[JB36]

Start by picking up a copy of Pete Zimmerman's Used 911 Story. It's an easy read that will give you a pretty good feel about these cars and what to look for. Randy Leffingwell has a good buyers guide as well. The first thing is to be patient and find a good one. There are plenty out there. I would look at and drive anything from a '78 SC through a '94 964 in your price range. Get a feel for the car you want and become familiar with them. I would also rather buy from an enthusiast rather than a dealer/flipper. They mark up too much and there isn't a guarantee your getting a better car.

I would prepare a list of questions for a seller to make sure you're not wasting your time in looking at junk. Ask if the seller has invoices for reapirs to show care and what work has been done. Ask if the seller if they object to a pre-purchase inspection. Check the car over the best you can concentrating on condition and how well it drives. There are plenty out there and you should be able to find one with no rust issues, good paint and reasonable interior. If your satisfied with car, make an appoint for a PPI. These cars are built like tanks, but they can be very expensive to fix. Clutch, transmission, and engine can cost big dollars. I wouldn't sweet the small stuff. The inspection should be through and unbiased. Don't use the seller's shop. Post pics to a thread is you like with as much information as you have and I'm sure some people will give opinions.

Frank