High mileage 964

[zygomatic]

I realize that this is a loaded question, but I'll ask it anyway. I'm looking at a higher mileage (125k +) 964, and I'm compelled to ask: how scared should I be? Can anyone with a higher-mileage 964 give me some insight into their care/feeding?

[Jbabic]

I don't mind the mileage, if the maintenance has been done and recorded. Engines last much longer these days. I would be concerned about the clutch and suspension parts. rotating parts like wheel bearings, rotors, can be replaced rather cheaply, if you can do your own work. otherwise, enjoy the car if the price is right.

[gtu935]

OF course, the price has to be right

[aigel]

125k isn't really high on a 15 year old car. Maintenance receipts and good current shape and compression numbers will ease your fears. Yes, more miles means closer to being used up, but a car with under 100k miles that wasn't maintained will be worse than a well maintained 125k mile car. My 993 has 120+k miles and performs better than new. It came with seamless maintenance history ...

George

[gtu935]

You really need someone to look under the engine of the car in question. The C-2 models have a engine shield that tends to hold a lot of heat in the engine compartment making that model more susceptible to oil leaks. The jugs have a rubber type o-ring that becomes hard and brittle after time, requiring a complete engine reseal in most cases.

Be careful

[DustinTarditi]

I have 103K on my 1990 C4 and it pulls strong, runs great - it's my rain-or-shine daily driver... it is really a great car.

I purchased it from a reliable source, still got a PPI and it still took a little bit of work to get some things sorted out, but it had a good set of records with it and I stay on top of the maintenance items as best as I can.

It's not my first Porsche - so prepare for some Porsche adjustments (good and bad - i.e. areas prone to rust, handling characteristics, maintenance items/procedures, expense, etc.) if it's your first one.
A 964 does have some peculiarities to the model - especially the C4, but it's been good to me so far.

[mjshira]

I would read this board and rennlist 964 board and post similar message there. I recently purchased a 1990 with 114k and a rebuild by EBS at 107k. Car runs great. You'll want to look for a clutch being done, the twin distributer fix done, CV boots, and general maint. work. don't be afraid to walk. and don't pay too much. you can get a car with 50k on it for 23-24k.

good luck

[sig_a]

What's the thinking on this car? 1994 964 C2 Tiptronic Coupe; 162600 miles; fair body - no collision evidence; fair interior - messy wiring under dash, broken glove box door; headlight switch stuck in off position; leather seats, dash, headliner, carpet etc. mildly rough to fair condition; no tool kit; dead battery with small little wire running from positive terminal; engine bay hood does not stay up. Evidence that it spent most of its life outdoors. Non Porsche new car dealer asking $19995 with no maintenance records. Dealer told me this skunk car was part of a package being auctioned with other much higher quality Porsches. If dealer can't move it retail, its back on the auction block. I understand driving and PPI is necessary. My guess is engine is nearly shot needing immediate $10000 in repair with another $5000 for Tiptronic and another $3000 in contingency fund. If my worst case estimate is correct, what potential does this car have as a day to day driver, and at what price?

[seventythree]

Based on your estimates, they should pay you $50 to take the car

But seriously, if it is that bad (a PPI substantiates a broken or severely worn out engine) $8~9K tops. I don't think it will fetch even that much at a dealer's auction.

[Don Plumley]

I agree with 73, 8 or 9K tops. Unless you have a significant need to spend lots of money, or just like saving lost causes (without concern for ROI), then run towards the exit.

There are a lot of nice cars out there, even with high miles. That does not sound like one of them.

[sig_a]

Originally posted by seventythree
Based on your estimates, they should pay you $50 to take the car

But seriously, if it is that bad (a PPI substantiates a broken or severely worn out engine) $8~9K tops. I don't think it will fetch even that much at a dealer's auction.

Thanks for your quick response. Sorta pitiful to see a nice car like this trashed by empty-headed owners. I don't guess a tiptronic, is of any interest to racers. The engine repair estimate is one thing, but what is the average life of a Tiptronic? Most domestic automatic transmissions give up the ghost at somewhere 150 to 175k. I bet a Porsche rebuilt Tip is at least 5000. Any comments or opinions appreciated.

[sig_a]

Originally posted by Don Plumley
I agree with 73, 8 or 9K tops. Unless you have a significant need to spend lots of money, or just like saving lost causes (without concern for ROI), then run towards the exit.

There are a lot of nice cars out there, even with high miles. That does not sound like one of them.

I agree. I'm thinking it can't be worth more than $5000 as an unreliable means of transportation. But are it's parts worth more than the whole? And if so, is $5000 a fair price?

[aigel]

$5k for that car would be a great price. And that's because you can part it out for more, not because it is a good start to get into a daily driver 911. To make it reasonable to bring it back it would almost have to be free!

George

[DustinTarditi]

Better off with a less sketchy platform... especially if you're new to Porsche ownership.