Help me decide ...

[ibtisam.jawad]

I know it's been discussed before and I've read those threads but I want advice for my particular situation.

87 951, 101k miles, Timing belt, KLR, Ignition and some other stuff done in March 2012 to the tune of $2000. Will need motor mounts, coolant overflow tank and possibly fuel lines in the future. Also needs some interior TLC. Not sure on the option codes.

92 968 cabriolet, 132k miles, manual, has a leak somewhere in the engine (not able to get more info from owner), has a windshied crack and needs rear window. Don't know when the last timing belt and related maintenance was done. Owner claims to have some records. Not sure on the option codes.

Which one should I get. Both are priced the same. The car will be my daily driver and I am looking to fixing the cars up when I get them.

Is it true that because 968s are newer and rarer, the parts and labor will be more expensive? My heart says get the 968 because it looks amazing but the owner is not very forthcoming with details on what's wrong.

Both cars are 5 hours away from me so I'm buying blind. The 951 guy has been more helpful and has provided me all details that I asked for. Mind says 951.

Both owners are willing to drive their cars down to me on my promise to buy them.

I would get both and fix em but funds are limiting me to only one right now.

Thank you for your help.

[Volhv]

I would probably get the 951. Due to the records, timing belt, etc..... And I'm not a big fan of cabrios.

The 968's are more expensive maintenance wise, but would fetch a higher price if resold. The owner of the 968 is either hiding something, or just does not know, which is concerning regardless.

Tough decision if they are the some price, and buying blind. I would not feel comfortable committing to buy something I haven't seen. Mind you, if the seller omitted something major, and you notice it when he brings it over, you could use that as an "exit clause".

[ibtisam.jawad]

Thank you Volhv. Since I posted my original post, the 968 owner has turned flat rude and I have decided not to go that route.

The 951 owner has been helpful, has provided me with service history from a reputable Porsche shop in AZ. With the last inspection on the 951, at least I know exactly what will need to be done in the near future. Obviously one has to always prepare for surprises. I've also see detailed pictures of the car and they look as described (not that pictures can tell you much).

That being said I have located another 968 that's priced in the same range and am waiting for the owner to get back to me ... keeping my fingers crossed on this one. I'd rather pay more for a car with fewer problems. But with the 951, doing half the work myself, I can at least get it into respectable driving shape without spending a fortune. I guess resale does not matter because I haven't seen anyone keen on buying 951s lately. These are cars you drive to the grave, perhaps the 968 is an exception.

Thank you.

[Volhv]

Cool, good luck.
I agree about driving them to the grave. You will never recuperate the money spent on making them healthy again. It's just worth doing it for your own pleasure. In the least year I've spent twice the buying price on parts alone.

[ibtisam.jawad]

Originally Posted by Volhv

In the least year I've spent twice the buying price on parts alone.

I agree with you my friend. These cars are very under appreciated in most circles but are great fun to drive. I started with a 944 NA and it was brilliant.

Once I have a 951/968, I will be getting another one for the Mrs. She prefers the 968 to the 951.

[ernie9944]

[QUOTE=Volhv;6833615]

The 968's are more expensive maintenance wise, but would fetch a higher price if resold.

Do you really know what your talking about saying that a 968 will be more expensive to maintain than a 951?Did you ever own one?Once maintenance is properly done on a 968 I doubt very much that maintaining one will be more expensive than a 951.Had mine for 2.5 years now apart from a (major maintenance belts/wp/rollers ect which was done when I bougth it, the up to date money I spend to keep the car on the road = $O for any mechanical parts.Of course that does not include (oil/filer/tranny fluid) which I personally consider parts of regular maintenance on any car.

[Volhv]

Never owned one, I may be mistaken, but that was the impression I got.
"Maintenance" includes the replacement of unserviceable parts. I'm not talking about checking your fluids, and filling your tires.

No need to be rude or aggressive.

[Dave Colangelo]

Some advise, at some point just buy the car you can debate about it for ever and I have seen people spend years looking for a car that they never find. The 951 sounds well maintained and like its what you want. I will say this, these cars are not that expensive if you do all your own work, but they are a blast to own and drive. As long as you keep them well maintained they will always work and never leave you stranded. I have always DD'ed a Porsche and never had any issue. I went from 924S to 911SC TO 944, I still own all the cars and still love to drive them all. You will spend as much on parts and what not as you do on the car provided you own it long enough. Just do it you will not regret it there is nothing like a Porsche.

Regards
Dave

[ibtisam.jawad]

Thank you everyone for the help and support. I do have my mind (and now my heart) set on the 951. The major issues it has are cosmetic i.e. dash cracks and rip in the driver seat. These can be fixed over time. As for the 968, that is now out of the question because of the bad experience I just had with its owner.

I do however want a 968 for my wife as well and that will be in the near future. I agree with Dave that at some point you have to pull the trigger and that is exactly what I was thinking driving home just now.

The only part that worries me about 968 is its variocam stuff and I guess more expensive components. The turbo on the other hand has a lot more that can go wrong. I've never owned a turbo car before (save a lame Kia Sportage truck) and would like to take the challenge head on :-) I think 951 it is, unless a nice 968 comes along between now and then ;-)

To ernie9944's post, I would say that I had a similar experience with my 944NA. Save the regular maintenance (belts/pump/rollers), I didn't have to replace anything. The only components that I did replace were the ones I broke myself (e.g. inside door handle), or thye ones I wanted to upgrade (e.g. DME/Chip and Ignition system). For almost a month the 944 was the only car my wife and I had as we searched for a replacement for our beater Honda Si. It drove me to work and back, my wife around town and to countless dealerships. It never broke down or leaked a drop of oil. I do wonder why most 944's that I come across after my NA have oil leaks.

I guess that last paragraph is just nostalgia for my 944.

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by Volhv

Never owned one, I may be mistaken, but that was the impression I got.
"Maintenance" includes the replacement of unserviceable parts. I'm not talking about checking your fluids, and filling your tires.

No need to be rude or aggressive.

Not in anyway being aggressive or rude to you, been around here to long not to respect someone point of view, and I agree that maintenance is not only about checking fluids & tires but will like to know why your saying that 968 are more expensive to maintain than a 951.Did you do any research on parts price 968 versus 951?Just some examples come to my mind (would you rather change the clutch on a 951 or 968? or buy a new turbo versus servicing the pads & chain on a 968?.Yes some 968 parts will be harder to come by, which is normal considering the number of 951 produce versus the 968 and the secret is,when buying a 968 you'll want to make sure that the car hasn't been abuse & had maintenance done by the book & has records to prove it.I don't really believe in $5k 968/951/S2 lol unless your uncle is selling it to you.A decent documented & well sort out with all maintenance up to date 968 should fetch at least 10K & up in the US even more up here in Canada.

[Volhv]

Fair enough Ernie,
I think we were looking at it from different perspectives. I wasn't clear in my original post. Your points are valid, but if we're talking about rebuilding a neglected/abused vehicle (which the 968 the OP was looking at most likely is), I think the 951 would be a cheaper option.

I have not done any parts comparison research, but from what I've stumbled upon I've noticed dozens of 944s, and occasional 951s being parted out, but only one 968. And locally, for the price of a 968 you could buy two 951s.

Naturally the 968 being newer, components still have life in them, and designs have been improved.

[mueller944s2]

I would get the 968 but I'm biased because I have an S2 cab. Parts are alot, that 10 inch seal along the window is $650 each! All the engines will leak, mine does and its 2 years old, also has a crack in the windshield. Mine was $1000 with insurance paying. My convertible top was $1200 total so idk about that rear window.

[mytrplseven]

Welcome to the forum.
One thing that is a "given" on these cars. No matter how the maintenance records are kept, as old as they are, you can still expect certain things to be issues. Rear hatch reseal due to UV deterioration of the factory adhesive (especially in Las Vegas), rubber seals throughout the engine (if one is leaking, expect them all to be as hard and will eventually begin leaking as well), Vacuum Line connections (again rubber aging), ball joints on earlier cars, clutches and battery box leaks from acid drips. Keep a spare DME relay handy for when it decided not to start one day. There's more but that shouldn't scare you away.

My point is buy the car and if you're planning to keep it, like a lot of us, expect to turn some wrenches periodically. This forum is a God-send for info on practically every subject and in some cases, local help is there if you ask.

Buy the 951 and join the adventure.

[mueller944s2]

You really need to drive the 5 hours to see the cars. Buying it blind, especially an old Porsche, could be disastrous. A mental picture (or an actual picture) may be completely different than the car in person.

[StaceyAnthon]

Since I posted my original post, the 968 owner has turned flat rude and I have decided not to go that route.

[ibtisam.jawad]

I ended up buying the '87 951 in question. Just took delivery today. So far everything seems to be as described. Took it for a short drive and it drove well. Will take it for a proper drive tomorrow.

[VirginiaF1]

Originally Posted by ibtisam.jawad

I ended up buying the '87 951 in question. Just took delivery today. So far everything seems to be as described. Took it for a short drive and it drove well. Will take it for a proper drive tomorrow.

congratz, can you share what you paid ?
How many miles on her?
Pictures when you're ready?
Good luck!

[FLYGEEZER]

Good choice! I concure with your decision. Wish you only the best and welcome! Stay in touch. This forum is the best. Lotsa good folks & good advise.

[ibtisam.jawad]

Does this link work?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64078267@N07/

I put the pictures on there. Interior is shot to hell but oh well. Just finishing up fixing the known issues. So far no surprises. Seller was surprisingly honest.

Miles are 101k, documented. Paid $5500 including shipping to Las Vegas.

Have budgeted about $1000 in immediate maintenance and some cosmetic fixes inside. Doing most of the work myself and sourcing used parts where possible. Think it will work. Will post a video of it running soon. Need to update a few things before that.

[JAXTURBO]

Well the body sure looks to be in good shape. And you have records so you atleast could cross a couple of things off your "must do" list. Good luck with it. Take a good look underneath before you give it that "real" drive. I couldnt believe how bad my ride quality had deteriorated until I replaced the bushings/ball-joints/tie-rods etc. I may be biased, but I think you made the right decision.