agentpennypacker

A friend of mine is looking for an early carrera, but can't seem find one for under $20k that is worthwhile. Doesn't need perfect paint, just a solid car with black interior!

Now, I've seen some 964's in the low $20k range that are VERY good buys. But then, the 964 doesn't have the "feel" of the Carrera (PS, etc), is quite a bit heavier (mine is fairly comfy at about 2500 lbs, 240 bhp), but it is pretty easy to get power from a 964 with all of that torque (chip, exhaust mod will yield plenty).

So the question is: What is the better buy at that price?

Bill Gregory

The 964 is a more modern member of the 911 family, and as such is different than earlier 911's. Asides from an HVAC system that really does work, the 3.6L engine is a wonderful increase over earlier engines. However, you don't extract more hp with just a chip and exhaust change. There may be some limited gains there, but don't assume you'll pull down 300hp. The 964 is more isolated from the road than earlier 911's, which may be good or not so good depending on desires. I wouldn't be hung up on the power steering either, you really don't notice it after a short while. Some of the early 964's had some teething pains which were pretty well worked out by MY92. Price wise, I think the market may over value some of the G-50-based Carrera's, as the 'last' of the pre-964 911's, while some people shy away from 964's due to their added complexity over earlier 911's, which contributes to some good 964 values. Bottom line, both Carrera's and 964's have very positive points, and both would make fine 911's to own.

agentpennypacker

Bill,

Very good points. I once had an america roadster and LOVED it! If it were only a coupe...

The free flow exhaust (headers, etc)and custom chip will yield a change you can definitely feel, especially on the track (and to your ear, of course). Same as the 3.2 w/ SSI's, monty muffler and custom chip. I noticed a big difference in my car, and the diet could only help soon after. Suspension is much more important, but that's another thread all together.

I just think it's a shame that an 86' 911 3.2 in 7/10 condition with 100k miles is selling for $20,000. I bought mine about a year ago for $12,500, needing synchro and a little cosmetic work. VERY strong engine, bilsteins all around, 7x9x17 fuchs, etc.

I'm not sure what drove up the price so much in such a short period. Prime examples would go for $17.5 or so, $20k for the execptionally low mileage car.

86NOH2O

It's only a shame it you are looking to buy! If you own one it's nice
to know it's holding value. Did anyone see that 86' with 8K miles that just sold on Ebay for $32,800?

If you believe the prices you hear about on this board, and I am NOT
calling anyone a liar, then you should be able to find a very nice G-50 for under 20K. I just never see that kind of pricing where I live.

I'm partial to 3.2's but I'd go for the best car, either 964 or 3.2 I could find.

agentpennypacker

I am very happy that my car went up in value that much since last year. I'm not one to care about rock chips, ripping out sound deadening/rear seats, etc. I bought my car for the track (and a hell of a ride to work).

I am in FL, perhaps that is the reason for the prices we are seeing. I actually prefer the 915 gear box. If you see any locally (pre-87) for under $18k, please PM me!

Jay H

I don't think that I can add much more to what Bill mentioned above.

I also have noticed that your region has a bit to do with prices. Prices seem to be the highest furthest to the east (here in the US) and drop as you head west and south.

The 3.2's are more simple and have more of a raw feel to them. Though, when I'm nailing the throttle on some curvy back roads, the 964 makes a wonderful toy too... All the great 911 cues are present in a 964...just a bit more muted.

Jay
90 964

eddychan

Obviously I agree with Bill, the 964 is just more refine and for me, living in a very hot and humid climate, the working HVAC is a MUST.
I had gone through the process myself when I was considering getting a 911 about two years ago, I looked and tested many 964 and 911 and end up having a 964. IMHO, the 964 is just better value for money, the prices difference is not so apparent as the 993Vs964.
We will see what happens when the 997 comes out and if the price of the 993 will get anywhere near the 964, then it will become even more interesting.
Happy Motoring!

Eddie
91 c2 Tiptronics

Alan G.

Keep looking for Carrearas. There are still plenty of very nice cars around for under 20K. Why not widen the search area?

Tommy B

i've been hunting pretty hard and have found a few 84-86s in the 15K range. usually with 130 and up miles. These are the ranges that im looking for a car at. (Probably why i can't find one!)

SC less than 10K

84-86 less than 12.5K

87 up less than 15k

Pickin's are slim at this price point, but the cars are out there. I already walked away from an 87 for 11, 700 because it needed head work. A DIYer would be perfect for that car, but i'm not ready for that level yet.

agentpennypacker

My friend has flown out of state twice to be "surprised" by poor Porsche owners. Because of this, we've pretty much limited the search to the SE USA, unless a rennlist member knows a car fairly well, or wouldn't mind giving a test drive : )

Tommy B - for those prices you'll probably find something that needs some serious work, or is in bad cosmetic condition. To me, when a car is in bad cosmetic condition, it would be VERY hard to convince me that they maintained the car properly. Or like you mentioned the head work - probably not something I would attempt myself.

Cajun

Agent,

There have been quite a few 85-88 model year Carreras for sale in the New Orleans area lately.

I don't know if your search will bring you out this far, but if it is, keep an eye out on timespicayune.com (it is the local New Orleans newspaper), go to classifieds and walk through. Yesterday I saw an 87 or 88 Carrera for sale with 130k miles and the seller wanted around 12 for it...It might be worth a look.

If you see something, let me know and I will be happy to take a look for you before you head this way...

Cajun

Tommy B

agent, if the southeast includes Fl, your in good shape. there seem to be tons down there.

I've seen a bunch too, and have now been limiting myself to the TriState area because if i flew to see any of the ones i've looked at locally, i would be a little upset too.

Not that any of the owners flat out lied, but i've turned down 4 cars already, and if i spend 500 bucks per car to see them, i'd be broke.

Have you tried having a Rennlister look at them for you? Maybe a remote PPI?

agentpennypacker

Cajun - Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that paper. LA wouldn't be too bad.

Tommy B - Florida is where I'm at, and let me tell you, everything under $19k has been terrible. The "limitations" are that it must be a coupe and have black or tan interior. That's pretty much it. Many of the South Florida cars (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale) have been trash - and that's a 4.5 hour drive away!

agentpennypacker

Tommy B - Also, for your under $15 it is well worth getting an SC. Great cars, and you can mod them with cams, exhaust, etc.

Thanks again for all of your input, and please update me if you find anything near you. We'd travel across the USA if we were positive it was a solid car!

Tommy B

I'm looking at what the owner calls a "need nothing" perfect SC this weekend for 14K.

I looked at a ratty 79 for way less, but didn't really like the vibes of the deal.

My mom lives in Ocala. You near there?