Rhetro

Hello, All!

Looking to buy a 911 for the first time! I know NOTHING about them, other than I've always wanted one. Not looking for anything new. I'm looking at anything from a late 70s to a late 80s model SC. No turbo -unless, it's too good to pass up (however, I think I should start without one). Don't want a ragtop, and don't really want to spend more than $30G? Don't know how realistic this is to get one in decent shape. I don't care about the mileage, and just want one that was babied and taken care of.
I currently have a 93 VR6 Corrado, which I love (and have owned for 19 years) But I'm starting to get nickel and dimed by it. I think it's time for an upgrade and thought by asking questions here.
Are there certain years within this range that I should stay away from?
Where do I start (besides asking a lot of questions..)?

Thanks for reading!

Amber Gramps

Start here:


Understand that the good cars are often highly coveted and not to be found at dealerships for reasonable money. It's turning into quite the expensive collectible.

Rhetro

Thanks Amber L

This is what I was afraid of. I guess it's a matter of being patient...
But I'll check out that book! Thanks for the link!
cheers!

JCP911S

For $30K, just as an example, here are the air-cooled Porsches that you can buy, with some effort....

A #2 condition 78-89 911 SC/Carrara coupe.

A #2 condition 964 coupe.

A #3 condition 993 that is mechanically sound, but has some cosmetic issues.

A pretty nice 74-77 2.7 coupe.

GTgears

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...e-Numbers-Mean

I'm going to take all your numbers and say +1. 3s and 4s are in the $25-30K price range these days.

Rhetro

Thank you gentlemen!

Printed out the hagerty link, and ordered that book recommended by Amber Lamps as well. I appreciate the input!!

JCP911S

Point taken.... this is totally subjective... so let me explain... depends on the car.

A #1 on a 300SL, is a Pebble Beach/Amelia Island Class winning car.

A #1 on a Pinto, means it runs, and has no evidence of fire damage.

When '78 SCs receive $150K restorations, and get Best In Class awards, then the bar gets raised.

To me a #2 SC is a car that starts, runs, has no sign of accident damage, has an in-tact interior, and all its parts, has some wear on the interior and some paint fade from sun damage, maybe needs new brakes, and tires, but wouldn't get you divorced if you brought it home to your wife.

Rhetro

[QUOTE...wouldn't get you divorced if you brought it home to your wife.[/QUOTE]

Drisump

"I'm looking at anything from a late 70s to a late 80s model SC." Yeah, the SC was made up until 83 and the 3.2 was made 84-89. The 3.2 looks very similar to the SC but has a few mechanical upgrades and cosmetic changes. I have had an 85 for a number of years now and love her. That being said, these are older cars and although reliable, frequently have little items that need attention. You didn't say whether you do your own wrenching, personally, if I didn't work on mine, I probably wouldn't own her. Good luck in the hunt.

Rhetro

Thanks Drisump,
The maintenance is somewhat of a concern, but can't be anything worse (I presume) than what I'm going through with my Corrado. Thank God I'm a Porsche fan and not really into Jags, Ferraris etc. I have a mini van if I'm down for serious maintenance, but I am looking at the Porshce for my daily driving -is this extreme? I'm also not opposed to doing minor maintenance, but it's really more of time issue with me. If I got a 3.2 Carrera in decent-excellent condition, how bad can repairs be expected to be? Do you guys have an average as to what it can cost (I realize this is a broad question)?

Drisump

Everyones DD yearly mileage is different. Bear in mind even just a 15k service is a significant cost if carried out at a professional establishment. I put on about 3-5k per year so I don't have a feel for what a normal DD driver should expect for maintenance. A couple of months ago I met a fellow in Yosemite who had bought his SC six years ago. He bought it with 60k and currently has over 150k....it's his one and only car. I think (per mile) there would be many other cars (most) that would cost less to run, but few that would be as fun per dollar. Cheers

Rhetro

Fun/Dollar -Love it!! I'm not getting any younger. I figure act now before I lack the reflexes to merit owning it in the first place!
If I can find something I really like, and a third of the car note goes into (potential) repairs, I think doing ok. Just afraid of getting a lemon..I would hire an expert to go through it with a fine-toothed comb, and tell me what's wrong with it.

GTgears

I've been shouted down in the past for telling people to put several thousand a year in savings for maintenance. But the thing is it won't cost that much every year. But when $1500 of suspension work or $3500 in gearbox comes along in year 3 you will be prepared and not having to dump your car because you didn't plan ahead.

As for the condition thing? Rating condition is not subjective. It isn't based on actual value of the car. 90% of us here own 3s and 4s. My spectacular '86 is a 3. And I couldn't care less. I wouldn't worry about the condition number. Worry about the actual condition. They aluminum case engines run forever other then the ocassional broken head stud or valve guide issue.

Rhetro

Cool! I'm all over it, GT. If I was getting something in mint condition, I'd be too afraid to drive it. It'd sit in a glass house -Ferris Bueller style. I want to drive it -daily if I can get away with it! So it's used, so what!? I just don't trust (and can afford) anything new these days anyway. If it shows some wear, so be it! It's being driven, and therefore loved. There's nothing sadder than a classic car just sitting collecting dust.

GTgears

Where are you located? Plenty of us willing to help if we know where you are.