Which 911?

[Leafs]

Apologies for the cross post. Initially put this in the 911 Turbo section by mistake and was encouraged to post it here instead....




Hello all,

I am considering buying an older 911. By older I'm talking late 70s to late 80s. So which one?

I'd like to get something in very good condition that has had extensive work done on it. Not looking for a project car since I'm not all that mechanical. And yes, I know this means be prepared to spend a lot of money at the local Porsche mechanic. That's the price of owning expensive toys. My boat mechanic appreciates my business as well

Anyway, if I get a Porsche I want performance. I want to hit the gas, get thrown back in my seat and move. I've looked around for 0-60 times but it seems like the numbers are all over the map year to year and even for the same year different sources list different data. Without going out and test driving everything under the sun, it's hard to know what's what.

So from the body of knowledge here, what are the best options?

Also as far as known issues. Are there any years to stay away from for whatever reason?

This will be a weekend drive in the country car and not a daily driver. So while reliability is always a factor when buying a car, I won't drive it enough to really matter that much. I also live in a cold snowy winter climate (Eastern. Washington) so 1/2 the year it won't be driven at all.

Final question...how many miles is too high before looking for a rebuilt engine?

Price is flexible, but around $20K is where I'd like to be. I've seen things ranging from a '78 SC to a 90 Carrera 2 in te $15-20K range. Hard to know where to begin.

Thanks.

[Josh D]

The generic response is to go drive a few and buy the one that looks and performs the way you want it to for the amount you want to spend.

When I was looking, my first choice was a Carrera coupe in the $15K range. I would consider an SC coupe or a Targa Carrera if I really liked the car. I only drove two cars, an '84 Targa Carrera w/125 K miles and a '80 RoW non-sunroof SC w/76 K miles. Cars were similar condition and similar price. The '84 had better paint, the SC had a nicer interior. A drive of both sealed the deal. On paper, the '84 should have been the faster/quicker car, with 207 hp. In reality, the '80 SC (RoW model, 188 hp) pulled noticeably harder and felt lighter. I bought the SC coupe.

From the late '70s to late '80s there were quite a few updates and changes, so it's difficult to narrow. Also, throw in the mix of grey market Euro cars and owner modifications into the mix and the selection gets even more convoluted.

IMO, the best of the best would be the '87-'89 Euro 3.2 Carrera with G50 tranny and 231 hp. But good luck finding one, especially for $20K.

For what it's worth, I get that "thrown back in the seat" feeling in my SC when I nail the throttle. However, the best I've done on my Dynolicious iPhone app for 0-60 is mid 6 sec due to slow 1-2 gear change. Thats with a moderate launch as not to abuse the transmission. 1/4 mile is high 14's @ about 100 mph.

[OsoMoore]

You're in the right place. I'd bet someone responds before I finish my post!
I was looking for a 911 6 months ago, although with different requirements than you.

I'm no expert, but I can provide a few details.
78-83 were the 911 SCs. These are reliable and great cars, but they aren't particularly over-the-top.
84-89 were the 911 Carreras. These were somewhat superior to the SCs before them, with some noteworthy updates and improvements.
There is a smattering of turbos in that date range, but I'm not particularly familiar with these.

I ended up buying a 79 SC and its a daily driver. It is a lot of fun and has a strong rebuilt engine with 240K total miles on it. It accelerates like a demon and has nice tight handling, but it is not an ultra-super car. I spent $12K on it, and I definitely got a great deal for what I paid for.

It sounds like your budget and plans are higher and faster than mine, so obviously your mileage will vary. I would encourage you to get a copy of Peter Zimmerman's The Used 911 Story. It covers all the 911 models with good details about what you can buy and what to expect from it.

One final note - if at all possible test-drive a Targa on a sunny day. Its an amazing thing, and it definitely made my wife love the car almost as much as I do. Some people will talk about "classic lines" and coupes, but for me nothing beats hearing the engine revving and the wind flying by. When you're driving bare-foot with the roof off at 80mph it feels like you're touching the engine - amazing.

[megerian]

I spent a lot of time researching, and using advice and guidance from friends, Pelican, and the Zimmerman book, I decided that the 87-89 Carrera was the best all-around car for me, based on reliability, looks, 5-speed G50, and price range. Have not regretted my choice.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by Leafs

Anyway, if I get a Porsche I want performance. I want to hit the gas, get thrown back in my seat and move. Thanks.

If this is what you are after I would but a modern one... or find a well sorted 930.


However...

Everybody know the 88's are the best


You will get good advice here to help you find the car that fits your wants.

[ivangene]

you wont get a well sorted 930 for $20k

might get a nice higher mile 964

best bang for the buch right now IMO - best of luck

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by Panerai

If this is what you are after I would but a modern one... or find a well sorted 930.


However...

Everybody know the 88's are the best


You will get good advice here to help you find the car that fits your wants.

True, but note that these older cars are by no means slow or unexciting. They have incredible balance and acceleration, but its hard to compete with a modern supercar that has 3x the horsepower and 30 more years of engineering behind it.
I hear the 930's (early turbos) are powerful enough to easily get you killed.

[ivangene]

PS i would rather fly out the side door from cornering at high speeds than be pushed into my seat by HP

I say that because I have no HP

[Jdub]

Buy an SC. Preferably an early one without A/C or electric anything. Light, with the awesome 3.0 motor and cheaper than about any other post-'77 911 you can name. Targa, of course, because you love the privacy of the sculpted rear window, but love that it appears that there is no top whatsoever above you.

Otherwise a sunroof-delete SC coupe, or the 1983 Cabriolet, because it is the last of the SC, and the first year of the Cabriolet (borderline collectible).

[herman maire]

I would stretch the budget for a 930.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by OsoMoore

True, but note that these older cars are by no means slow or unexciting. They have incredible balance and acceleration, but its hard to compete with a modern supercar that has 3x the horsepower and 30 more years of engineering behind it.
I hear the 930's (early turbos) are powerful enough to easily get you killed.

They are awesome and exciting! it's why I own one.. but the man said he wanted to be thrown back in his seat. It takes more than 200hp to get that done.

YMMV..

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by ivangene

you wont get a well sorted 930 for $20k

might get a nice higher mile 964

best bang for the buch right now IMO - best of luck

you wont get a well sorted 930 for $20k---- this is very true!

and this is good advice on the 964... love me some 964!

[Josh D]

Originally Posted by Panerai

They are awesome and exciting! it's why I own one.. but the man said he wanted to be thrown back in his seat. It takes more than 200hp to get that done.

YMMV..

200 HP/195 ft lb of torque in a 2300 lb car will do that nicely!

I've read over and over that putting an SC or 3.2 Carrera on a diet is the key to a thrill ride.

I hope to drop a few pounds in the future without giving up A/C by way of fiberglass bumpers and decklid. Add some SSI's and it should be quick enough for me (at least for awhile)

[SilberUrS6]

Where in E. WA? Here in Pullman, I don't drive if there is actual snow on the ground, but I was able to drive some this winter.

I had the same search and same (approximate) financial parameters. I thought long and hard about G50 vs. 915 Carreras, but '84-'89 was really the only group of cars that fit most of my parameters. With a Steve Wong chip, I find my '85 gets up and goes plenty good. These cars were never built for drag-racing, so 0-60 numbers aren't really indicative of how quick and powerful they are. I think you'll find that any of the '84-89 cars to be very satisfying (from a 380HP turbo Audi guy, that should mean something). If you want a mechanically-excellent car from the G50 years, you're going to spend more than $20k. So, it looks like '84-86 for you, or '89-91 high-mile 964s. I liked the '84-89 cars better than the 964 cars, but I do have some serious lust for the 965. Out of my budget right now, but DAMN those cars are drool-worthy. Anyway, if you ever get to Pullman, give me a PM and we'll go for a drive so you can get your feet wet. Don't hesitate to talk to (semi-)local Pelikaners to have them help out.

BTW, I flew to Atlanta to buy the car, so don't limit your search to just WA state.

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

BTW, I flew to Atlanta to buy the car, so don't limit your search to just WA state.

I drove mine in North Carolina and drove home to Wisconsin over the weekend. You should always get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), and its especially essential if you are buying long distance.

[dfhtrhjn]

My advice is that there's no substitute for test driving, you'll never know what you really want until you get behind the wheel of several cars.

That, and time is on your side; I looked for almost a year before I found my 911 and it was worth every minute of searching.

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by dfhtrhjn

My advice is that there's no substitute for test driving, you'll never know what you really want until you get behind the wheel of several cars.

That, and time is on your side; I looked for almost a year before I found my 911 and it was worth every minute of searching.

I was told to be careful lest I buy the first one I drive.
I ended up buying one before I drove it!

[WIL84911]

Not mine.. how bout a 1980 with 350HP for $23K?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/639774-1980-911-turbo.html

[quattrorunner]

Originally Posted by WIL84911

Not mine.. how bout a 1980 with 350HP for $23K?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/639774-1980-911-turbo.html

Cool car but would need to turn down the boost with a 915. It's not a 930 but somewhewre in between hence the price. It would put you firmly in your seat.

[Mehoff]

If you are agnostic to model/originality, may be best to look for a hot rod. The Hgruppe replica cars (early body, no frills) are a work of art and if they have a 2.5ss or similiar motor, those things will GO (think 2,000lbs and 205hp)! You could also look for a mid year through SC chassis that has a 3.6 transplant. Both can be found in the $20k range, but they will not be concourse cars....they'll be drivers.

Not that I support nor condemn this route, though I will say my '88 911 coupe is the most fun car I have ever driven (though it has had a "few" race mods done to it; engine is bone stock)