LISsailor

I have an opportunity to buy a '89 25th anniversary coupe. She goes in for PPI on Tuesday. 70k miles.

There is also an 89 targa I'm looking at with 40k miles.

Assuming both cars can be purchased at nearly the same price, would you go for the more rare coupe with more miles or a lower mile car that's less rare?
Am I looking at major maintenance items and less drivability in the higher-mile car? Valves were mentioned to me. I want to drive the car about 5k/mls a year. So while I want a clean and desireble car, I also want to be able to use it.

Both cars are very clean and with good maintenance history. The targa slightly better of the two. My logic is that the mileage difference is about 6yrs of use.

Any my opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

Mark Salvetti

Based on what you've told us, I would take either one. The 30K mile difference wouldn't bother me, both are pretty low miles. How much has the 40K mile car been driven lately? A really low miles car might be more likely to leak oil if it hasn't been driven much, and you definitely sound like you plan to drive.

You've got to ask yourself the most fundamental question. Do you want an open car, or a coupe? Most people know they want one or the other. As a Targa owner, I would obviously be looking at that car. Assuming I liked the color. Others wouldn't even consider it.

Mark

Speedster911

Get the car that will give you the most smiles per mile. Both would be great cars.

Some of us love targas , some hate them. If the price is right- both cars would be great. Both sound like nice examples with mileage posted - if accurate.

Reiver

Coupe.....no top issues and no body flex.

Rick-A-Shay

^^^ This

911Dave

70k is nothing. Most Carreras can go 150k and over before valve guides start to become an issue.

Drive both cars and choose the one that puts a bigger smile on your face. Coupe vs. Targa is highly personal. We can't help you there.

TJsBeer

Go for the coupe.
I used love my targa, but the top just became a hassle after a while.

LISsailor

Thanks for the replies guys. I hope to hear about the PPI tomorrow. What would an appropriate price be for an '89 25th anniversary coupe be with 70k miles. Satin Black.

Asking 69. I'm hoping to score between 62.5-65. But I'm getting some conflicting reports that this is top of the market money.

Edit: Yes, this is the car at LuxSport. I am trying to mitigate my risk with a really good PPI, but also get pricing opinions from you folks. Thanks in advance!

LISsailor

As a follow up, the car did not do well at PPI. Misfire on one cylinder, oil cooler leaking, timing assembly leaking, respray all over (no structural damage), and a "clunk" in shifter.

I am sad to report this as I was under the impression this car would pass with flying colors given the price. Happy to share PPI with anyone as a repayment for the advice provided here. Thanks all.

911Dave

I have to say I'm not surprised. Luxsport doesn't have a very good reputation around here. I remember reading a fairly lengthy thread about them on this forum some time ago. It's quite common for dealers in "top of the market" cars to exaggerate their condition in online ads. You did well to get the PPI!

LISsailor

Thanks.

I left out the part about originally going to Luxsport to see a 964. We take it out and I see smoke coming out of the center stack. Turns out there is a wiring issue that could have potentially been a real fire hazard. Quickly ruled that car out and was poking around when I saw the '89 911. Now we know both cars I looked at and drove are not as presented. Pretty bad batting average. Bad luck or something else........

Reiver

Keep looking, good 911's are out there...for the price they were asking I'd want a pristine car.
Do not be afraid of a higher mileage car if it has been properly maintained (records/history) as they are often much better than garage queens in some respects.
Contact your local Porsche club and ask around...buying from an enthusiast is not a bad way to go.
Always do a PPI tho....look what it saved you.

w00tPORSCHE

Taking the color and coupe vs targa choice out of the equation, I would buy the car that has

- The best documentation (meaning service/ownership records).
- Best current condition (based on PPI).

If resale is a factor, coupe is easier to sell although targas have their own rabid fan following.