More photos of the car here.

I had to scroll through them and find a picture of the odometer to see the mileage: 212k. Not a big deal in some sense, but given my budget I would probably rather pay more for something will lower miles. I also notice that there is no option sticker under the hood, and no pictures of the trunk (do we really call it a frunk?) with carpet in - is it missing? Was the hood repainted?

I'm leery of dealers like this who post an ad with minimal and/or incorrect detail, and who also seem to sell a wide range of cars. I see everything from a 2002 mini van to a 2012 Maserati. Do you think that wariness is reasonable? I realize it makes me "picky" but I'm hesitant to buy a car from a place that knows nothing about it. I guess the result of a good PPI is the only thing that really matters. It's more that I would tend to think it isn't worth the $400-500 when the car comes from a place like this.

Yes, I would also be leery of buying from that dealer, but as you note, a PPI will (should) tell all you need to know.

Personally, I'd like to know why the carpets are so damn dirty!

Cheers

d.

I think you're right to be wary, I'm also unimpressed with the dealers that mostly trade beat up old buicks and ratty 2001 toyotas. If he's listing at 34k he probably paid 25k or so.

If you look at the dealer's website, his other cars list mileage.
So, he went out of his way to hide the mileage for this 212k car.
That is reason enough not to deal with this annoying jackass.

http://www.palmdesertauto.com/vehicle/4692/1991-PORSCHE-911-CARRERA-58K-MILES-1-OWNER-CABRIOLET/
http://www.palmdesertauto.com/vehicle/7506/1986-PORSCHE-911-COUPE-G50-COA-2ND-OWNER-ORIGINAL-PAINT-CA-CAR/

In addition to all that has been said about that car, I just think you can do much better with your budget.
Stay patient, I looked for over a year.

Yeah, I thought that regardless. I'd rather spend more and get more.

Autojack, just sent you a PM.

Frank, great to meet you today and thanks for letting me take the car for a spin. Now I feel like I have a solid baseline experience with the G50. I'll get another chance to drive my friend's 915 for more than 10 minutes, and that should help a lot with knowing what they're like. Any excuse for some 911 seat time ;)

Per our conversation in the car, here is the quote from the Peter Morgan Ultimate Buyers' Guide book about the changes Porsche made to the 915 in the later years: "In 1985 and 1986 there were successive reductions in gear lever travel of 10%, to reduce the 915 gearbox's notoriously vague action (compared to other contemporary gearboxes)." So I don't know how those changes, which he seems to suggest were universal, relate to the separate short shift option that was available. And before anyone piles on about which of the two is "better," just know that Morgan's book offers a very balanced comparison of the two, much like what several people in this thread have already said: 915 is more "classic" feeling, G50 is more "modern" feeling, personal preference is, well, just that.

I'm really glad I started this thread, it turned into something much different than I expected, in a good way! The search continues...

Here's an old thread with some discussion of it, especially post #15
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/163388-short-shifter-made-easy.html

Yes, 85 an 86 have a noticeable difference in shift feel. But you can get the same feel with an aftermarket shifter.

Noted! Thanks Matt!

Well, given my budget, why not try for a newer model, 3.2 engine vs. 3.0, etc.? That's the only reason I haven't seriously considered the SC. My basic thought was to buy the newest, nicest car I could get for my budget. I suppose I might find an immaculate low-miles SC for $38k or something, but my instinct is to go after something newer, even if it has more miles.

A lot of folks prefer the older engines. The SC has a lighter a feel to it and the middie's even more so.

If you are open to not getting the newest car, which in your case would be the 88, then why not look at the older models as well ? I would.

I prefer the 3.2s fuel injection to the 3.0s CIS. But that's just me.

Sweet SC on BAT

1982 Porsche 911SC Coupe | Bring a Trailer

Oh, and if I might be moving to Australia I would be looking at Targas. Unless you get a car with modernized upgraded AC it won't blow cool enough for down under. That was the point of the hot air over an ice cube comment someone made earlier in the thread. If I was running around Sydney I sure as hell would want to be topless.

you would have to buy sunscreen by the gallon, and wear a big floppy hat. : )

I'm a desert and mountain rat. I've been doing that for decades.

With me it's the opposite. I realized I wanted the oldest and least modern car I could afford.

Make that your car...