Am I fooling myself?

KMoore68 · KMoore68's Garage

Hi,

Growing up in the 80's, I've always wanted a 911 from that era. I've been looking off and on for a number of years now and recently the prices have gone up dramatically.

I'm hoping to pick up an 1980's 911 Targa that is or around the west coast of the US. I live in Canada so importing it is something I am aware of but i feel ok about making that happen.

My budget is around $30K USD but as of late, I haven't been able to find any that match those conditions and I'm starting to feel that this might not happen.

I came across this web-site a while ago and enjoy the various posts and discussion around Porsches, engine rebuilding and all the technical articles.

Getting back to the title of my post, I'm not sure if what I'm looking for is out there or did I miss the boat?

Thanks for your thoughts.
Kevin

SalParadise · 01-24-2018, 01:55 PM

Repeat after me:

1) I am not fooling myself
2) I will find the right car at the right price
3) It will take time (maybe) or I may be lucky (this happens)
4) I will be smart and inspect the car in person
5) If I need help with inspections I will not be afraid to call in other people
5) I will have my budget money immediately accessible (all the time)
6) When I find the right car I will not hesitate but I will check the title first against the body and for red flags
7) I am not fooling myself and I will trust my instincts over emotion (unless the price is seriously right)

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

sal's is a great strategy.

Matt Monson · 01-24-2018, 02:39 PM

All of the above, and call some places. Cars aren’t always publicly available. Turn3 Autosport and Scan are both in the Vancouver area. Not only do you want to find a mechanic if you buy this car ( even the best diy guy pays on occasion) but they might know of a car for sale locally. Owners often hem and haw and tell their mechanic about plans to sell for months before they actually do.

davewadd · 01-24-2018, 02:52 PM

if you're ok with a higher mileage car, $30k is do-able. If you're ok with a 76-77 car, then $30k is very do-able. They are out there....but they're generally not on ebay or BAT. Start hitting your local Cars & Coffee gatherings; etc... I see cars in that range, all the time.... they're high-mileage and not show cars...but they are out there.

I agree with Matt... I'm amazed at the cars my mechanic picks up at good prices. Long-time customers sometime just decide they've too old, or too tired, to keep shifting...

mattC2993 · 01-24-2018, 03:13 PM

In Canada it is very difficult because your not likely going to be the first to see a car. I bought my 356 only because I was willing to travel and it was unadvertised. Networking locally and on forums and having friends in the US helps. Unadvertised cars, if you can get some leads, are the way to go. I made a couple of trips to see cars only to come home empty handed.

Matt Monson · 01-24-2018, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davewadd

I agree with Matt... I'm amazed at the cars my mechanic picks up at good prices. Long-time customers sometime just decide they've too old, or too tired, to keep shifting...

It’s like they are priests. It’s how I got my 68 911T.

ab1752 · ab1752's Garage

I am in Vancouver and bought my '89 Carrera Coupe, which was sold new here at MCL, by fluke word of mouth via Octagon Motors. Scan is more into newer cars but Turn 3 may be able to lend a hand. Also check with Jakobs as they seem to have cars for sale there often too. It seems there are a few cars around town but not many that are priced in your budget, cars here are quite expensive. Weissach will start their cars and coffee series in April I believe so you might want to check that out too. Good luck, and whatever you do don't rush it.

kc911s · 01-24-2018, 09:06 PM

Best way to buy is word of mouth on a car that hasn't been advertised. Just put some feelers out and you might be surprised what you find.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

No, you can purchase a well kept higher mileage Targa for $30,000. You just have to be prepared and patient. I will post anything I see here on your thread. Personally, I would look at any candidates up to $35,000.

dyusem · dyusem's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by kc911s

Best way to buy is word of mouth on a car that hasn't been advertised. Just put some feelers out and you might be surprised what you find.

This is how I sold my Targa after never posting an ad, only mentioning to a friend my weak desire to sell (added another P car to the lineup!) and then having the same guy chase the Targa for many moons!

PS So much great advice in this thread and you'll need to remember that you are also buying the current caretaker, and yup, even the best wrenches here sometimes need a mechanic! Knowing that mechanic is always a nice perk...

PSS Looking forward to watching your trials & tribulations with your chase, so make sure to update this thread as you progress. I'll post any vehicles that I hear about. Pictures of what you purchase will be mandatory...have fun & good luck!

Unobtanium-inc · 01-25-2018, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

It’s like they are priests. It’s how I got my 68 911T.

There is a very clear reason why so many people sell their car to their mechanic or a trusted known Porsche dealer, it's because there is no blowback. When you sell your car to someone in the business they know exactly what they are buying and there isn't any confusion, and confusion translates to money back, aggravation, etc.
I once sold a very nice 65 912 to a guy who called me up screaming when he drove it. He asked "what kind of a POS did I sell him?"
I was confused, this was a nice car. I asked what was wrong with hit.
He said the brakes pulled a little to the right when he slammed them, and the carbs popped on down-shifting, the list went on along these lines.
I politely asked if he had ever owned a Porsche before.
He screamed for a minute and then explained to me that had been driving his Boxster for 5 years, he KNEW Porsches.
I told him there was a big PCA meeting near him that weekend, said he should take his car out there, tell all his friend's what he paid, and asked if he in fact got ripped off.
He called me that Monday and apologized and admitted that he had in fact got a good car at a good price.
But I have a thick skin and can take the heat, your average guy selling one car doesn't want that kind of stress in his life and is much happier selling the car quietly than advertising it and having ever picture flipper grinding him on price, strange people coming to his house, and my favorite the guy who asks for a million more pictures, but never ever buys the car.
So that's why some people have a never ending stream of cars, it's because people like dealing with them and their reputation precedes them. I know, I picked up 3 Porsches last weekend, and turned down four more, all in one weekend.

---Adam

KMoore68 · KMoore68's Garage

Thank you all for the feedback and insight. I'll keep at it and reach out to some local mechanics.

Cheers!

kc911s · 01-25-2018, 07:25 AM

Your local mechanics won't be getting hit as hard as Craigslist by dealers/flippers, and you might actually might have time to perform a PPI too!

specialtyoneinc · 08:32 AM

Definitely didn't miss the boat. Check craigslist, major classifieds and the forum marketplaces religiously and you'll find a Targa. Maybe even an amazing deal. Just need to act quick on those.

I feel like driver 911's bring good money on BAT usually. Not a great example for $30k below.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-porsche-911-carreara-targa-2/