snevman

Greetings to all,

I am soliciting advice and hoping to draw on the wisdom of the members of this forum.

I am serving on active duty with the US Navy in Europe and I am in the process of buying a 911 Carrera. I have found two US Specification cars here and I am doing a comparison to determine which is the better car for me. It is hard to find a used US version here in Europe and I have been looking for about 9 months.

The first one is a 1989 Coupe with 78,000 miles. It is really clean and straight with no problems. I have had a pre-purchase inspection and all is in order.

The second one is a 1987 Coupe with 103,000 miles. It also is nice, but not as clean underneath. Some line fittings have a little surface rust and it doesn’t appear to be as well cared for. It looks like the guy who owns it drives through mud to get to his house and it goes a while before cleanings. The body is in good shape and it runs good. I have not had a pre-purchase inspection done on this car as of yet.

The 1989 is $16,500 and the 1987 is $13,500.

I have done quite a bit of research and read a few books. I believe that they are both pretty good deals.

I am leaning toward the 1989, it just appears to be a nicer car and I plan on keeping it for a long, long time so I want the best example I can afford. Is there anything special I should look for or watch out for?

Any advice is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks for your input.

Scott

Typical Fish

Having been down this path when I looked for a car of the same genre, I can confidently say this:

BUY THE LOWER MILES CAR THAT HAS BEEN BETTER CARED FOR.

The 3K difference can be made up VERY quickly once you start having the car serviced. And, IMHO, the overall condition of a car has a tendency to speak of how it was cared for mechanically.

Just my .02.

Martin S.

I agree with Matt...buy the lower mileage car that has been better cared for.

Alan Herod

I concur with the recommendation about buying the best condition. But, I am confused on what an 89 is? Is it a 964? If an early 964, there are special things to watch out for, and as I understand it dealers in Europe are more sophisticate in their ability to mask potential problems.

MelissaM

Alan,

The '89 964's were C4's. The C2's came out in '90.

I'm pretty sure that he's looking at a 911 Carrera, and not a C4.

-- Melissa

ked

If the '87 checks out in PPI, given the price difference, it is almost a "push", but as everyone notes, "follow Bruce's rule", so the '89 wins. In addition, it is the very last year of the "original" 911 (w/ all the then state-of-the-art improvements) - maybe a lifelong keeper.

I'd negotiate the final deal w/ capability to close & drive away on the spot (cash-in-hand or equivalent financial instrument) - maybe you can get another $300 - $500 off.

Enjoy & Anchors Away!

Jgordon

Speaking from experience, go with the 89. NOt only does it sound like the better deal, but:

The 87's the first year of G50 (always something to be wary of)

The 89 is, as you said, the last of the line. It's nice knowing that, and other people appreciate it as well.

Enjoy.

Jared

GeorgeM

The '89 should have stock 8x16 rear Fuchs, that in itself is worth at least $650.

No contest, get the '89, $16.5 as you described is a great price.

snevman

Thanks for all your valuable input. I was leaning toward the '89 Carrerra and you have all confirmed my decision.

I appreciate the posts.

Scott