel filter, oil changes,computer replacement. and quite a few minor fixes - no major mechanical/suspension work.

The ps hoses are leaking, but the car drives well, no suspension noises, minor brake squeeking, (pads still ok), starts easily, good clutch actuation, lifted carpets , dry and no sign of the dreaded tin worm. Very minor body damage, paint is a 50 footer, phone dials - no curb rash, split drivers seat upholstery and over-age tires,(cracking).

We put the front tires on a dolly and towed it home rather than risk a roadside breakdown, or T belt disaster.

We didn't have a chance to review Rasta's great 5.0 pre purchase list but i will give it to my kid - he is a happy guy, (gave $3750 for the car)

Thanks again, he will likely start checking in with the forum and post the obligatory photos.

chris

[Rasta Monsta]

Congrats! All the cool kids have 924S cars. The coolest have two.

[pfarah]

Congrats and have fun!!

[jjeffries]

I’m writing my own version of War & Peace about my 924S, it’s on this Forum. Good for your boy. I remember when I got my first car, age 15. Couldn’t sleep for days.

Best of luck to the two of you.

John

[chrismorse]

He got it smoged and almost registered today, got to have CHP vaiidate the VIN.

On to planning maintenance!!!

Thanks Guys,
chris

[mistertate]

Those are rad little cars, so underrated. When I started auto crossing, 20 years ago, there were a couple guys always in top 10 for the day in them.

[Fast Freddy 944]

I think the newer 924's dumped that 70's amc pacer engine, for a more 944 like engine. So parts might be easier to find. And hey, now its a real porsche...