Zen dude

I have always wanted a 911, Love the 73's and older, But I was thinking
87 to 89 because there a little newer and I was told G50 tranny in those
years was good. Also love those 80's carrera's. I was also told to buy the
newest 911 you could afford. Are the 964's as good as the 87 to 89's??
I like the 964's but I don't know that much about them. If they follow that same
rule, "the newer the better" I would like to get one.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Joseph

GrantG

Joseph - since it seems that you're pretty open to several different vintages of 911, you will be best served by driving excellent examples of as many vintages as possible to arrive at your favorite - tough job, but someone has to do it

Report back your findings. I like all 911's but my very favorites are the 73 and 993 (hence what I own). If I could have only 1 it would be the 73...

Co

Hey Zen,

I own a 1970 911S since two years now. For me there was only one model, the 2,2 S coupe .

I think that you should be sure that the car was serviced by people that realy know Porsches, specialists. Porsches are very reliable cars then.
From another personal perspective, I just love to drive my 911 on the highways knowing that among all that modern plastic, I've got the nicest car.

Ohh yeah, don't decide to fast. I fell in love with the firts example I drove, and I bought it. That was tricky.

Good luck

Marco

Zen dude

Thanks for the advice, I never really thought about it much but I love the old ones and it will be a 3rd
car so it dosen't have to be a new reliable vehicle, I have seen a few for sale but haven't looked at
any yet. I will start looking. Do any of you know any good web sites for help on what to look for
when buying the older 911's, "rust areas, oil leaks, etc." Thanks

RANDY P

The biggest thing is what you're using it for, and what you're expecting out of it -

If it's parked outside, I'd be real hesitant about an early car, since it's gonna rust. If you're stuck driving it frequently then a newer car is worthwhile. Accordion bumpered cars are a great deal right now, but IMHO a 964 is a better choice, they are good cars with a bad rap -assuming you spend the time finding one that has the inherient bugs worked out. Easier to replace in the event of a total.

From a cool standpoint, if you have good storage and a comfortable daily driver with A/C go looking for an almost finished early RS clone. That could only go up in value and the sky's the limit on what you can do with it.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Joseph:

You find lots of good input here and many diverse opinions. Just remember, whats good for one, may not be good for another,...

Assuming that you have a realistic budget, I would choose the model that YOU like most. Each generation of 911 differs in performance, personality, and "feel". Some are more visceral and some are nicer for longer distance trips; you ultimately choose based on what your expectations are and what you will do with the car.

For some, its serves as the foundation for an engine upgrade that makes a stunningly fast hot-rod. For others, a car with amenities is a better choice. Its all about what you want.

I would only advise you not to get a "fixer upper" unless you have substantial mechanical skills & resources and deep pockets.

rzepko6194

An RS clone would be cool but I doubt if it will go up in value. Clones of anything; cars, bikes, art, whatever, seldom appreciate.

JP

1987 Carrera Targa
1973 450SL
various pre-war BMW bikes

RANDY P

Also depends on how long you keep it too. You sell it in a year or two doubtful it'll be worth much more assuming you paid a decent price. RS clone or not, it's still an early car. As it sits early cars are in fact, going up in value. They're getting harder to find. Finding one that already has the $$$ invested can only make the deal better. Also, inflation will naturally make things more expensive- taking the car with it. There's a market out there for anything early, so there it is.

I will agree, if you build it from the ground up you'll never be right in it.

rjp

Zen dude

Well im thinking 1970 to 1973, I do have a garage to keep it in, and I don't plan on any long trips
but I would like to drive it almost every day. I only work about 4 miles away and I do have a older
suburban to drive when its nasty out, Which is quite often here in washington state.
As far as the clone thing that would be o.k. But if I found a white one all I would do is paint the
wheels red like the RS, I like that white/red look. any advice on buying an older one or any good
web sites to help? thanks

RANDY P

The other big fish in the virtual pond

www.pelicanparts.com find the link to 911 BBS and suck in the atmosphere for awhile..

Finding a good one may take awhile- good defined as within your budget and actually a quality car. Took me 1 year to find mine and I was looking for a garden variety and very common SC. Check out a lot of Porsche gatherings this summer, and start getting your name out there as a potential buyer. PCA is obviously a good source too. Once you find something appealing, get it checked by a reputable mechanic. You're close to Portland, lots of good shops there like Rennsport!

HarryD

Hi,

As an owner of a '73 I am somewhat biased. I was looking for a third car, just for fun. Like you, I have always wanted a 911 and the early ones attracted me based on the vintage, price and simplicity.

As several others have noted, decide what you want and go looking. If you are planning on driving it regularly, the later cars offer more creature comforts and you may find that more to your liking.

The best thing you can do is go and try a few to see which models "turn you on" and go from there.

Like many here, I spent over a year looking for mine, so be patient.