Getting 91 Targa, what to look out for??

[914986]

I've made a deal on a '91 Targa. I'd have preferred a coupe but this looks like a good deal. 98k miles 3 owner car, always garaged and maintained. It's had the clutch replaced and is claimed to be clean and dry.

I'm getting a PPI at an independent shop that specializes in Porsches before I fly out to drive it home next month.

Although the shop is quite familiar with these cars, what should I look out for?

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Congrats on the new purchase! I've attached a link to our site's DIY tech directory on your platform - hopefully this will be helpful to you when doing maintenance and repairs.

Porsche 964 & 993 Technical Articles (1989-1998)


-Dmitry

[914986]

Thanks Dmitry!

[John McM]

I'd also look at the price and availability of targa-specific parts, then make sure any potential outliers are not an issue with the car you are looking at. I've read that the rear glass, some gaskets and the targa top are expensive.

[KNS]

During the PPI have them check the condition of the little belt that drives the distributor. At close to 100K miles you might want to consider having the distributor serviced at some point when you get home (new belt, new bearings). I'm sure you've read up on it but the oil is checked with the engine warm, running and on level ground. The dipstick should read about halfway. The stick on the 964 and 993 (I've got a 993) can be difficult to read and don't always trust the gauge.

The 964 Targa is one of the best Targas they ever made - Congrats!

[914986]

Thanks for the advice guys, keep em coming!

[spyerx]

Same as on a coupe... plus ensuring the targa top fits correctly ,isn't torn, doesn't leak, etc.

Biggies on these:
seepage on the motor, ensure it's not the head as the 91 still didn't use sealing rings
pay for a leak down and compression test. identify source of leak down issues if above 10% on any cylinder
various oil lines/connections
on the interior the heating system. ensure all 5 servos work, heat works, ac works. fixing this isn't cheap. the servos are $400 each. the CCU is NLA, and used ones are over 1k
trans shifts properly
'noise' like valves adjusted, current on all belts, fluids
check for rust at base of windshield. SUPER common, easy fix and not too expensive if caught early
check frunk for batter acid leaks. SUPER common.
and normal chassis condition, front trunk denting
Ensure ABS works - expensive to fix if not. Just slam on those brakes you'll know if working or not
ensure Airbag system is working and bulb isn't pulled out!!!
ensure wing is operational
+1 on the distributor belt

[964TargaC2]

Make sure seal on rear window is in good shape as the Original Porsche is not available

[914986]

Preliminary results indicate it needs a clutch and oil lines.

[DCinVA]

Sounds like an Awesome car!

[914986]

It's way beyond that DCinVA! It's THE ONE!!!