Calling the Porsche experts

[azguy]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

FWIW I personally lust after a '87-'89 911.

Agreed, with the whale tail

[texex91]

Sorry I can't be much help on older models. I love them though.

Have had 911 2S 2011, 2012 and now 2013 911 4S. The new 991 really is a daily driver. However, like you I really only end up driving it on weekends and maybe once or twice during week.

Waiting on 2014 Turbo--hopefully in Jan or Feb when they come out.

Love the 911.

[bawlin]

Budget? "Something nice" from the 70's or 80's can start in the low teens and approach 6 figures.

Personally I would opt for an '84 - '89 3.2L Carrera (with the '87 - '89 having the G50 transmission and costing 50% more than an '84 - '86). With an unlimited budget, I would probably go with a '77 Turbo Carrera. This is strictly limiting it to a 70's or 80's vintage. If I had a choice, I would go with a black 993 C2S, throw on some BBS LM's and call it a day.

[chsu74]

Are you looking for a driver or a garage queen? What are you looking to spend? I suggest you look at air cooled cars if you don't want depreciation but drive them first. They are not for everyone. Holt always has a nice selection but you do pay extra 10 to 20% for the piece of mind.

http://www.holtmotorsports.com/inventory.php

If you are buying via autotrader or elsewhere. Find a independent garage who knows these cars and get a good PPI. Join rennlist and people will help you out. Always get a leakdown on the engine in a prospective purchase and never settle for anything less.

Be willing to walk away from deals if the seller is not cooperating with you. Do not take it to a dealer for a PPI. Take your time to learn about these cars before pulling the trigger or you will be buying someone's problem and ruin your ownership experience.

[zama]

Mine was an original 1982 911SC Cab. I am no expert but there was a substantial improvement in rust proofing around 1977 with the intro of the 911SC. The SC's had mechanical fuel injection which was fine and quick if you know a great mechanic, mine was an angry old German Porsche mechanic who moved to Australia. For safety sake the electronic fuel injected cars of the late 80's is an easier bet and the classic shape the 964's were excellent as well, although started to have more electronics, some of which may be getting tired. the 993 is for all the ultimate of the breed last air cooled, but again had more moving parts than the older 80's cars. In any case all were over engineered and should make a happy relatively cheap freind for years to come when not your daily driver, although all could probably do that task as well if asked.

[Beek]

993, last proper air cooled Porsche. Get a manual box and just rear wheel drive. No targa or convertible as that roofline of the coupe is just beautiful.

[psv]

I tend to agree with that last statement, Beek - aircooled and a regular model sans targa, convertible or turbo wing is the way to go. At least for me.

[psv]

OK, reviving this thread. It is snowing outside, I didn't have the cycles to research an used Porsche in 2013, so 2014 it is! :-)

87-89 3.2L sounds about right.

I want something that I can enoy and drive, I'm not looking for 2 year weekend project that sucks up all my time, rather something I can park in the garage and take out once or a couple of times per week to enjoy.