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Hi All, I’m looking to buy my first air-cooled 911 (exciting!). I’ve found a car I’m interested in, and need a little wisdom. The car in question is a 1987 Cab, 3 owner, good history, It has 201,000 miles on it, with a complete engine rebuild at 138,162 miles which also included replacing the head studs. The transmission was rebuilt and a new clutch installed at 189,641 miles. They’re asking $35,000 for it. My next steps are to get a copy of the service records and inspection (to be provided by the indy Porsche shop that’s been servicing this car since 2008) and to go see it, but in the meantime was wondering about the merits of buying a car with this high mileage and the rebuilds vs. a lower mileage but un-rebuilt car. Would love to know what you think.
My 88 is at 155,000 miles and I maintain it in top shape with all records since new. If the PPI checks good and you have a good maintenance history, go for it. Other than replacing parts at regular intervals per the maintenance schedule and normal wear and tear, if the engine and transmission check good and the rebuilds were done right, these cars should last a very long time. I regularly drove my 88 at top speed with over 150K miles on the Autobahn and she purred like a kitten. Good luck. Interested in what others have to say on the value of the car.
Don't let the high mileage deter you ... just make sure you get a good PPI of the CURRENT state of the car !
Now as far as service records go , that is up for interpretation as every car is different ...
When i bought my 911 from a co worker some ten years ago , he had a stack of dealer invoices for oil changes and brake servicing and
a pile of other maintenance items ... only because the guy didin't even know how to replace a spark plug !
Now , i do all my own maintenance/ rebuilding and i have zero service records to show for it ... that doesn't mean my car isn't meticulously maintained.
Engine and transmission rebuilds are expensive, probably totaling close to half of what the person is asking for the car , so yes if a thorough PPI shows positive , you can't go wrong !
A low mileage (within reason, as it must be driven) car is going to be superior to a high mileage one with rebuilt engine and transmission. Chassis miles matter. With really high mileage almost everything that can wear out will be worn out at some point. Ball joints, bushings, bearings, steering racks, caliper piston seals, air conditioning components, dashes (cracks and warping), carpet, seat covers and cushions, paint, rubber and plastic trim, electric motors, odometer gears, and the list goes on and on and on.
But every car has a "right" price. $35k is cheap for a G50 Carrera, but the mileage is the reason in this case. Just understand that for $35k you're getting a $35k car that's going to require more ongoing maintenance than a $50k one.
10 years ago we used to say that every 911 is a $20k car. You either bought a good, low mileage one for $20k, or you bought a cheaper one and had to put additional money into it to make it good. Well, those $20k 911s are now $50k cars.
Buy the BEST 911 you can afford and you'll be ahead in the end. Condition is everything.
My 88 is at 154,973.... so around the same mileage as Pavegeno. It had two previous owners and was babied most of it's life. I have done routine maintenance and replaced the brakes, suspension, fuel lines, cam oil lines, oil thermostat, oil pressure light switch, head temp sensor and breather hoses. I do not believe this car has ever had a top end completed. I don't know this for a fact but I have no supporting documents to prove otherwise. It does not smoke or leak anywhere. It does not use any oil. Actually I am about to change the oil after a year of use with about 1500 miles. The oil is still clean. The compression is considered excellent by a local respected Porsche shop. I don't think this is typical but I am not going to do a top end until it starts using oil....... Based on the way I am driving the car........ that may not happen for a long time or it might be this year.
a high mileage car can be awesome
a low mileage car can be a POS
its all in the care and maintenance
post some pics :-)
and ensure to get a full inspection from a competent shop, and do pay extra for leak down and compression test
Condition is key. If the car is fully sorted and has history to prove it I wouldn't worry too much about the mileage. At $35k that car would have to be really nice and pass a full PPI with flying colors.
The interior of a vehicle never lies ... you can't turn back the wear and tear on the seats, carpets, consoles, pedals, etc ...
I imagine most people who own these types of older cars are honest to a point , it's the newer computer controlled vehicules that are scary !
Thanks everyone, very helpful to hear your thought process around this. If it’s as mechanically sound as they say it is, then it’s definitely the interior, the rubber seals, suspension, etc. that I’d be concerned about. I’ll get a PPI, but I figure a good sit, walk-around and test drive should tell me a lot.
I just bought an '87 coupe with 154k miles. Did a full PPI, full leakdown, just a couple of nits - nothing urgent needing to be done immediately. Engine was completely rebuilt (done right), and clutch was replaced, along with a stack of other things. I agree that high mileage cars well maintained can be bought just as confidently as low mileage cars. Just do your homework and get a PPI as others suggest. I plan to drive and enjoy mine - it's a nice original car in really nice shape. Enjoy the search. They're getting harder to find in good shape for decent money.
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I decided that, considering all the factors, now is not quite the right time for me to take on another car. If anyone else is interested in the '87 Cab I was looking at, here's the link. I think it seems like a great car and seller. https://hitecauto.com/1987-Porsche-9...2/Details.aspx
So I came to my senses. I'm straight up in love with this car, so I decided today I'm going for it. Bought it this evening, picking it up next weekend. '87 Cab, 200K miles, great condition, rebuilt engine, tranny, clutch. Well-loved by its previous owners. My first air-cooled Porsche! I am so excited!!
03-09-2019, 08:36 PM
Advice on 87-89 Carreras: High mileage vs...
