Looking at an 84 Carrera.

[Raleigh993]

I am considering adding another Pcar to the stable and I found a 1 owner 84 911 with about 91k miles on the clock. I'm looking for some good resources (books or website) that I can research before I make a move. I have searched this site but most of the good info is spread out in misc threads. Any personal advice is greatly appreciated.

TIA
Chip

[4495]

Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera: The Last of the Evolution [Hardcover]
Tony Corlett

My car is in there on several pages...kind of an "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about The 3.2 Carrera But Were Afraid to Ask."

Productions numbers, dates, options, that sort of thing.

[megerian]

Many folks consider the Zimmerman book to be an excellent resource:

The Used 911 Story, 8th Edition: Peter Zimmermann: 9780963172662: Amazon.com: Books

[Dave Colangelo]

If you post pics and what ever info you can get here you will get a ton of very good feedback. I dont own but have heard great things about the Zimmerman book, he also frequents this site and may give you direct feedback on your car if you post it.

Regards
Dave

[WIL84911]

Buyers Guide by Randy Leffingwell is what I read before I picked up my 84. Good luck! Let us know how you make out either way.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by WIL84911

Buyers Guide by Randy Leffingwell is what I read before I picked up my 84. Good luck! Let us know how you make out either way.

I used both this book and the Zimmerman book. Both had good stuff not covered by the other.

I would consider them both, plus the "red book" that gives you info on VIN decoding.

[BE911SC]

Check the oxygen sensor connections up top. Ask me how I know.

[Kidasters]

Leffingwell's book is really good. It sometimes seems like he focuses on the negative, but - that's the stuff you really have to know.

I own it and have used it multiple times. Probably saved me a ton of money when I thought about buying a 996..... and helped me understand what to look for when I bought my 84.

[Dave Colangelo]

The best advise I will give you and advise I have always stuck buy after buying 3 Porsche's

At some point just buy a car...

Buy this I mainly mean don't strive for perfection, little things can be fixed. I have read to many threads about people that walked away from cars because there were some rock chips on the hood or the AC did not work (I am exaggerating here a bit). Keep in mind you are talking about a car that is pushing 30 years old there will be things wrong with it. Many here will tell you that these are 20K cars, you either pay it up front or after purchase fixing things. I say that depends how much work you do your self but its still most likely true. if the car is in more or less decent shape, more or less rust free, drives well, and most importantly you want it. I say buy it. Every one here will agree that no matter what these cars are a labor of love. I have always used Porsche's in some form (924S -> 911SC -> 944) as my DD, and if they are driven, get fresh oil when they need it, get a regular tune (plugs, filters, and fluids) they will be excellent cars. Neglect them, and only drive them once a year, they will always be broken and you will come to despise owning it. If you own one than chances are you know more or less what you are looking at. Trust your self and trust the forum it truly knows best.

Regards
Dave

[Raleigh993]

Thanks for the advice. I will set up a PPI in the next few weeks and keep you up to date.

Any good suggestions for an indie in the DC area for the PPI?

[Stutzdriver]

Just an FYI, I looked at cars for almost 2 years before fginding the car I bought, an '84 Targa with 50,000 miles and 2 prior owners. Is it perfect...NO but I am having a great time correcting and updating all the items the POs did wrong. Things like old disconnected Clifford Alarm system(with a bushel basket of wires running all over), the original radio installed like one of the lot kids ran the wiring (all fixed now, neatly), removing the carpet/interior and finding 1/4" of dirt/sand as nothing was ever cleaned, pedal bushings that need replacement, etc! These are 30 year old cars and bear the "scars" of 30 years of ownership, good and bad.

Find the best car you can and expect the unexpected but above have fun with it and enjoy the drive, that's what they were built for!

[sm70911]

+1 on what Dave said.
But, check in the history if the Valve guides have been done. If not then factor that in to what you plan to spend. Maybe you get lucky, but if not its at least 3-5k depending on what you do, and invariably it's a slippery slope.
Valve guide wear can not be checked in a PPI.

[Raleigh993]

Thanks again!

The 84 ended up a no go due to some deferred maintenance and a malfunctioning AC. The owner would not come off the price enough for my comfort. It drove pretty strong and handled fine for an 84 model. Much more my speed regarding DIY maintenance.

However, in my travels, I found an interesting 912....

[Drisump]

Originally Posted by Raleigh993

Thanks again!

The 84 ended up a no go due to some deferred maintenance and a malfunctioning AC. The owner would not come off the price enough for my comfort. It drove pretty strong and handled fine for an 84 model. Much more my speed regarding DIY maintenance.

However, in my travels, I found an interesting 912....

912's are very pretty and very light for tossing around, but not really in the same league performance wise as the 3.2. It depends on what you're after, the first 901 bodied car I ever drove was a 912 and I have to say it was very fun but when I put my foot down when first driving a 911....it was a real eye-opener. Cheers and good luck with the search.

[KNS]

+1 on what Dave said. Some people get caught up in finding 30 year old perfection and are missing the bigger picture.

912s are nice but I'd keep looking for a 911. You would certainly enjoy a 912 but you'd always be wondering "what if?".