Trying to decide which 911 to purchase
 

I would like to purchase a 911, I'm just unsure whether to go with a '70 - '73 fuel injected T, E or S OR a newer (1985ish) with the Motronic fuel injection. I'm willing to spend up to $20K +/-.

I am leaning toward the older 911's, because there were fewer built and, in my opinion, they look better. My concern is that an older 911 will be more costly to maintain and less reliable. I would like to regularly drive and enjoy whatever I purchase.

Any thoughts?

John

Everyone always says "go with the newest you can afford"

That being said, I always loved the 80's above all others; probably due to my initial exposure (infection?) - my neighbor's 911SC when I was a kid. So when I got the money I knew I wanted a black 80's targa and that was it. So I found the best example I could which, coincidently, was made the year I turned 16.

The bottom line is get a PPI from a reputable shop. Ask questions here about the different problems for different years. Education is the key!

i'm in the same position, i've been looking for quite some time and cant pull the trigger.

older is cooler, more unique, but also much harder to find in good condition.

newer is easier to find, at the moment cheaper in a comparable shape, most likely a much better drive.

if you are just looking for a good drive, buy the newest and best condition car you can. for 20k you can get something in real nice shape.

if your hooked on an older "classic", keep looking, and looking, and looking.

All of the above are valid considerations. In my case, I went from early, to '88 Carrera, and back.
I prefer the crank down windows, no A/C, no sunroof "lightness" over all the creature comfort "junk".
You'll have to consider where you live, and how you like to drive.
Don't be afraid to consider owning two! Good luck!

I am biased toward the Carrera models (84-89) because my car has been wonderful to me. If you want a longhood then by all means go older, if not get a Carrera.

John just noticed your in the OC. We are having a small run get together on Sunday at the Starbucks on Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, come down and check out some of the cars and see if this helps your decision. We should be there between 7 and 7:30am.

I owned a 69T Targa and now own a 77 911 with a 3.0L engine. Both daily drivers. The big difference... the fight against rust. With the 69 it was a losing battle. But when Porsche started dipping 911 metal in zinc in 1977, it seems to have really helped. My 77 has practically no rust... once a year I go under with a wire brush and rustoleum. Much better.

Thanks for letting me know. As long as work doesn't get in the way, I'll do my best to be there.

John