Hello,
I'm new to the forum, and wanted to ask for some assistance from the knowlegable members here.
I'm on the hunt for an older 911. I've been looking at a couple of cars, and would like to get some opinions...
1) I found this '85 911 Cabriolet in San Diego (http://www.pofm.us/porsche.htm )
It has been well-maintained, with full documentation for last 10 years. The 2 previous owners kept a detailed spread sheet of all the maintenance done (Black Forest Porsche, anyone use them?) In short, it was serviced regularly.
The clutch and tranny were rebuilt in April, and are still under warranty. New top, all interior newly restored (including factory Porsche carpet), new window/door seals, Bilstein shocks, Turbo tie rods, A-arm bushings, High Performance Cross Drilled Rotors. Original Fuch Wheels, Pirelli AVS Sports, Dino Forza 3.1 Steering wheel, Pioneer CD, Alarm with Proximity Sensing.
My only concern is the mileage: 224K. I think the fact that the engine has lasted so long without a major rebuild is testament to the fact it was well-maintained. Compression was checked last year, and was solid. I would have it checked again, and leakdown during PPI. Asking price is $17,900, but negotiable.
I test drove the car yesterday, and it handled VERY well, tight suspension and steering. Cosmetically, it is in very good condition.
What do you all think about purchasing a 911 with 224K miles? Would I be looking at a major engine rebuild in the near future? Would I be better off considering considering cars with half the mileage, like this one (but without the maintenance history):

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...r=&cardist=1743

Can anyone recommend a shop in San Diego for the PPI? How about one in Denver, where I live?
Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help,
Gus

 

I think that is a lot of money for an '85 with that many miles. An '87 or newer with the G50, maybe, but not that car.

Despite how the car feels, I'd only trust my instincts as far as the PPI. If it hasn't been rebuilt, you still know that it is inevitable soon. When that happens, there's around $5,000 to do all the usual stuff. I just think you can get a cabrio with fewer miles for less money, or that cabrio for less.

 

Does sound like alot of money for a car with that many miles, even if it has been well maintained.
regards, Steve

 

Hello Back:

I live in San Diego and have had my 1970 911 serviced at Black Forest since 1982. They are a very good independent Porsche service shop. I think that they would give you an honest PPI, even if they've serviced the car in question. An alternative for a PPI is Deiter's, which is located near downtown.

 

Thanks for the input. The only reason I'm even considering this high mileage 911, is the meticulous maintenance history, and the fact that lots of major rework has recently been done, to include:

tranny rebuild and new clutch 2 months ago ($3500)
complete interior replacement ($1500)
newer top
newer paint ($4000)
many recent suspension / brake upgrades
custom audio system ($2500)

Assuming the car passes the PPI with no major issues, what do the members of the forum think this car is worth?

Thanks again!
Gus

 

How are the screw heads? Yes this is a serious question. Screw heads can be an indicator of salt corrosion, and who wouldn't own a convertible and drive it near the coast? You may also take it to Malibu Paint, near Black Forest and have him check the body for rust or anything that fresh paint and new interior may be covering up.

I'm always impressed with high mile, clean cars. And the miles can be a badge of honor when folks see the car.

Bottom line: $14k max if it's really that clean. (just my opinion)

 

He's asking way too much for it. I agree with the $14K max. I just finished a LONG search for my car and that one's been for sale for a seemingly long time. Keep looking for a lower mileage/lower cost car. Heck, at $18K, you can get into a 87+ with the more desireable G50m transmission, better A/C AND less miles! Keep looking, your car is out there but it takes time to find the right deal.

As for PPI, Black forest, Deiters, AllGerman Auto are all great in the San Diego area.

Good luck!