Is this 83 worth looking into more?

[legbuh]

Looking for a fun car to use instead of my truck all the time. Looked at a 83 911 SC cab in town but was told to steer clear... so, maybe I thought I'd start smaller just for fun.

here's the one I'm looking at:

http://mankato.craigslist.org/cto/787812626.html

I test drove one a while back, had a PPI and the guy told me "talk it back from whenst it came this instant" just after popping the hood. Obvious structural damage, didn't sound right, etc.

My worries are these aren't "built" like the 911s are, thus the very very low prices on them. they won't gain value, etc..

I should also add, it says "removable targa top". Is this just a sunroof? Or a true removable top? I don't recall seeing 944s with "real" targa tops.

any comments I'm open to. Thanks!

[legbuh]

just got more info on it. The crack is behind the rear tire by the mudflap. Must be fiberglass. Said he bought it from an old retired man who didn't drive it anymore.

Smells fishy. But maybe not. If it's really just a sunroof top too, not relaly interested.

[nightheart]

As far as i know, there were no factory targa 944's. Of course I've seen some abortions on ebay in the past, but it just looks like a standard sunroof car to me. It doesn't look like a bad car from the pics, but you should find out when the belts/waterpump were replaced. If they are old and need done, maybe he'll come down in price since you're looking at some money to do them yourself, and even more to have someone else do them.

[S-G-Covin]

Originally Posted by legbuh

Said he bought it from an old retired man who didn't drive it anymore.

Then its sat. How long has it sat?

I'd look into it, but I'd look close. I would be wary of anything with body damage, frankly. If you know a pro body man, it may be a different story. Watch the temp guage while it idles. Watch the oil pressure when he drives it. Check the exhaust; get down there put your face in front and smell it. Is the gas sour? Then its sat recently. Take a dagum telescopic mirror and look under the carriage for leaks. And if he says don't do that, get up and walk away cuz he's hiding somethin. Get him on some twisties and ask him to let her loose. If the suspension is even half-way decent then he'll be happy to show off in a hairpin.

These cars will probably never "gain" value to another buyer. Its the value you place on them when you go into the sale. If you don't want a FR Porsche, you won't enjoy one. These aren't built like the 911's The accelerate differently, handle differently, and have different kinks and quirks than the 911's.

Any older car you buy is going to have its share of gremlins.

But if you search for the "What I wouldn't do for a 911" thread, you'll see that a lot of people couldn't be happier that these little meanies are so very different.

FYI on the sunroof: If its like the 924S then there's no room for it to do anything other than tilt up at the back (and they are very similar hatchbacks). They are removable.

[Aslet]

It is called a sunroof by the factory, but it is not like modern sunroofs. It only tilts up about 3 inches in the back, or is completely removable and you can put it in the trunk. Also, the crack behind the rear wheel seems sketchy. Also the fact he did brake work just to the rear (besides from being bad practice) makes it sound like the rear was hit and had repairs, IMO. The fact that he thinks, but isn't sure, if the odometer has ever rolled over is also scary. The car could have 252,000 miles on it for all you know. It sounds like this guy has no clue what he is doing and just trying to dump off a poorly maintained car, so unless you can get him down to $2600, I would walk away.

[legbuh]

I asked if he had receipts for the work done. He said no. I asked for the VIN to do a carfax. He said the car was in a different town a few miles away. I asked if he could get the VIN from the title or insurance paperwork. That was at his folks house.

I smell fish for sure. 944s are easy to come by and inexpensive to boot. So I'm going to wash my hands of this one.

[jcommin]

A 911SC isn't a bad car to own. Many feel they finally got it right when this series came out. They have held up well in value. I don't know about their repair history. Like any other car, you got to do some research.

The 1983 944's had a manual sunroof. It is attached by 4 levers. The 2 rears allow it to pop open the height of the lever. The front 2, allow the entire roof to be removed. It fits in the cargo area and fits into a jacket. The jacket came standard with the car. Some owners believe this has the best sunroof arrangement as the powered roof does have its problems.

This car is not different than others in terms or what to look for in used car vehicles. The repairs just cost more. You can find allot of information on this board; there are links for 'how to' and plenty of parts cars and other automotive stores that supply parts and the like.

The big question is: How much to you intend to spend. There is a saying on this board: 'Buy the best Porsche 944 you can afford'. Buying a wreck to fix up is a money pit.


Good luck