'89 911 - critical issues to check before buying?

SBMW · 06-30-2008, 01:08 PM

Hi,

Am a longtime resident on Pelican's BMW R1100S board...and now I have a Porsche question.

I have a very small window, next day or two, to say yes (or no) to the purchase of a 1989 911 coupe and I wonder if the braintrust here can advise if there are any critical issues I should be mindful of or have inspected? Here's what I know:

Body and interior are very very clean, has 99K on it, hasn't run in a couple of years but ran well when the owner stopped driving it (he bought a newer 911). He thinks there's an electrical gremlin because last time he put a fresh battery in it, it would not hold a charge. Also he has a vague memory about something being wrong with the steering column, related to the tilting mechanism. He had the car for half its life and did regular service on it, has a memory of replacing something expensive like a belt or a pump, but he's not very mechanical so wasn't quite sure what. I do not know what level of service records I'll obtain if I buy it. It needs tires and I'd guess other rubber bits will need replacing by now.

I'll need to act fast as there is another buyer waiting if I turn it down, so I may not be able to get it towed to a shop for a proper inspection before I decide. I would pick the car up for well under 15K so hope that even if I have to put a little money into it I'd still be able to get the money back out if I sell it in a year or two. I'm planning to park my A4 for awhile and see if I like the 911 as a daily driver (not for commuting, have motorbikes for that), maybe turn it into a track day car eventually.

My husband is too busy to get involved in this whim of mine, we've got other project vehicles already so I'd say he's skeptical. Thus, I thought I'd ask for your collective wisdom? I did read the other thread on buying a 89 911 and was surprised at how much $ the nice ones are selling for! But that thread didn't tell me much about what to look for when acquiring one that isn't fully sorted out.

One other question - I have two referrals for Porsche mechanics in Los Angeles (specifically the western SFV), but I wondered if anyone local would like to chime in on this topic also?

Thank you all in advance.

Cal44 · Cal44's Garage

1989.....which model of 911? One is good and one is not so good. So cheap can turn into....well, something to avoid.

mike monde · 07-01-2008, 07:19 AM

The advice I would give is never,ever buy a 911 without a PPI or a VERY knowlegeble P-car person looking it over.
The 89 Carrera's are for the most part bullit proof, but do have their issues.
Things like worn valve guildes or tranny issues can put you on the hole quick, even at a great price.
I don't think the Carrera's had a tilting steering wheel so you may be talking about the C-2 which have a host of issues that you would want to know about before purchasing.
My advice, without the benefit of a PPI, I would walk away.

SBMW · 07-01-2008, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I think it's an "early" 1989 911 as I do understand they released a very new version later in that year - is that what C2 means? (Carerra 2, which later became the AWD C4, correct?). Are there visual clues I should know to be certain about which model it is?

Also I'm not sure if it really has a tilt wheel or not, his description of the issue was so sketchy I may have filled in that blank myself. Anyway I'll see if I can get it inspected or dig up someone to look at it with me. Any other feedback still welcome! thanks sb

SBMW · 07-01-2008, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I think it's an "early" 1989 911 as I do understand they released a very new version later in that year - is that what C2 means? (Carerra 2, which later became the AWD C4, correct?). Are there visual clues I should know to be certain about which model it is?

Also I'm not sure if it really has a tilt wheel or not, his description of the issue was so sketchy I may have filled in that blank myself. Anyway I'll see if I can get it inspected or dig up someone to look at it with me. Any other feedback still welcome! thanks sb

bonkers · 07-01-2008, 08:11 PM

A photo or two would help with identification.

If I were you, I would approach it like this:
- Check availability of those shops for a PPI.
- Figure out how to trailer the car from its current place to the PPI shop and back.
- Contact the seller and tell him you are very interested and would like to buy the contingent on a reasonable PPI. You understand that the car is not perfect and that's okay, you just want to get an idea of what needs sorting out. You have a shop lined up to perform the PPI, a plan for getting it there and back and the cash to seal the deal assuming the necessary repairs are reasonable.
- Ball is now in the seller's court. Either he's genuine and smart enough to realize that you are also - goody gumdrops - or he's not - potential lemon avoided, move on.