Which 911 to buy? Opinions please

[gmiz]

Hi there;

I have been in the market for a while for a late 80's 911 (G50, 3.2). Looking for a car I can enjoy and drive,not a show car, and not a project. Thinking that I should be able to get something in the high teens - $16-18K.

I have 3 prospects in mind and am having a tough time deciding, so I am reaching out to you experts for some help.

Option 1: 1988 White sunroof coupe, well maintained, 140 K miles, some updates, but no major work done - asking $17.5

Option 2: 1989 White Cab, 170k Miles - but completely restored - top end, new clutch, rebuilt tranny, new top and motor, upgraded stereo, perfect paint and body - asking $22k but been on the market for a while so maybe $19-20k gets it.

Option 3: 1992 C4 Cab Blue- 100,000 miles, updated fywheel, recent valve job, new brakes, 2 owners, all the records, etc. Asking $21, but I think I could get it for about $19k

My dilema - is the rebuild worth the extra money? I like some of the extra ammenities of the C4 - newer, main issues supposedly taken care of, good AC (although in a cab, its not a main issue), more power, etc.

I also hear a lot that the 964 is much maligned and if the major issues are taken care of then they are good reliable cars. Having driven both, I like them both, but for different reasons.

All are within a couple of grand price wise, but I can't really decide - any thoughts?

Thanks

[rvctyjim]

I have been looking as well.It took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted.late last year early this year I just wanted a clean classic P-car.Now I have narrowed it down to what I really want.

I guess you have to ask yourself a few questions.For me I decided that I wanted a carrera,So 84-89 is the year,then I decided on a coupe,cab,targa.I have owned vehicles(not P-cars) that were convertibles and coupes,So I want to change things up and try for a Targa(not to mention I had a SC P-Car targa poster on my wall in my bedroom growing up).Next question is what's most important to me,exterior/int/mechanical?Since I plan on doing all the work myself mechanical is at the bottom of my list.Next I needed to decide what was a deal breaker on any of the cars I looked at,for me it was rust,repainted panels,accidents,Odo fraud.And last was price.I am not sure about you but I am budgeting 20kish for the car and a few k within the first 2-3 yrs of ownership.But I plan on keeping whichever car I purchase for a long time.So its become a long process to find the "car for me".

In regards to your question,From all my researching on here if the car has not had head/rebuild/clutch work with 100 K+ mileage,Plan on you doing/paying for it in your ownership.This has become very common while I have been looking for a car.I have so far passed on these because the owner's think the car is perfect and want perfect money for the car,even-though I know there is valve guide/head stud/clutch issues just around the corner.But no budging on price on their part..So I pass...So the search continues for myself.

Good luck on finding your car!

[seventythree]

Buy the 92. Much better all around car.

[VenetianBlue911]

Are you still looking for a G-50 Carrera? I'm going to be selling mine on Auto Trader in a few days. It's a beautiful 87 Carrera Targa, with amazing original venetian blue paint. 109K miles and looks and runs great.

[monoflo]

Really depends I guess but --

For the money u can get into 84 to 89 3.2 - These are very traditional 911s in many ways and yet modern enough to be very nice to live with.

The later 3.6s are a matter of taste and have more modern amenities and suffer from the lesser reliability reputation. longer term I doubt they hold their value as well -but I never buy a car based on what happens when you sell .

Either way while I go for the 3.2 you still get the air cooled 911 experience

Get the best one you can afford regardless because unless u wrench yourself the maintenance is going to hurt

[racer]

What ever the price, be sure to have 10-15% more in hand to address any shortcommings or "upgrades"

imho, the '89 white cab will be on the market at $22k. Seller no doubt wants his $12K back from the motor work . At that mileage, to me, its a $13-15K car.

And you really need to decide if you want a coupe or a Cab as they are VERY different in feel and persona, imo.

[gmiz]

Great feedback, Thanks!

This is the real dilemma - the cars that are in need of a lot of work or have major flaws are a dime a dozen, then the ones that actually seem to be from someone who has taken good care of them are priced too high and the owners won't budge - like the rebuilt one.

I am willing to pay $17-18k but not for a project, nor do I expect a show vehicle for that money.

It seems odd to me that some cars that get bumped to death in the classifieds here and in other places fail to recognize that their price may be too high.

I keep hearing that I can get a well sorted out G 50 for $16-18k - maybe I am wrong?

The search will continue.