What do I need to watch out for when buying my first 964?

[bigrubberjeep]

What do I need to watch out for when buying my first 964?

I have been looking for over a month now and have seen some very good candidates for my first 964 but I figured I would ask for some guidedance before I jump in.

Any assistance would be greatly apreciated.

Thank you

[91C2wrencher]

You probably know most of the "problems" associated with early 964's. One that is not so commonly known is that the 1991 964 had argueably the weakest brakes. '89,90 and 92 on had four pot rear brakes, for some reason the '91 only had two pot rear calipers. Ask me how I know..........

[bigrubberjeep]

Thank you for that tip

here is what I have seen so far (out of the many)

1990 with 87K for $18,900 Coupe Red with Cup wheels and turbo mirrors (clean interior)

1991 with 97K for $19,900 coupe Burgundy Targa with cup wheels stock mirrors (clean interior)

I guess my question is, do I go higher milage newer car or lower milage older car?

[91C2wrencher]

BRJ, It all depends on why you want the car. I didn't know that PCA DE and autoX even existed before buying mine, come to think of it I didn't know about PP or get a PPI done..shame on me...but after some sorting out my '91 has been a great car. Ask yourself what you are going to do with it once it in your garage, show n' go, DE, AutoX, garage queen all these things help define which one to get. I would put good maintanace records above all other variables. happy hunting!

[LPDandrea]

I have a '91 C4 Targa 5spd with 132k on it. I've owned it for three years and have had no major problems. I bought it from a friend and know that he and his wife only had to pay for regular maintenance. It has all of the updates and I'm totaly happy with the car. I think they're great and I'll probably buy another one when the time is right.

BTW It's for sale and I deliver.

[bigrubberjeep]

How much?

[91C2wrencher]

BRJ, I just realized the prices you listed. They seem a tad on the low side. My car with 50K I would hope would bring closer to the $25-27K range? maybe not, but then again I'm not selling. Those prices may be the bargain of a lifetime or indicate a car that needs some work....thats why records and a PPI are important.

I assume you've done a "search" for the basics on 964?

[bigrubberjeep]

Yeah I have done some research, both owners claim documantation is avialable on all services done (on schedule and as needed) so I guess I'll just wait till something better pops up (like yours but for my budget or ti'll mid november when my bonus at works kicks in.

[Action300hp]

What sort of miles can you expect the 3.6lt engine will do ?
I am talking about normal street driving and not track or racing

[ScottKelly911]

In my opinion, I'd go with the Coupe and sunroof, it'll be easier to sell than a Targa down the line when you're ready to move on, and if you ever decide to start doing auotocrosses or track work, you'll be much happier. On the other hand, if you live in Southern California and have no plans whatsoever to do any competitive driving, then the Targa could be nice. If at all possible I'd go with a '92 or '93 as they have the updated intake manifolds (lightweight plastic vs. Heavy metal items) and more importantly the troublesome oil leaks between the case and heads had been solved by that point as well. My car is an early car, I live in Los Angeles and as beautiful as the weather is, I rarely take the top off and occasionally have water leak problems as the Targa's don't always align perfectly, not to mention if you fold them, they start to warp a little and get crease marks. I wish I would have held out for a nice coupe. Eventually you'll have to replace the targa top which is not an inexpensive endeavor either. The few bonuses of a Targa in my opinion are far outwayed by the negative. I hope that helps you out a little.
Scott aka Mouse

[bigrubberjeep]

Thank you for your reply Scott - It was very informative, I also kind of lean towards the coupe -

I just got acall from some guy selling his 92 with 55K miles (excellent condition according to him) for $23,800

Maybe Ill go look at it this week.

Wish me luck!

[ScottKelly911]

BRJ, you're very welcome, a '92 coupe with only 55K miles, if it checks out, that could be a great deal. Happy Hunting.
Scott aka Mouse

[bigrubberjeep]

Hey guys, I think I found my Jewel

its a 1985 - 911- Carrera 3.2 Super Sport (turbo body) with 92K miles

I put a deposit on it last friday and suposed to pick it up later this week.

Opinions?

[ScottKelly911]

Great car, congratulations, once you get it, post a few pix of your new pride and joy. Next step will be to break it in on a Pelican Parts fun run
Scott aka Mouse

[bigrubberjeep]

Here it is!

[ScottKelly911]

VERY NICE!!! Congrats, like I said, now ya gotta come out on a fun run with us. Enjoy the new ride.
Scott aka Mouse

[david c.]

That's a nice car. If it is a factory wide body you'll probably find that it holds its value and it more reliable than any of the early 964's you were talking about purchasing.

[bigrubberjeep]

Makes me feel great when I go back to my old post!

Originally posted by bigrubberjeep
Hey guys, I think I found my Jewel

its a 1985 - 911- Carrera 3.2 Super Sport (turbo body) with 92K miles

I put a deposit on it last friday and suposed to pick it up later this week.

Opinions?