Best Value in Market

[FA-18C]

It has been awhile since I shipped the 70E to Colorado to Type911, but I am at the point where there is some relative clear air ahead that has opened the door for a replacement. I am drawn to the early cars, but any of my previous cars are made from "unaffordium".

Having spent a couple of weeks on the classified boards, BaT and Rennline, while I am familiar with the 87-89 cars, if I am going to pull the trigger, I may as well consider all of the options on the table.

It would be a lot of fun to find a mild project and put my own stamp on it, I am not sure that I have the time or desire to spend as much time under my car - would rather put my butt in the seat and drive. But I would be lying if I part of the fun is doing my own maintenance, just not sure I want to tackle what Jamie has with his orange monster build. (WAY back in the day, I bought a mangled S bumper from Jamie for almost nothing and spent 100+ hours making that straight for the 70E). I almost pulled the trigger on a 69 912 Targa recently, but it gets pretty hot here for half the year in coastal VA.

So my question to the esteemed gurus here is - what do you consider the sweet spot in the market right now? [assume a budget range of 25-40K all in]

My perception is that there has been a solid pull back on most all except the unicorn cars with low miles or crazy restorations. I will concede the pre-impact cars, the cost would make it less fun for me... I believe that I would be perfectly happy with a solid 80's Targa at the right price that I can tweak over my ownership, but I want a solid driver without a looming major build ahead of me. Other option would be to snatch up a 997 which seem to be bottoming and spend some $$s on the IMS and other issues and then just drive the car - OR spend a LITTLE more and look for a 997.2.

I can talk myself in circles all day...and I know this is akin to philosophy and is heavily biased with personal tastes, but welcome the pros and cons if you are willing...

[Macroni]

If you are willing to go water-cooled, the 996s are a ridiculous value.... by low and modify to taste. Air-cooled SC or Carreras, especially Targas, with patience can still be found in budget and as you know they are much better for DIY....

Long hoods are nice but tend to be needy....... go galvanized......

[nathanbs]

https://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1982-porsche-911sc-coupe-c-10095.htm
Not saying to buy this car specifically but it’s a good example of how much fun can be had well within your budget and all the while staying in the 911 air-cooled family

[Nick Triesch]

84-86. 3.2 Carrera. The shop doing my top end says the motors last longer in those years.

[msort81]

You know these cars and you are willing to add to drive-ability and reliability so your quandary is a good one.
In your shoes I’d look for a rebuilt Euro SC post 81 with the 205 HP, possibly hopefully that’s had the 964 cams added. Good power, with the lighter doors and IB’s. Its early enough you get the analog feel of the early cars, but with added comfort refinement The AC could be upgraded piece by piece, Griffiths or Kehul your pref but not that hard provided your not changing the lines. Easy to stick a couple of recaros upfront, find a pair of 7&8 or 9’s. There’s still a lot of piffle spoken about the Euros but IMO highly underrated and so often overlooked and underpriced.
That said the 997s are creeping back up in price even in a soft market and I believe going to be very much desired, so maybe not a bad choice. I drove a friends recently and was honestly mighty impressed as was my lady. The other option is a 991. Prices have dropped significantly. Both the 997 and 991 are beautiful cars.
I would have said a Mid year and still think the grey 74 with the big motor on classifieds is a heck of a deal, but generally MY seem to have finally come into their own price wise. What about the 996C4S Beautiful looking car and absolutely a future classic, right around 25k price wise.

[nathanbs]

Originally Posted by msort81

I would have said a Mid year and still think the grey 74 with the big motor on classifieds is a heck of a deal, but generally MY seem to have finally come into their own price wise. What about the 996C4S Beautiful looking car and absolutely a future classic, right around 25k price wise.

What grey ‘74 are you referring to?

[evilfij]

964 or 993 cab can be had for $40k in complete driver, everything works, nice shape, no rust, manual trans (a tip would be even less), but with miles. Compared to early cars (rust) or CIS era (mechanics etc.) that is a great deal.

[911boost]

I’ve had an 86 3.2 cab, 92 964T, 03 996TT and currently have a 2010 997.2 3RS

They have all had their positives and negatives, I do like the 997 interior better than the 996 one.

For that price range I might look for a 2003 or newer 996 C4S as has already been suggested.

[msort81]

I'd take this car over any Carrera or backdated turd.
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/1033160-74-911-coupe.html

Few very simple cosmetic changes, replace the lower valance with a euro no fog one, get rid of that front spoiler, change the seats for something i like, do some suspension mods to my taste and just drive it till the wheels fall off.

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would buy some of the 'all original' turd boxes on here and BAT when you could have this. But to each his own

[Ryan_Cunningham]

That’s ‘82 SC looks like a great decision to me.

When/where did you fly the Hornet? I went through 106 from 2011-12, was in Beaufort from 2012-16, and finished out at Miramar 2016-18. Been back in SE VA since this time last year.

[FA-18C]

I have had MANY people say the 996 C4S is a steal in the market...but I will admit to struggling with the fried egg lights. In many ways water-cooled seems more practical for day to day driving, but the trade off is complexity (this may be perspective on my part as it seems you have to damn near dismantle the engine to do anything) vs. air-cooled. I never had to really do anything to my 87 3.2 other than drive it...the 67, 72 Targa and 70E presented their own charm vs. challenges (rust battles).

I watched with interest an 87 Targa on BaT yesterday with over 200K miles, but clearly cared for. Did not bid as I figure there is a $7K bill pending at a minimum in the near future. Still, a really clean car and decent deal, presents well, but as good as it looks, red doesn't sing to me.

Compounding the search, I am 6'3" and less lean than in my "youth"...so am focused on a targa, or for a siren song car, will deal with mods as necessary.

msort - I do like the gray non-metallic cars, must be the Navy bleeding through, would be tempted to put side numbers and intake labeling.

[sugarwood]

What have the base 996 models done in the last 3 years.
They were around $20k last I looked.
Up down or flat ?

[FA-18C]

Ryan - crap, I was retired by then

After SFWL OPS and Chief of Staff tour, headed down to SC as the XO/CO of VFA-82. We were supposed to be the first TACAIR Integration squadron swap headed to Japan. Instead, we deployed on 30 days notice and then towards the end of a WESTPAC, were told we would be decommissioning within a year of returning (not enough airplanes to go around due to delays in JSF). enjoyed my geo-bachelor time in Beaufort - good flying, slow town. We enjoyed driving the base XO crazy with Navy hijinks and routinely put zappers all over his truck, wife's car, parent's car, SECDEF's aircraft etc...This was back in 2004ish - last tour was here in Norfolk at Fleet Forces Command. My wife decided she liked the area so we stayed.

I've been "retired" from the Navy for 12 years now - running a small defense contracting company that consumes a LOT of time.

[msort81]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

What have the base 996 models done in the last 3 years.
They were around $20k last I looked.
Up down or flat ?

Two recent no sales on BAT for the narrow body 996, both bid to under $20k. On PP classifieds i think 15k - 25k, is the norm, the higher priced ones do not sell. Excepting the 2004 which attracts the C&C drive it 25 miles a year type that loves to pop a deck lid and bore passing strangers stupid explaining that even tho it looks like a common or garden 996 a shiny 911 badge and fauxchrome twists make it very special. TEHO

996C4S hover right around 25k+. Great looking car, esp in the rarer colors, white looks particularly good. Some had the X51 package. To my untrained Designers eye the large rear balances out the odd shaped headlights. Quite a few around and prices are creeping from where they were in the high teens. IMO definitely a future highly desirable classic. They look the part and is still more than fast enough to get you locked up.

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by FA-18C

I have had MANY people say the 996 C4S is a steal in the market...but I will admit to struggling with the fried egg lights. In many ways water-cooled seems more practical for day to day driving, but the trade off is complexity (this may be perspective on my part as it seems you have to damn near dismantle the engine to do anything) vs. air-cooled. I never had to really do anything to my 87 3.2 other than drive it...the 67, 72 Targa and 70E presented their own charm vs. challenges (rust battles).

I watched with interest an 87 Targa on BaT yesterday with over 200K miles, but clearly cared for. Did not bid as I figure there is a $7K bill pending at a minimum in the near future. Still, a really clean car and decent deal, presents well, but as good as it looks, red doesn't sing to me.

Compounding the search, I am 6'3" and less lean than in my "youth"...so am focused on a targa, or for a siren song car, will deal with mods as necessary.

msort - I do like the gray non-metallic cars, must be the Navy bleeding through, would be tempted to put side numbers and intake labeling.

I think a solid Targa driver 3.2 or SC will fill the void and fit in your budget. Sounds like you're familiar with those cars. 997 over 996 in every way other than price if you want to go modern. Best of luck with your search.

[Macroni]

SCs & Carreras just keep getting better with the dedication of long term ownership.
Modern cars age.....

[FA-18C]

That is what sticks in the back of my head. I suppose 20 years ago it was the same argument. It might be silly, but I miss individual gauges, not clusters. But then I look at a 09-10 Carrera S and with the modern amenities, maybe I could live without the eccentricity in trade for good AC... I need therapy.

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by FA-18C

... I need therapy.

or a weekend drive in a Air-cooled 911...... really clears your head.

[Ryan_Cunningham]

Originally Posted by FA-18C

Ryan - crap, I was retired by then

After SFWL OPS and Chief of Staff tour, headed down to SC as the XO/CO of VFA-82. We were supposed to be the first TACAIR Integration squadron swap headed to Japan. Instead, we deployed on 30 days notice and then towards the end of a WESTPAC, were told we would be decommissioning within a year of returning (not enough airplanes to go around due to delays in JSF). enjoyed my geo-bachelor time in Beaufort - good flying, slow town. We enjoyed driving the base XO crazy with Navy hijinks and routinely put zappers all over his truck, wife's car, parent's car, SECDEF's aircraft etc...This was back in 2004ish - last tour was here in Norfolk at Fleet Forces Command. My wife decided she liked the area so we stayed.

I've been "retired" from the Navy for 12 years now - running a small defense contracting company that consumes a LOT of time.

I bet you guys had a lot more fun back then than we did!

Hell, the O'Clubs alone...

[FA-18C]

LOL - Ryan - it was a different time. I came out of Annapolis right after Top Gun came out, and yes the O'Club scene was a stark departure from then to the end of my career. Enjoy every minute in the cockpit - trust me, you will look back and scratch your head at how quickly it went. For different reasons I miss it, and don't miss it every day, but zero regrets other than a couple of cars I should have kept (72S Targa and 70E).

Are you still in, or did you hang it up?