My potential Porsche and I inch ever closer together

[VroomGrrl]

Update on the 630-mile-away GP white 88 911 coupe I've been going on about...

I'm way way too excited about this doggone car! I went ahead and talked to a mechanic who came highly recommended from several sources (including Houston area Pelicans and the local PCA) - Mike Cawley. I was very leery of this whole long distance buying process, but he really put my mind at ease. I feel much more comfortable about it after a great chat with him. He basically reassured me that I could rely on his assessment of the car. The owner of the car has kindly offered to take it in for the inspection. Depending on everyone's schedules, it'll either happen end of this week or first of next.

It'll be a total nailbiter for me - the price is really good, which the owner gave me a couple of good-sounding reasons for, but I guess I'm just afraid that since I am not seeing it up close and personal myself, there could be any number of problems from the paint to the engine that I have no way of knowing about at this point. I guess that's what the inspection is for! I dunno - after talking a few times with the owner and taking in the bunch of maintenance info he's provided, I have a pretty good feeling about it. I know several of you have purchased cars long distance with good results, so I'm hoping for the best!

A little reminder of what she looks like:



I'm not sure, but in this one, I could swear she is bidding farewell to her roommates??

[K. Roman]

That's a nice looking car. I love white! What a nice group the pic below makes!

[flatsixjunky]

That's gorgeous, please give us the juicy details.

flatsix

[VroomGrrl]

Originally Posted by flatsixjunky

That's gorgeous, please give us the juicy details.

flatsix

Details! Happy to oblige. More pics here (first 8 or so).

It's a 1988 911 coupe, Grand Prix white over black leather interior, 148K miles, all stock except front stabilizer bar, spacers in the rear, and a souped up stereo (Kenwood 10 disc changer). Owned since 59K by a retired Porsche mechanic, and he kept records of all the maintenance from that point forward, much of it performed by himself. It's not perfect, "not a garage queen," but described as a solid, well-maintained car that runs great in all respects, no problems, everything works (except the heat).

The price is about as low as I've seen for this particular car, so I'm a little anxious about what the inspection might reveal. Owner said the price reflects the fact that it will be due another major engine service at 200K miles. Also he said he wrecked it in 2003 and replaced the driver's side door & rear fender himself, and that previous lookers were put off when he told them that because they wanted a "perfect specimen" and this is not, though he says there are no visible signs of the body work. Pics look good, but in person will tell the story. Clean Carfax, the wreck he mentioned does not even show up.

From an email he sent, more juicy details:

did a quick look in the folders to see what some of these leak down check number have been the last time we did this looks like it was 7-16-03 at 124,792 Jones autowerks, they adjusted valves preformed leak down check #1 98%,#2 99%, #3 98%, #4 99%, #598%,and 6 at 98%. they also check the A/C and repacked the front wheel bearings. Work was done at Jones autowerks in SA,TX They have known me for may be 20 or so years. I worked for them back in the early 1980's.

In the last 3-6 months or so I have done the following:
Replaced both upper and lower clutch slave cylinders
Replace new Alternator from dealer, this is the 3rd one in 10 years
New belts
One rear axle boot cover
Front brake pads only
(Porsche shop in San Antonio) reworked the A/C hose that goes up to the deck lid, and recharge system
Change oil and filter, new spark plugs
replaced sun roof seals
New battery
New fuel filter
New pedal pads for clutch and brake
And FYI I found the Invoice for the tires Pilots at 138,947 so the tires have about 10,000 on them.

[1982911SCTarga]

The key question is have you thought of a name for this car? Pelican Angela (laneco) calls her SC "Butters."

Brian

[VroomGrrl]

Originally Posted by 1982911SCTarga

The key question is have you thought of a name for this car? Pelican Angela (laneco) calls her SC "Butters."

Brian

Haha! I am embarrassed to admit that I have been thinking of possible names. The only one I've come up with so far I'm not wild about. I think I should wait until I "meet" the car in person to decide on a name. But I was considering "Blanche" given the lovely GP white. That word has other connotations that don't really apply to a Porsche or to me so I will probably come up with something a little more fitting.

Just got back from spendign my lunch break at Eurasian Auto here in Bham, talking with owner Bill Mitchell. Awesome shop, awesome guy. He let me look around at all the cars that are there right now and I took some video, will have to wait to post until later tonight. Only thing missing was hearing some of those engines running!

also had the occasion to meet my first Pelican in real life! He happened into the shop to drop off his 77 911S while I was talking to Bill about my potential new purchase. Very productive lunch break!

[1982911SCTarga]

Blanch is what you do when you're presented your first repair bill (just kidding). Good luck!

Brian

[equality72521]

Mine's just called "the beater". "Honey, which car should we take to dinner"? "Let's take the beater".

[VroomGrrl]

Originally Posted by 1982911SCTarga

Blanch is what you do when you're presented your first repair bill (just kidding). Good luck!

Brian

Ha! EXACTLY! I know the day will come, but I don't want to name my car after it!Definitely need a better name!