[Don Plumley]

26K original miles on an 86 means 1600 miles per year on average. This is little old lady from Pasadena stuff... So I understand your comment, "..did not want to pass on a nice car, so I took a chance."

Insofar as you are dealing with a 16 year old car that sounds like it sat more than it moved, I'd be wary of deterioration of rubber, seals and other wear parts more than anything. As far as that dent (you didn't say which side) check the oil lines.

Clanking could be CV joints, but in theory you don't have enough miles to warrant that, unless the boots are cracked and the grease is gone. Whistling could be cracks in hoses. The AC might be shot from lack of use. Otherwise the 86 is a fairly bullet-proof year. I'd do a dose of Techron then right after a couple of oil changes. And unless the records show one very recently, do a brake fluid flush and bleed.

Driving a 993 then an 86 Carrera is such a teutonic gap that I understand why you might feel underwhelmed. Of course I'm on the opposite side - I picked an '87 for its more visceral feel. A big difference for you will be the clutch and gearbox - way different from the 993. Best advice about shifting your 915 is "patience, grasshopper." The steering however should feel more precise, and if the shocks are okay, the driver/road connection should be tighter. This is not an ABS, power-assist, sound deadening, nice stereo Grand Touring car. It is a sports car that is happiest on the track.

So you took a chance on a car to see if you like it. Assuming it checks out mechanically, find a local Autox to see what it does. If that does not float your boat, then your statement, "I am not sure this is the car for me" is correct and you should move on.

My $0.02

Don