Narrowed my choices down to 2 cars.

[RyanWay]

OK Im back and ADHD under control and need the community's input:

I narrowed my choices down to two cars and need help weighing the pros and cons so I can make my final decision (which i have not already made:


Bachelorette #1 is an 1978 SC 911 in GP white/black car 87K original miles rust free with with a decent recent respray. COA original bilsteins 16x6/7, it is a running driving car but the interior was stripped out and the bumpers are off it. All parts a present an accounted for except the A/C condenser and compressor. It will need a headliner.Front seats un great shape rears look kinda beat. No caroet It includes a complete and running "rebuilt engine that does not leak" (with no paperwork) aftermarket exhaust new OEM heat exchangers (not SSI) and aftermarket muffler and welded cat bypass. Also included is the complete to the exhaust original 87K mile engine that was leaking. Also included is an additional set of bilsteins near new. Smog pump included. Will need a cat welded in if I want to register in CA. (I'm going to register it in OR) Sunroof is NOT working.

Cost to my door $28.5K

Bachelorette #2 is a 1986 Carrera 3.2 with a 915 also in GP white/black with 87K miles. Also a straight, rust free, and REALLY clean car with all black interior, working sunroof, Magnus edition prototipo and original leather wrapped, black Wevo shifter, new Potenzas, new calipers, new stoptech rotors/hawks on all corners, new G stop brake lines, clutch and major service (belts hoses plugs valve adjust etc), turbo tie-rods. Records back to the 90s
All smog equipment intact (I'm still going to register it in Oregon to save money)

$37,500 and I drive it home (from a distance).

I am asking because this is my first 911 and I have been reading and weighing the pros and cons for months and I have decision constipation. To be honest I would go home with either of these ladies. One is going to involve some work and delayed gratification, and will probably end up with PMOs the other costs 10K more (gas and an airline ticket) and I get to enjoy her right away and will get a Wong Chip and a cat bypass to start.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

-Ryan

[Matt Monson]

The Carrera.

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by matt monson

the carrera.

100%

[Christien]

They're both the same price. The SC will need the better part of $10k to bring it up to the condition of the Carrera, based on your descriptions. The only difference as far as I can see is that in the 10k you spend on bringing the SC up to par you can choose the bits and pieces, so you have a bit of say in customization.

[RyanWay]

Originally Posted by Christien

They're both the same price. The SC will need the better part of $10k to bring it up to the condition of the Carrera, based on your descriptions. The only difference as far as I can see is that in the 10k you spend on bringing the SC up to par you can choose the bits and pieces, so you have a bit of say in customization.

Which is what has made deciding more difficult. I will say this: the Carrera owner is an enthusiast, as is the C owner, but is one who does not defer maintenance, or put off projects, he does upgrades methodically and tastefully...which will make outlaw touches bit harder to stomach...but regardless the car I buy will get narrow IROC bumpers and a Garry Stratton decklid. (already have the core).

[Christien]

Well, it'll be your car, so make it what you want. That said, if resale value is of any concern, keep it stock. Huge difference in value, as well as ability to sell. But if that isn't a concern, who cares about "easy to stomach" - you can always change it back. That's what's great about these cars!

[RyanWay]

Originally Posted by Christien

Well, it'll be your car, so make it what you want. That said, if resale value is of any concern, keep it stock. Huge difference in value, as well as ability to sell. But if that isn't a concern, who cares about "easy to stomach" - you can always change it back. That's what's great about these cars!

True story. I plan to bubble wrap and store the stock parts should I ever outgrow being an Outlaw...(probably not).

[Matt Monson]

The SC is $10k priced too high. It's a project but priced like a driver. That's what prompted my reply. Get it under $20k and it's a buy.

[RyanWay]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

The SC is $10k priced too high. It's a project but priced like a driver. That's what prompted my reply. Get it under $20k and it's a buy.

Thanks Matt. Is the Carrera priced right?

[Matt Monson]

Yes.

[SalParadise]

Save your mind and your wallet and buy the '86. Even though it's an '86 which they made more of than any year aircooled 911, and even though it's got a sunroof and it's not a Targa, I would buy the '86. Time is money. Time is something you can never get back.

[RyanWay]

Thanks Matt and Sal for dropping some wisdom on me. Should I be concerned/budget for valve guides soon if I choose the Carrera?

[Matt Monson]

Nope. They would have already failed.

[NYNick]

3.2 all the way.

[1979-930]

What everyone else said.

Plus I would be afraid the rebuilt engine in the 78 is a Motor Meister unit. People don't loose engine rebuild paperwork unless it's on purpose.

[RyanWay]

It does have a red fan

[Matt Monson]

A comment from your other thread... winter is a good time to buy. No reason to rush this decision.

[sugarwood]

Bachelorette #1 is an 1978 SC 911 in GP white/black car 87K original miles rust free with with a decent recent respray. COA original bilsteins 16x6/7, it is a running driving car but the interior was stripped out and the bumpers are off it. All parts a present an accounted for except the A/C condenser and compressor. It will need a headliner.Front seats un great shape rears look kinda beat. No caroet It includes a complete and running "rebuilt engine that does not leak" (with no paperwork) aftermarket exhaust new OEM heat exchangers (not SSI) and aftermarket muffler and welded cat bypass. Also included is the complete to the exhaust original 87K mile engine that was leaking. Also included is an additional set of bilsteins near new. Smog pump included. Will need a cat welded in if I want to register in CA. (I'm going to register it in OR) Sunroof is NOT working.

Respray.

No bumpers?
Broken sunroof?
A/C parts gone?

Gutted interior?
No headliner?
Beat up rear seats? Maybe fronts were even worse (before recovering)
No carpet?

Hard to believe it has 87k miles.
Did you verify Carfax?

All in all, sounds like a neglected rode hard kind of car
owned by someone who got in over his head. You qualified to bail him out?

As a first 911, you don't have a sense of what is complete and correct.
You also don't know what you don't know about this car.
The issues are just the ones you know about.

I would not touch that SC as a first timer.

[Catorce]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Respray.

No bumpers?
Broken sunroof?
A/C parts gone?

Gutted interior?
No headliner?
Beat up rear seats? Maybe fronts were even worse (before recovering)
No carpet?

Hard to believe it has 87k miles.
Did you verify Carfax?

All in all, sounds like a neglected rode hard kind of car
owned by someone who got in over his head. You qualified to bail him out?

As a first 911, you don't have a sense of what is complete and correct.
You also don't know what you don't know about this car.
The issues are just the ones you know about.

I would not touch that SC as a first timer.

Well said, dude. Spot on.

[Cal44]

Ryan,
as a '84 thru '86 fan (having owned three), you cannot go wrong with one. In short they are a peach of a car. I am currently on the prowl for a coupe. Having convinced myself the cars haven't gone up in value but rather are selling for what they sold new, it isn't so bad paying the money. Leave the fixers to guys that know the score and get your feet wet with a good car.
It will pay off every time.