84 3.2 Targa, Is it worth it?

[Golfin_Fool]

Is this 3.2 worth it? For all those who PM'd me for posting in the wrong place, thank you. I am learning these message boards as I go!

I have been looking for a while now for my first 911. I am torn between everything. I love the SC and 3.2s as that is what I grew up "worshiping" as a sports car.

However, life has been better to me than expected and I can afford up to about $50k for whatever I really want. I have driven 993s and 997s and like the comforts of them.

I have found a 84 Targa (a targa one of my wishes originally) for $21k. It has 160k miles on it. The 3.2 is in great condition and you can tell it has been cared for…or restored in the last few years. I have seen all the records..there are quite a few.

It has been in 2 accidents in the 1990s. My eye cannot tell anything has been done. THe records have the body shop bills, so that is the only way I know.

I plan to use as a daily driver (12 mi each way to work). So I am not looking for a gem, but if I decide I want to upgrade to a 997 or something different, I also don't want to take a bath.

Is this one of those "never pass up" opportunities?

Thanks Pelicans!

[mike gilbert]

With a budget of 50k I would hold out for a later air cooled Carrera (87 up) with the G50 transmission, it will probably be more driver friendly to you. I like my 915 but I wish it was a G50. If you have room you could spend around 30k for a nice 911 and use the rest for a nice 996 for an everyday driver.

[Matt Monson]

With your budget I wouldn't buy that car. Over time the accidents will make it harder to get out of it.

[christiandk]

Having owned most of the "ordinary Joes" Porsches I was so surprised to drive the 928 5 speed I recently bought. Blew my mind...and ears.

My message; dont buy anything until you drive a pristine manual 928.

[Patrick3000]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

With your budget I wouldn't buy that car. Over time the accidents will make it harder to get out of it.

X2

You asked so here it is, given your budget I would limit my search to 87-89 G50 Targa's with original paint, complete service history and under 100k miles. In this market you should be able to find an excellent example "a number 2" in the low 40's.

Enjoy the search it's part of the fun, one more thing I would see and drive every Targa that you can, that way when the "one" materializes you with recognize the opportunity without hesitation.

[CountD]

Originally Posted by christiandk

Having owned most of the "ordinary Joes" Porsches I was so surprised to drive the 928 5 speed I recently bought. Blew my mind...and ears.

My message; dont buy anything until you drive a pristine manual 928.

There you go - 928s are freakin' sweet. Problem is 95% of them in the States are automatics - and have been owned by people who couldn't afford to maintain them. A clean 928 is hard to beat. A clean 928 in the States is even harder.

[Matt Monson]

Didn't look too closely but a decent Midproduction 928 GT popped up in the classifieds the other day at just under $20k.
With your budget you could get that car as a weekend toy and a 996 or Cayman for commuting.

[Matt Monson]

But then you are one of them water cooled guys.

[mishwa]

Golfin_fool. If you want an air cooled classic, a 3.2 G50 is your best bet. With your budget, you may wish to steer clear of an accident vehicle. You could buy a 997.2 with low miles that would be very satisfying but you would still wish you had a 3.2 G50. You could buy a 993 and have better a/c but would still wish you had a 3.2 G50. You could buy a running long hood project but would still wish you had a 3.2 G50. My current car is 3.2 G50 original paint coupe with 36K on the odometer. Previous cars: 71E (owned 43 years),72T (owned 2 years), 02 996 (owned 11 years). Enjoy the journey of finding the right car.

[christiandk]

Originally Posted by CountD

There you go - 928s are freakin' sweet. Problem is 95% of them in the States are automatics - and have been owned by people who couldn't afford to maintain them. A clean 928 is hard to beat. A clean 928 in the States is even harder.

Believe me, the ones in Europe are mostly trashed as well. I think the us market for the 928 is far more interesting. If I get the means I would consider a mid 80's manual as my DD along with my bicycle

Matt, I sure hope that you did not suggest the Barbie cars for me - that would be a blow below the waist! I am not man enough to handle that......

[COLB]

No affiliation.



Claimed 50k miles, very clean looking; love the looks of this year, plus the higher output engine. Working A/C?

If it is all true, it is a bargain.

1985 Porsche 928, Guards red/ tan leather interior, 50,200miles. 5 speed manual transmission. A/C blows cold, sunroof, power steering windows, brakes, cruise control. Excellent paint and interior. 32 Valve 288 HP V-8. Extensive service records, books, tools, car cover. New tires, timing belt (April 2014), oil & filter, battery. Driven regularly, everything works. An exceptional Porsche 928S hi-performance touring car you will enjoy owning and driving. Calls only, four one oh 218 7712.

1985 Porsche 928s 5 Speed, low miles

[CountD]

Originally Posted by christiandk

Believe me, the ones in Europe are mostly trashed as well. I think the us market for the 928 is far more interesting. If I get the means I would consider a mid 80's manual as my DD along with my bicycle

Matt, I sure hope that you did not suggest the Barbie cars for me - that would be a blow below the waist! I am not man enough to handle that......

No joke, two years ago I was going to the grocery store (Stumps in Point Loma, San Diego), and this guy had a blue 928 with a For Sale sign in the window. It was a '79, the interior was beat, the rear tires bald and I waited for him to come out. I talked with him and he wanted $1500. I almost went to the bank. He said he drove it for almost a year - thing was, the radiator leaked and he had to add coolant every morning (my thinking was different, maybe something else). Said he 'only' overheated it a couple times. At least he was honest. Man, sometimes I wish I bought it just for the experience. To me, the 928 was always up there with the 911. I'm an '80s guy, and with Risky Business, Weird Science...man.

[christiandk]

You and me both Count - several times a month I put on Risky business just to see the scene where Tom cruises the 928 - Epic!