Is a 911 SC possible like this?

[linter]

Look, for the past 40 yrs, about 7 times a year, I've said to anyone who'll listen (i.e., to just me), "Please, God, let me own a Porsche, for however briefly, before I go." That's 280 times I've said that. I'd like to stop before I get to 300.

That being the case, I'm semi bound and determined to find myself a 911SC (or a 914, or a 912, in that order, all things being equal), if it's possible given certain things; to wit:

I have *no* mechanical skills. I do have up to $10,000. I'm only interested in the coupe. I live in the great NE. I'm totally about a daily driver, and I'm not fussy about dents and chips and body oddnesses and/or strict Porsche authenticity all around. That said, I would like a car that's not going to be in the shop all the time. I don't want to really have to baby it. I want to drive it. I'm kind of messy, so the car should be able to put up with that. I want the simplest Porsche out there. I might only keep the car for a year or two or I might keep it for as long as I can, depending on what actual ownership feels like.

So, what do you think? Should I continue pursuing this or should I just resign myself to 280 more utterations of "Please, God ..." etc., etc., before I go?

Thanks!

[LWJ]

Linter,

Your question was answered in another post in the Marketplace forum. It was regarding a 79 SC. Post was started by SNAFU.

Yes. 10k will buy a fine car. In the NE, you might have a little rust to consider. I live in Oregon so that is not so much of an issue here.

As to mechanical skill. You don't need any. But then you will need a fatter checkbook or a tolerance for a crappy driving car. I try to do much of this myself as it is rewarding. These are 30 year old cars. Stuff does go wrong and they will have deferred maintenance.

Two pieces of wisdom regarding these cars:

1) It has been said that they are all 20k cars. I believe it.
2) Owners have been said to be racers or polishers. I sort of believe this. The "polishers" will have pretty cars that can be mechanically neglected. The "racers" can have less pretty cars that have better mechanicals. Your pick, but I personally would stay away from a "polishers" car unless the mechanicals were great.

Good luck. In this economy you can make it work. My SC cost me $10,500. Tires were $500. PPI was $450. Tools (to date) were maybe $250? but I already had a bunch. Misc parts were maybe $500? Oil/trans fluid was $130? There are other costs as well. I have had the car for 6 months. Driven it daily. It is solid, sexy, and reliable.

Hope this helps.

Larry

[Head416]

You can get a good SC with 10k. Keep in mind that you're likely to spend some money right after purchase... service/maintenance items like mentioned above. Keep that in mind when deciding on your purchase price.

Don't be too hasty. Keep looking 'til you find the one that's right for you.

**Get a PPI** Get it at a shop that's highly recommended on this forum. A $300 dollar PPI can save you from making a $10,000 mistake.

SCs are known to be very reliable. Especially if you find one that already has pop-off valve, oil-fed chain tensioners, and replaced head studs. Or, be willing to spend the money on these upgrades.

I would pay more attention to these items than mileage. I don't trust low mileage cars, and certainly would never pay a premium for them. To me low mileage means "not driven", and possibly "neglected".

[scotyp]

linter, the advice you got from Larry and Aaron is spot on I think.

After several months of searching I found my 82' SC two weeks ago and paid 12.5k for a fine machine that needs nothing, was well cared for and had all of the above mentioned work done. There was no better Porsche for me! This era Porsche is "bullet proof", fun to drive and maintains that link with the first 911's that laters cars just don't have. Last of the breed with no computer chips! I think the 911SC is a car for the true purist that also wants high reliability! I say, continue your pursuit!
Take your time in your search beacause it really is half the fun!

Scot

[linter]

Thanks, guys, for your thoughts and suggestions. I think the trick is to be patient and not jump the gun on the first thing I see that might fit the bill. Impulse control has been a lifelong problem. Lining up a PPI is going to be my first step toward trying to maintain my calm.

Meanwhile, Larry, do you think that's right, the general rule of thumb, no matter if it costs 10 to begin with, it's going to end up at 20? Well, if it's not right away but spread out over the years, okay, you'll hardly notice it, cough cough. I'm hoping that's what you mean.

I take it the best places to look for SCs are here and craigslist and from ebay sellers that are more or less local. Any other happy hunting grounds?

Thanks again.

Linter
'
And oh yeah: I'm definitely in the racer category, not the polisher. by a long shot.

[Matt Monson]

If the thought of spending $1000-1500 a year to upkeep your $10,000 911sc is at all daunting to you then you might want to reconsider your car choice. I'm not trying to be discouraging. I think the 911sc is one of the best possible first P-cars for someone who can afford the cost of ownership.

However, I noticed the other cars in your list. I can tell you from personal experience that a 914 can offer an exemplary P-car ownership experience and it might be worth considering a nice $5000-6000 914 and putting some cash in your maintenance and mod savings account instead of immediately spending all $10K. 914's are cheaper to buy and marginally cheaper to own (not cheaper to restore, though you don't sound like that's what you are looking to do). Just a counterpoint to consider. Having owned, 911's, 912's, 914's and a 924S I can say that they were/are all wonderful cars and each have their own characteristics to love and to hate.

Maybe you need to get out to a local event or two come spring and see how each of the cars feels to you if you haven't driven them. While you may not find someone willing to let a stranger drive their pride and joy, they will surely be happy to give you a ride in the passenger's seat and show you what their car can do. I like how my 914 handles and brakes better than any of my 911/912's have done the same things, even with more power than the 914. Others will prefer the 911/912 chassis.

[Robert Adams]

Heres's a list that will keep you very busy. Good thing it's winter!

Porsche For Sale Links

No affiliation, but a decent listing I came across a while back. Some listings may need updating.
You also should check PCA.ORG. If you are not a PCA member you can still access the 'Regional' chapters, some have their own classifieds and most of those listings aren't listed anywhere else for some reason. Some of the best kept cars are here, rennlist & pca. Craigslist can be a bit of a crap shoot from my experience.
Go for the best car your money can by, but know what you like. The point about the 914 is excellent advice. No matter what you buy it will cost you again in ownership, so just save enough to have on hand to deal with it.
Just my 2 cents.
Rob

[linter]

Rob: Good lord, that is one long links list. Well, there goes my working day!

Matt: Thanks for suggesting the 914 as a good starting alternative to the SC. It makes a lot of sense to me, and I will include them in my search.

Thanks again, all!

[Snafu]

I love my 914. Its a cool car that can be had for a reasonable amount of money. About 1/2 as much of your budget for a 911 for a pretty nice one. Although really nice examples are more.

Funny because I'm in the market for a 911SC as well

If the 914 is an option look in the classifieds here on Pelican or below.

914world.com - A Porsche 914 Community / Forum / Club

914Club.com

CAMP914

[car-reras]

Never, never, never go into any vintage car with a reasonably small set budget. Unless your buying it to look at rather than drive....or like me, your considering a pretty quick flip.

[linter]

More good stuff. And the more I hear, the more I think the 914 makes better monetary sense. hopefully the new year will be greater clarity to the situation.

it's just that, well, the 911-912 is such a great looking car!

but while i'm here and dreaming, what do you all figure the sweet spot is right now with 911s, in terms of longevity, cost and value? i think i read somewhere that the mid-80s cars, like around 1986, give or take, are in the 15k range now and offer a lot from the older years, along with some of the refinements of the newer years. Thoughts?

[hcariss]

If you think you want a 911 you do. What will happen with a 914 or 912 is you will get it and convince yourself you like it, and it will be really really fun and a very tight thrilling drive at first, probably for longer if you get a 914/6 but once you get past how much better the Porsche driving experience is you are left with the look of the 914 or wanting more power from the 912 (ask me how I know), If you want a 901 body style coupe get one, and start doing the smaller things with the 101 projects book and work your way up.
There are always good deals cropping up on PP F/S board, I missed a lovely 74 911 for $12k this year that Im still pissed about not pulling the trigger on.
Check out Thesamba.com to
Good luck

[mike5876]

i just got my 1980 sc talbot yellow coupe with 145k miles upgraded tensioners new clutch,redone tranny used but not abused

[cellison]

Originally Posted by Robert Adams

Heres's a list that will keep you very busy. Good thing it's winter!

Porsche For Sale Links


Rob

now THAT is a list.

[Macroni]

An SC is probably your best choice.

I would add a middie [74 through 77 911 2.7s] to the list. Very undervalued and to me a 74 is as good as a 73.5T. An excellent car w/ all the true sports car feel of a pre74 longhood. I would be cautious w/ 75 & 76s they tended to have motor issues due to pollution control add-ons. I am not am expert on these issues but you would need to research. Bodies were not fully galvanized so beware of rust!

914s & 912s are very nice cars that can be purchased reasonably. Same drawbacks; they tend to have rust issues which can change a $6,000 car into a $30,000 project. Stay away from rust. It destroys budgets unless you have mad welding skills.

Welcome to the adventure!

[73.5TinPA]

Here's a 914 for $7K:

74 Porsche 914

[linter]

Love the look of that white 914. If only it were closer. Meanwhile, the hunt continues ....

[KarlCarrera]

Don't know why, but I like that combination of colors. What's the interior?

Karl
88 Targa

Originally Posted by mike5876

i just got my 1980 sc talbot yellow coupe with 145k miles upgraded tensioners new clutch,redone tranny used but not abused

[mike5876]

chocolate brown!

[WIL84911]

read the buyers guide so you know which model you really like. if you're picky like me I suggest you choose the car that best meets your criteria. I was exactly in your position 2 years ago.. so I got mine already modified the way I like it.