87turbo911

midngn,

I replied to your PM (actually, there are two replies).

Bill Gregory

If you live in an area that uses ethanol as a gasoline additive, you may want to consider a Carrera over an SC, as the Motronic FI touches the fuel in far fewer places than the CIS FI system.

87turbo911

Have you checked your PM, midngn?

Paul K

I'm in the same boat, kind of. I decided to replace our other cars first though- my '96 Land Rover Discovery with an '00 Range Rover 4.6 HSE (love it!) and my Wife's Toyota Tacoma with an '04 Mini Cooper S (due later this month). My target for Porsche ownership is now Xmas '05, giving me plenty of time to figure out the same question you're pondering.
I started out wanting an '80-on SC Targa. Spending limit is US $15k, and I figured I should be able to find a good one for that price. I have yet to see one of the fabled 'decent' 9k 911s though! I did a bunch of research, and am now swaying toward an '86 Carrera Targa. Targa because I love the practicality and looks, Carrera because the SC has issues with chain tensioners, rubber clutch center, and head studs. The Carrera overcame the chain tensioner issue, and the upgrade is available for the SC, but broken headstuds really worries me, and (correct me if I'm wrong here) is not as much of an issue with the Carreras. I have heard of problems with valve guide wear on early Carreras, but hopefully not with one of the '86 vintage. Plus, by 1986 it seems that the 911 was a lot more user- friendly, Porsche having worked out some of the problems that plagued earlier models. Plus, I should be able to find a sound car within my spending bracket. I would like to own an '87 on 911, simply for the G-50 transmission, but cannot afford one yet. Someday!
I recommend you watch this board diligently, learn all you can, read a pile of books (I can recommend several titles if you're interested) watch Ebay, talk to lots of people, and when you decide, it seems the golden rule is PPI. Maybe even more than one- as a 'bad' 911 can cost you more than you paid for it in repairs.
Good luck- let us know how your search goes!
Cheers,
Paul.

Sonic dB

1986 to 1989 only. Personally, I wouldnt consider owning an earlier model...unless it was to concurs, drive on weekends or race. Unless I get into racing soon, no earlier than an 86 for me.

Reasons are comfort, power, & looks.

agentpennypacker

I would get into the 3.2 if possible - Mine is pretty fast and I didn't need to put too much $$$ into it. I personally prefer the 915 gear box, but many don't. It is much lighter though, with a non-hydrolic clutch.

Speedraser

Paul,

As I understand things, the head studs can be an issue with the Carreras too. However, since they're (obviously) not as old as the SCs, they have had fewer stud problems so far.

Sonic,

Why are your reasons for '86 to '89 "comfort, power, & looks"? Other than more electric things (such as seats), there should be no difference in comfort between those cars and the earlier Carreras and SCs. If you're talking abou the improved AC, that's a fair point, though it's still marginal.

There is no difference in performance between an '86 (which still has the 915 gearbox) vs. '84 - '85. While the '87 - '89s are quoted as having more power, the road tests' performance figures show no performance advantage.

Finally, from '78 - '89, they all look the same...

Sonic dB

Hi Todd...

Here are some of the improvements of the 86 over the 84-85 Carrera:

Latest evolution of the 915. I personally love the feel of clutch cable and 915 tranny.

lowered seat mounts by 20mm

improved oil cooler

factory short shift

bigger rear Torsion bars

better shocks

first year for bigger air, A/C vents

first year for 3rd cyclops brake light

last year for the black "Porsche" rear reflector

Improved quality/reliability... valve guide wear problems of 84-85 were less of an issue starting in 86.

86 lighter car than 87-89

Head studs are only an issue on the lower dilvilar studs and mainly due to corrosion. My 86 has 95K miles on it and no head stud problems.

of course im a little biased too...

87turbo911

From 78-89 there are definitely visual differences...

They're just very subtle compared to, say, 993s and 996s...and the 997.

16jake

In this porsche market you will be spending at least 15k for a nice sc. You are better off to spend 20k and get a carrera with a g50.

epbrown01

Like what? I recall the front valence changed to inset fog lights for the Carrera, the rear lens was changed, and the 3rd brake light was added in 86/87. Other than that, the cars are pretty much interchangeable...

Emanuel

craig001

I had this same situation. Ended up with a 1991 C2. Of course I failed to take into account the extra costs of a full tune-up. I just got an order from Vertex of over $700 in parts just to have everything new as a baseline. I have the receipts from the PDI to the present and a lot of this was done in April, but this way I know that everything is done. All fluids, belts, oil return tubes, etc.

The C2 is a much more refined car for the driver and passenger, but at the same time you miss out on the more visceral part of driving a 911.

87turbo911

Subtle, ain't it?

My response was wrt the statement that they were identical.

riderosa

I would expect to pay $14-15K if you want an excellent later model SC. Value is much more related to the condition of the car and the extras.

CDiercks

If you have a max amount to spend, I would subtract AT LEAST 2k for initial repairs, and for when Porsche bug bites and you have to start adding things. I bought an SC in need of some TLC for $9k with a dent in the rear quarter and in need of a tranny rebuild. I had $2k set aside when I bought it and have since repaired both the body problems and the transmission. Now it is better than a "decent" SC and I can sell it for more than I bought it for. Don't get cought up in all the Carrera vs. SC debates. The two are really so similar and each have their pluses and minuses. Also if you drive a car with a good 915, it will feel as good or better than a G50. The G50 is much more consistant though. The one in the link you provided looks very nice. I personally love that color. Good luck!