First time 911 buyer

sanjay · 05-11-2007, 02:20 PM

Hello all,

This is my first time so be gentle. I am an obsessed 911 fan have been for many years and am looking to purchase one. It seems that the theme is to buy the most recent one that you can afford. My concern is that I am not very mechanically inclined and am worried that I will make a poor purchase. Is there anyone who has been in that boat before and has any tips? What is the approximate maintenance costs per year that I should expect on a quality 911. Of course I will have the car checked by a local Porsche mechanic but what are reasonable costs? There are two links that I am including if anyone can comment on the value and quality of those cars it would be great.

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?UID=FE531B869EBA4C27A9F2C23290B53F0F&a did=6085055&ads=6085055%7C&BackLink=1

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?UID=FE531B869EBA4C27A9F2C23290B53F0F&C AT=1&adid=6073595&ads=6073595%7C&BackLink=1

Thanks,

Sanjay

epbrown · 05-11-2007, 07:20 PM

I've long felt there should be an addendum to the "buy the newest" line: buy the newest example of the version you like. If you like the early cars, the 72-73 are best. If your heart's set on an impact bumpers model, the 87-89 cars are the way to go. If you like the 993, the Varioram cars from 96-98 seem to be preferred. And so on...

Now, you've linked a 1991 964 and a 1999 996, which are very different cars. What 911 variant do you prefer? What type of driving are you planning to do? What's your budget?

Black968 · 05-13-2007, 04:26 PM

Welcome sanjay! You found the right place. Pelican has a wealth of info on it.

As stated, the two cars you are looking at are night and day. The 1991 is a 964 (old school) air cooled triptronic (Automatic) and the 1999 is a water cooled 996 (new school) model.

Personally I don't agree with the 'buy the newest you can afford philosophy. I would buy the best car of the model you like and can afford as stated above. Before you buy, drive them all. Everyone has an opinion, but you will make the decision and be driving the car.

Personally, I would start with the 1978 3.0 l SC cars and go to the 1998 993 model year IMHO. These cars have lost most of their depreciation (if not all). 'Excellence' and 'Porsche World' mags have a ton of info also. Do your research and have a Pre Purchase Inspection (including a leak down and compression check on the engine) before you buy.

Cheers