Chadly_T

Hello all,

I am looking at buying something soon, done a lot of research. I have narrowed it down to a 1988 or 1989 coupe or targa. Need the rear seat shoulder belts, as I have two kids who are very eager to ride in Daddy's toy.

I want something to drive, but don't need a daily driver. 80-130k miles seems to be about the sweet spot for me. I don't want to be afraid to drive it.

I am looking to spend up to $40k.

Has to have a whale tail. I also like the black Fuchs. Beyond that I am open to lots of different colors/options.

Any suggestions on where to find "my" Porsche would be appreciated. Thanks,

NYNick

Sounds like you have some interesting preferences. Check Pelican Parts For Sale section. Lots for sale over there and some decent deals in my opinion.

The whale tail was never my cup of tea, BTW.

myflat6

Good choice. G50 Carrera 3.2 are great cars. I have an SC Targa with the whale tale and happen to love it. It is the epitome of the 1980's which is when I was a teenager longing for a Porsche. Pelican, Craigslist and Rennlist are places to watch. Bring a trailer is a good auction site.

lucky strike

I have one that has 52,000 mi.
It's more than your looking to spend, but ya never know.
Pics. on mercedeshowroom.com

lucky strike

Just read your post again, sorry mine is a 1985

Spyerx

Having just gone through this at 40k you'll be looking at higher mile cars or cars that need some work. Do your homework and ensure you get a full inspection so you know what you're getting into. the cars are stout but deferred maintenance can be $. Most is easy to do, some is expensive (like clutch). I bought mine, a lower mile clean car knowing it still needed a few k in services to get it to where I wanted it (most done myself).

Where are you located?

TerrySmith

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie...2060784e5a0e3d

http://www.excellence-mag.com/classifieds

https://rennlist.com/forums/marketplace/cars/search/

https://www.pca.org/browse-the-mart-classified-ads?f[0]=sm_field_type_of_ad_list%3ACar%20For%20Sale

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cars-Trucks-...=Porsche%20911

And Craig's list.

rodneyr

Also, you may want to expand the years to include the other G50 year for 1987. I don't see as many of the 88 or 89 cars that come to the market. The ones that do typically have lower mileage and would be out of your budget.

I have not seen or shoulder belt in the back seat of these cars -- I did not know that was an option. My boys do like the back seat of my 87. Good luck with your search

GermanCarSpecialists

Don't get so stuck up on G50 cars, you can still get a very clean 84-86 car and spare your money. 915s when dialed up right are delight to drive.

Chadly_T

Thanks all for the suggestions!!!

Trying to answer some of the questions from above --

I am located in Michigan, about an hour north of Detroit.

Further thought has me expanding my budget into the low $40's, to try to get a car that maybe needs less or has less stories.

I want to stay at a 1988 or 1989 for the rear seat shoulder belts -- I got rid of a two seat car (C6 Corvette) because of the two kids, but a condition with the new toy is that the rear seat be as safe as possible for them, which means shoulder belts. Retrofits are possible, true, but would always wonder about the quality of something like that.

Thanks again!!

Schabelmj

My '87 had only lap belts in the back seats, but my new '88 has shoulder belts. That said, the shoulder belts can be retrofit into the older cars if I recall. The only other difference I can discern is the cruise control module in the engine bay is about half the size of the '87. Point being - you shouldn't limit yourself to 88-89, or even to the g50 in order to get the best car you can get for your money as the 911 platform is readily changed into whatever you want it to be (for a few bucks).

Chadly_T

I got it!!

Thanks for all the advice throughout the forum. It really helped.

I picked up a 1989 Targa from a Grand Rapids Auto Gallery, a dealer a couple of hours away from me. Turned it into a little family adventure -- drive out there in one car, trade it in, come home in the Porsche.

Based on all the stories and advice, I got a PPI done by a specialist. The car checked out as advertised, with just a couple of issues -- burned out bulb here and there, couple of paint chips, and of course the AC that needs a charge.

It has 84000 miles, a binder full of service records, and what looks to be original paint. I paid a little more than I had originally planned, but the car was too good to pass up, and being local + taking my old car in on trade made it a very easy deal to do.

Best of all, the kids were EXTREMELY excited to get this. They did not complain the whole 2 hour drive home, a record for them. Since then they keep going out in the garage to "check out the Porsche."

lucky strike

Congrats!

Jherriott

Congrats! Beautiful ride!

mausone46

congrats for the targa,
btw I would have taken the 85 from Lucky Strike
very beautiful even with 915 and small vents