Time to buy?

[m962b]

I can only afford $18k at the moment and would like to get 911. Its been a very long time coming and I seem to be right behind the appreciation curve. Accordingly, i have been saving money at about the same rate as the cars have been appreciating over the last few years. I'm hoping for a solid driver and the 2.7s actually, but really need to focus on the reliability of the 3.0 and 3.2.

I know we can't predict the bubble or anything like that- I don't to start another discussion about that. But is $18,000 going to find me a decent 3.0? these ads seem way too high and i am not sure what these things are actually selling for. I am a PCA member and search their classifieds as well which seem a slight bit lower than reenlist and here among the other major sites.

Should I really try to buy in the next month or so (when i find a good one, if ever) or try to keep saving. It's killing me (mores my wife) that they are starting to eclipse great modern cars in price.

Thanks all.

[KNS]

Start looking but keep saving at the same time. $18,000 will get you a nice driver with around 100,000 miles. $20 - 22,000 would be better. Your bigger problem will be finding a car before somebody else does.

You never know, you could stumble across something nice for less than $18,000 and surprise yourself. Don't be afraid of cars with 100K miles or more if it comes with plenty of maintenance history.

[Sunroof]

CAUTION...............emotions play high when you have cash in your pocket and a Porsche in your view finder. These older 911's can be very costly to fix and maintain (well that goes for any Porsche), so a Pre-Purchase Inspection is vital. You might have to spend a few more bucks in checking out more then one vehicle. Pre-select your shop and start talking to a mechanic so you have a good sense of dependability and trust. You would be surprised...if you visit a local popular Porsche repair shop that they just might know of several client/owners who plan on or are currently selling their cars. Its a chance to jump in first and gain some insight into car repair history and condition. Never hurts to take that route.

Good luck

Bob
73.5T

[2cam]

If you haven't already done so, post a WTB ad on your local (or near) CL. I did that in addition to an ad here and a couple of other places and the efforts netted multiple options and provided a bit more time to make an educated decision on a specific car versus cars that were currently being advertised.

Good luck with the search. There are still decent cars out there within your budget. Now if I could just find a decent middie for the same budget...

2cam

[X JBM X]

honestly, for $18k....

I think your selection will be somewhat limited...

if you're itching to get into the 911 game, maybe a good option for you would be to target some of the higher mileage examples, like we've seen in the classifieds here lately.

Some of the cars with the 200-300k with significant receipts and mechanical history might be a nice target for you. if things were done right (hence the documentation piece) you should be able to get a very solid driver in decent condition within your range.

[Sunroof]

Consider the mid-years (1974 - 1977). First rust proofed 911 was the 1975 model. If you find a rebuilt 2.7 with updates you have a great car. That might fit your range.

[TheSt|G]

If you can only afford an $18k 3.0 you can't afford a 3.0.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Sunroof

CAUTION...............emotions play high when you have cash in your pocket and a Porsche in your view finder. These older 911's can be very costly to fix and maintain (well that goes for any Porsche), so a Pre-Purchase Inspection is vital. You might have to spend a few more bucks in checking out more then one vehicle. Pre-select your shop and start talking to a mechanic so you have a good sense of dependability and trust. You would be surprised...if you visit a local popular Porsche repair shop that they just might know of several client/owners who plan on or are currently selling their cars. Its a chance to jump in first and gain some insight into car repair history and condition. Never hurts to take that route.

Good luck

Bob
73.5T

This is good advice. The shops normally know the owners who are willing to sell.
I would also advise going to your local PCA events and chewing the fat with those guys. I've seen quite a few FOR SALE signs on cars at AutoX etc., track events etc., and you might generate some leads as well.
My local P specialist shop currently is beating buyers back with a stick on an SC Targa at $15,500. They're out there, you just got be patient.
Nick

[dienstuhr]

Originally Posted by NYNick

My local P specialist shop currently is beating buyers back with a stick on an SC Targa at $15,500. They're out there, you just got be patient.
Nick

Curious as to why they'd be chasing buyers off a car they themselves listed for sale...?

Or do you mean it sold quickly at that price?

Cheers

d.

[NYNick]

I mean a ton of buyers are after that car, and they were surprised at the response.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[Matt Monson]

Consider the mid-years (1974 - 1977). First rust proofed 911 was the 1975 model. If you find a rebuilt 2.7 with updates you have a great car. That might fit your range.

This is sound advice. And if you aren't stuck on numbers matching you might find a '74-77 in your range that had a 3.0 installed instead of rebuilding the 2.7. Really common practice 5-10 years ago.

[m962b]

I am particularly partial to the body style of the 2.7s, and would love to find a 3.0 equipped one. not sure if its silly to be hung up on an all original car. I have kept my 944 completely stock as some expense to experience what porsche had intended.

Kinda torn about non numbers matching.

[Matt Monson]

There's been some decent original 2.7 drivers for sale in the $15-18k range recently. Mostly targas, don't know if that matters to you. Might get stuck with a '76-77 at your price though. Earlier ones carry a bit of a premium.

[Uncle Enzo]

You should be able to find a good Mid year for 18k. At the point most all of them have had the motors gone through and if done correctly should prove no less issue prone than other models.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by m962b

I can only afford $18k at the moment and would like to get 911.
...
Should I really try to buy in the next month or so (when i find a good one, if ever) or try to keep saving.
...

I would worry about how much maintenance and fixes can I afford each year.
How much does an engine or transmission rebuild run these days ?

[christiandk]

Consider a 912E, but then again if you want a 911 there is not much of a price difference from the E to a 911S.

[Helios59]

Originally Posted by pmax

I would worry about how much maintenance and fixes can I afford each year.
How much does an engine or transmission rebuild run these days ?

Hi pmax, welcome!

I see you're new here. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Do you own a Porsche? Are you looking to buy?

Ever been to the Hershey Swap Meet up in Pennsylvania?

[pmax]

Originally Posted by Helios59

Hi pmax, welcome!

I see you're new here. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Do you own a Porsche? Are you looking to buy?

Ever been to the Hershey Swap Meet up in Pennsylvania?

Thanks.

I'm in the SF Bay Area, 87 Carrera. Aren't we all always looking ?

Hershey Swap Meet , what's that ?

[Helios59]

Originally Posted by pmax

Thanks.

I'm in the SF Bay Area, 87 Carrera. Aren't we all always looking ?

Hershey Swap Meet , what's that ?

Sorry, you just reminded me of someone for a second!

In case you ever make it out east, there's a huge Porsche gathering in Hersey, PA every April.

Welcome!

[COLB]

If you can only afford an $18k 3.0 you can't afford a 3.0.

This is good advice.

You are not buying a new car, so if $18k is a reach budget wise, you are setting yourself up for heartbreak.

If you are buying ANY 30 year old car, I would advise leaving yourself about a 10-15% cushion on your budget for near term "fixes" to make sure the car runs, drives, and stops reliably -- and that puts you into the $15-16k range, where it is tough to find a solid car -- SC, mid-year, or otherwise. Things are going to be work, and broken -- and other things will wear out & break. You need to expect that, and budget for it before you buy the car.

At a bare minimum, build in enough space to do a major service: valve adjustment (valve cover gasket kit), brake pads, rotors, and fluid, oil & filters (oil, air, fuel), plugs, cap & rotor, and belts.

You can DIY all that for ~$500-600. Then have ~$500 set aside for other "issues" as they come along. Add a little to your "reserve" each month, and you will avoid the sticker shock of major expenses when they come along.

If are looking to get in cheap at $18k, and don't plan on DIY for all your maintenance, your should strongly consider another car.