1989 911 targo with salvage title

[Bill911]

Hello, I have found a 1989 targa for $10,000 with 70k miles and in great shape except it was in a flood some years ago. The owner says it was repaired and passed that state inspection. Could there be any underlying problems with a flood damaged car? Thanks
Bill

[racer]

Salt water flood or fresh water? Salt water just about kills a car, imho - destroys electric and body metals. Fresh water, less so, but its not good either. If it was a non sunroof coupe I would turn it into a track/race car.

on the other hand, how many years ago? Any documentation of continual problems?

Does the owner have documentation of what was repaired? Any photos from the flooding?

[Richard Porter]

Hi, I just bought a 85 that was in a fresh water flood. (Run if its salt water) The company that repaired the car had done quite a few flood damaged cars so they had some experience, not with Porsche's but with flood cars. When I got the car most work had been done and I just needed to fix a few electrical issues. The mechanics of the car were great, only 65,000 miles (checked carfax), great original paint, new clutch, engine very strong. A friend of mine who owns a euro car shop had done the clutch and recommended that I get the car. I ended up getting the car for $7000.00. There are still a few issues, but most are 911 issues not flood. (Oil leaks, idle hunting, heating system, cooling).

I'm one of those people who like a deal, and don't mind putting a bit of time and money into the car. I'm an electrical engineer so the electrical issues do not scare me as much as most.

There some long lasting effects on the electrical system, corrosion, rust etc. I pulled the engine compartment heater motor out and found it packed with mud and a bit of rust. Once I cleaned it - worked fine. Everything seems to be built to a very high standard. The electrical system is easy to get at. Check the fuse panel, mine has some rust and corrosion and I am debating whether to replace it or not. Also some wiring has rust a well. I suspect my car would be expensive to own if it had to go to a shop for everything.

With the low miles on the car you are looking at, sounds like a similar situation to mine. You should also try to determine how flooded it was. Lots of cars are written off with realitively little damage. (Mine was over the dash) Also I think yours would have air bags they should be checked.

There are lots of $10,000 911's around in this economy, I'm in Canada - they tend to go for a bit more up here. Not alot of $10,000 ones with 70K though. I'd say if the engine and trans are good and your not afraid of tracing some electrical circuits - might be a good deal - but will never be worth what a non-branded car is.

Love to see pictures.

[Bill911]

Thanks for the tips and now i have good questions to ask when I check it out.