which Porsche to buy?

[rfoulds]

I am ready to trade up on my Porsche. My 1974 914 is fun, but I need more power and a daily driver with A/C.

SOOO....
With a budget of $29,000, should I get...

1990-1991 911 Cabriolet

1997-1999 Boxster

1987 930

or something else?

What do you think??

[rickeolis]

It will hold it's value, it's faster than sh#@, and the best looking p-car made...

[makaio]

You and i are in the same boat. I've got between 25-30,000 to spend on a new daily driver, and I've thought about those 3 models. I've been looking pretty hard at the 964's.

[echocanyons]

Why are you ruling the coupes out?

Pluses better in the weather and more "trackability"

Kelly

[Jim T]

For the three you have listed, that is not even a close call!

The 930 for sure.

The early Boxster is very blahhh compared to a 911 Turbo.

Same for an early 90's cab.

The 911 Turbo is the only real special car out of the three.

[rdvnac]

BTDT, almost.

If you shop carefully (e.g., thorough PPI), the early 964 is an unbeatable value IMHO. 99% of the character and looks of the earlier 911s, but with real a/c and heat, better ride and real-world handling, and still not impossible to do simple service.

Because a small % of the pre-'92 964s had cylinder head leaks the whole series has been bad-rapped, so as a result they are comparative bargains. My vote is for the '90 or '91 cab. And, you can't beat the feeling of wind in your face!

If I were King my second choice would be the 930--but realize that around town you won't even get to shift into second.

[rfoulds]

Kelly,

I ruled out the coupes, because I like topless driving!
I live in the deep south so the car will not see weather. I will leave it
in the garage on rainy days. I would give up the cabriolet to drive a turbo.

I am leaning towards the 930, but worry about service costs.

can anyone advise on that? Is the Turbo a maintenance issue, any
more than the non-turbo version??

[vesnyder]

I was in the same boat several months ago, bit smaller budget. Ended up with an SC Cab, '83. Great car! Looked at several C2 Cab's, but the relaibility of the SC's changed my mind (aside from finding one w/ very low miles!)

[anthony]

Personally, I would get a super clean low mileage 82-83 911 SC Targa (since you like the top off) and keep $15K in your pocket. Maintenance costs could be sustantial on a 930 turbo. If you really wanted to spend the whole budget I'd look at newer normally aspirated Carerras.

[930Chas]

Get the 930. Unfortunately, in that price range you won't be able to afford an '89 with the 5-speed transmission, but the earlier 930s are still a blast. The 4-speed isn't the best, though. Other then that, it is the most incredible car. A sure-fire smile maker.

[echocanyons]

I ruled out the coupes, because I like topless driving!

Thats fair enough.

or something else?

Topless driving....save a few more K's and get a nice low miler widebody 89 speedster

Kelly

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

My 1974 914 is fun, but I need more power and a daily driver with A/C.

If you want a 914 with more power and A/C, only one car in your list fits--that's the Boxster. Topless driving, mid-engine driving dynamics, being looked down on as the "poor man's Porsche". Got all that. What it doesn't have is the light weight and toss-ability of the 914, nor the relatively easy upgrade path. Or the "questionable" looks. (Though I do wish they'd stop showing it alongside a Spyder; the Box comes off looking horridly ugly in comparison!!)

It's all a matter of priorities. If you're interested in power, fairly benign handling, and topless driving, get the Cab.

If you want power, power, and power--plus a good track car--and no topless driving, get the Turbo.

If you want topless driving and mid-engine handling dynamics, get the Boxster.

--DD

[Planter91C2]

i agree that the best deals can be had on 964's. and you can get a targa.

[jabb]

If you want something close to what you have I would go with the Boxster.... Also from reliability always go wit the newest car you can afford that would be the Boxster.... lots of them coming off lease and you can get some good deals on them.

[David Bahr]

Boxster is newer=more reliable, handles great
Cabriolet has torque and sunshine
Turbo has power and attention-getting looks.

The Turbo is Porsche's top dog, always has been. But, it is by far the trickiest to drive. Remember all the stories in the 70s about people wrapping them around light poles on their first drive?

Wish I had to make your tough choice, though!

[PorscheManiac]

im going for the 2003 porsche, yes!!!!!! well.... no.... but im going to buy a brand new porsche, im not an owner now, but im ready to be one for sure! :P

[Zeke]

I am ready to trade up on my Porsche. My 1974 914 is fun, but I need more power and a daily driver with A/C.

Porsche A/C didn't really get cold until '95. If that is a big priority then get the Box.

[RJ Gilliam]

Go with the 930 you will not regret it. the service is not any diff than most. 3 oil changes, then full service. Yes if things break its more money but I have been driving mine everyday for 6 months and the problems are minor.

Good luck

[VW8av8]

for a daily driver get the box its newer so should be less worry and still fun to drive

[WerksRacer]

Originally posted by rfoulds
I am ready to trade up on my Porsche. My 1974 914 is fun, but I need more power and a daily driver with A/C.

SOOO....
With a budget of $29,000, should I get...

1990-1991 911 Cabriolet

1997-1999 Boxster

1987 930

or something else?

What do you think??

Something Else.
With $29,000 I'd have a Race Car built, at least as much as
$29,000 would buy. But your poll is about a Street Car, and to
that I say:
944 Turbo.
Longer wheelbase = better ride.
A/C = Awesome
Handling = See a/c
Power = the '88 & 89 were Faster than the 911 Turbo.
More Power = No problem, mods are easy to come by.
Cost = Everyone (except 951 owners) seem to overlook these Porsches, the engine is in the front instead of where it should be, blah blah blah.

Example: there is a '86 944 Turbo in my local paper, the Modesto Bee. $5900 obo. You could put 10-12k into something like that, not even be close to $29,000 & have what, 350-400hp?
Racecar-like brakes/suspension/wheels.

Excuse me while I go look at a car.


Scott