91 964 - Good deal or not

[911mtbr]

Just looked at a 91 964 with 95000 miles, 2 owners, most records since new. Drives nice and feels tight. Color is amethyst (purple) with white interior. Details are listed below:
Body - Looks good no dings, had some paintwork a few years ago on hood and fenders due to bra damage, paintwork is very good. A few very minor nicks and scratches but car looks very good overall.
Interior - clean but has some wear on driver's seat bolster and shift knob
Engine and trans - no leaks that I could see, runs strong, shifts nicely, clutch feels good
Tires are newish.
Problem areas are:
Air bag and seat belt lights are on
Rear spoiler isn't operable - motor works but needs the arm that connects to the spoiler
Heat doesn't work but a/c is ok
Needs rotors

Anyway the owner was asking 18,500 but will accept 17.

thanks,
Jeff

[LWJ]

I think you have experienced a car with very poor maintenance. Run away.

This car gives evidence of a car with next to zero TLC. These type of cars are never good deals.

The fact that the 964 is a tight driving piece of machinery is evidence of the machine that came from the factory, not the maintenance of the PO.

Question: what is up with the air bag?

Statement: If I haven't scared you yet, get a PPI.

964's are not exceptionally well valued cars. A great one can be had for this price (and this one doesn't sound great).

Larry

[techweenie]

Air bag and seat lights are often related to poor grounding. Poor grounding is often related to the car having had water in it.

Missing minor parts like the spoiler actuator often indicate prior repair by a body shop. Occasionally, a part like that will be removed by the seller because it betrays a larger problem when it is in place.

As Larry says, if you still want this car: PPI.

[trader220]

I have to agree with the two comments above. I love the 964's but they're not as well loved by the greater Porsche community. The previous 3.2's and the later 993's have a bigger following. This car smacks of careless service and general poor care. The color is something you better love too because its not exactly a hot seller when it comes time to part company.

You cant even consider a car like this without first knowing all the small things that are going to have to be addressed, PPI is a MUST>