May be buying my first 911 - need advice

[Sox Fan]

Took a ride today to look at this car I found on-line. 1989 911 with 39,000 miles. In person, the car is as good as advertised on-line. Very clean, original car. Started right up, straight and clean as can be. A really striking car.

The only negative is no service history. Dealer says previous owner had it for 13 years. I have found a Porsche specialist in the area to do a PPI and there is a different place that does PPIs that the dealer also recommends.

Any thoughts on this car in terms of what it is worth and any extra precautions to take with a car without a documented service history?

[Sox Fan]

a couple more pictures:

[geshaghi]

If paint is original and the overall condition of the car is consistent with the low mileage, I don't think the dealer's asking price of $34,900 is out of line. Definitely get a PPI, as the car should be in excellent mechanical condition. You can find higher mileage G50 coupes still in good shape for less, but the mileage premium for this car is still worth at least $10k+ IMO. Looks like a nice car.

[SilberUrS6]

Here's some stuff to think about:

A lot of the price in this car is the premium associated with low miles. So, every mile you drive it, the less value the car has as a low-mile car. A G50 Carrera is a great car, but it's still a car meant to be driven. After you start driving it, you might be sorry you decided to buy a low-mile car instead of a driver.

Personally, I had NO IDEA how much fun my car would be to drive. I love driving it, and can't imagine having to worry about the miles.

Another thing to think about is the hassles involved with a low-mile car. Sure, it hasn't been driven, but all those rubber bits in the suspension are probably due for replacement. And the shocks. And what's with the brakes? You have no idea, because there are no records. How much oil does it drink? Maybe a lot - the valve guides in these cars wore really fast in some of the cars.

Yeah, it might be in great physical shape, but I wouldn't count on it being in great mechanical shape. Especially without some documentation.

A VERY careful PPI is necessary.

[Sox Fan]

Good points and thanks for all the feedback.

I plan on driving it about 5,000 miles a year. I live in Michigan so will drive my 530 for the winter months and I also have a couple of BMW motorcycles I like to ride. Low mileage is appealing to me since if I drive it 5,000 a year, in ten years it will only be a 90,000 mile car, etc, etc.

I do understand if it sat for a while that can dry some things out.

[vracer]

He owned it for 13 years, and kept NO records? Is it a consignment car, or does dealer own it? Can you speak to owner? Do not go to dealer's PPI guy; go to the one who "thinks" he will be servicing the car. Maybe have the odo pulled to see if it still has the factory paint seals. (Sometimes they are easy to pull; sometimes not so.) Do you really want a red car with big spoiler? Will you four years from now?

[Sox Fan]

No - it's not a consignment car, they actually own it. I am not doubting the car has 39,000 miles - it is really immaculate and everything appears to be original. It has the original spare, air pump, tool roll, etc. Did not ask about speaking to the previous owner. Only real concern I have is that it may have sat for a while.

Autofax shows no accidents and the car was registered every year. Record of service at 29,000 miles on the autofax - most likely the last 15,000 mile service done but can't know for sure. Looking at the autofax and the reported mileage through the years, it appears it was used regularly but maybe only 1000-2000 miles some years but can't tell for sure.

I really do love the red and I don't think I would buy one without the whale tail. Just love that look. Pure 80s decadence...

Good point on an unbiased PPI.

[Rot 911]

Just my opinion, but if I had 35K I wanted to drop on a 911, I'd be buying a 993 and not an '89 low miles Carrera.

[Sox Fan]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Just my opinion, but if I had 35K I wanted to drop on a 911, I'd be buying a 993 and not an '89 low miles Carrera.

True. 35k does get you into solid 993 territory. Looks like I may be able to buy this one for for 2-3k less than the asking price. I want the lighter, simpler 3.2 though - somehow that is more appealing to me. 993 is awfully good looking car though.

[racer]

IIRC, 1989's should have come with 8" or 9" rear wheels. These look like 7's. Maybe its an early '89? Also, the car should have come with red taillights, not orange. I share, only because to me these are signed that the car may not be completely original. Sure, its low miles, but as someone else mentioned, any perceived value of low miles is ruined if you actually drive the car.

Not sure if still happening, but for some 3.2l owners, valve guide failure at as low as 50K miles could show up. Not saying it will, but be considerate of this. Also, unless there is proof of replacement, I'd be a bit worried about driving around on 23+ year old suspension (shocks, bushings), fuel lines etc. Given the low mileage, there could be issues from lack of use.

That said, they ain't making anymore of them. Prices (asking) could be seen anywhere between $21-30K these days.

IF not already know, ask to see the "options" sticker to see what the car came with.

[teleski42]

I recently purchased a 1988 911 with twice mileage. There is no way to stress the importance of an objective and expert PPI. That car is very top dollar and you do not want to be investing in expensive maintenance. Best of luck.

[Sox Fan]

Thanks for all the input everyone. We agreed on what I think is a fair price and the PPI went well. Just a few minor things and some recommended maintenance.

Planning on picking it up tomorrow.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Sox Fan

Thanks for all the input everyone. We agreed on what I think is a fair price and the PPI went well. Just a few minor things and some recommended maintenance.

Planning on picking it up tomorrow.

EXCELLENT!

Welcome to the cult! Errr, I mean club.

[Wiese]

Well done! She's a beauty!

Keep her nice, keep her original.

[Sox Fan]

Thanks guys. Glad to be part of the cult/club. Yes, the plan is to keep her original. Maybe a chip and exhaust down the road but that would be it.

Picking her up in 12 hours and 52 minutes but it's not like I am excited or anything....

[geshaghi]

Congratulations!

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Sox Fan

Picking her up in 12 hours and 52 minutes but it's not like I am excited or anything....

I think all of us know what you mean.

[GregoryF]

Sox - don't worry about the mileage and devaluing the car. As previously mentioned, you ARE paying a premium for the low miles, no question about that. But with only 39K on the clock you can go a looooong way and still have a "low mileage" car, especially if you are driving other vehicles regularly. I paid $21K for my '83 SC Targa with 45K miles a couple of years ago. I know I paid a premium for the mileage, but the car is really clean, a time capsule in every way and drives wonderfully. I've had zero issues and don't regret the purchase. Driving in rotation with 7 other cars it will take me years to put enough miles on the car to make a difference when resale time rolls around if I ever decide to sell.
Congrats on the purchase! Have fun with it!

[Sox Fan]

Originally Posted by GregoryF

Sox - don't worry about the mileage and devaluing the car. As previously mentioned, you ARE paying a premium for the low miles, no question about that. But with only 39K on the clock you can go a looooong way and still have a "low mileage" car, especially if you are driving other vehicles regularly. I paid $21K for my '83 SC Targa with 45K miles a couple of years ago. I know I paid a premium for the mileage, but the car is really clean, a time capsule in every way and drives wonderfully. I've had zero issues and don't regret the purchase. Driving in rotation with 7 other cars it will take me years to put enough miles on the car to make a difference when resale time rolls around if I ever decide to sell.
Congrats on the purchase! Have fun with it!

Thanks GregoryF.

I ended up paying $32,500. The dealer originally listed the car for 39,900 a few months ago but had brought the asking price down to $34,900 by the time I got serious about making an offer. I know that's not a screaming deal but after months of searching, it looked like it was going to be hard to find a low miles 87-89 for under 30k. This one popped up only two hours away and the car really only needs fresh tires and normal maintenance so I think it was a fair deal. I think there are far fewer cars available in the Midwest versus other parts of the country. I was hoping not to have to fly and drive or ship a car purchased unseen. Really good original paint, interior needs nothing, the right wheels, really sharp looking car.

The plan is exactly as you said. I have a 5 series for a daily driver and two BMW motorcycles that I also commute with sometimes. I am guessing the Porsche will see maybe 5000 miles a year tops. So, it should be a relatively low mileage car for a long time.

I do understand the logic of a well cared for higher mileage car being a smart buy but was, honestly, surprised at the amount of feedback that "a low mileage car could be full of problems from sitting, you should buy this or that instead for that price", etc. I kinda wondered - "does that mean no one should by a low miles car?" I had the cash to buy this one so followed the "buy the best one you can find" strategy.

At any rate, I picked it up a few days ago and the thing is an absolute hoot to drive. I have never driven a 911 or any sort of real sports car before so it was, actually, kind of jarring how raw these cars are. A completely involving driving experience - two hands on the wheel, planning shifts, WAY more effort to steer. There is nothing "soft" about this car! I drove my 530 last night for the first time in a couple of days. Normally it feels like a fairly quick, sporty sedan. Oh my, it felt big, soft and squishy after driving the 911.

[Sox Fan]

New and very happy owner stopping for a rest on the drive back from picking up the car.