Newbie looking to buy 911 for $25k
11-22-2004, 03:48 PM
#16
911S is a good sunday driver with great collector appeal. I wouldn't consider it a daily driver, but i woundn't hesitate to take it on a long trip if it were well maintained, or drive it to work on a nice day. Frankly it is more fun to drive than any of the others if you are into really raw, get down and dirty sportscars.
Downside on these cars is that they are fairly rudimentary in terms of comfort features... and alot less refined. They can also be a bit finnickly in cold weather, and rust is always a problem that the later cars do not generally have. you will also have to find a good specialist mechanic that really understands the old cars.... there are alot of tricks to keeping them in top performance that only guys who have worked on these cars for a long time know.... they really are not unreliable in any way, but do require more commitment... much more of an enthusiasts car than a general drivers car.
$25K should buy a very very nice car.
Downside on these cars is that they are fairly rudimentary in terms of comfort features... and alot less refined. They can also be a bit finnickly in cold weather, and rust is always a problem that the later cars do not generally have. you will also have to find a good specialist mechanic that really understands the old cars.... there are alot of tricks to keeping them in top performance that only guys who have worked on these cars for a long time know.... they really are not unreliable in any way, but do require more commitment... much more of an enthusiasts car than a general drivers car.
$25K should buy a very very nice car.
11-22-2004, 05:13 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks again everyone for your information to date.
I will see about picking up Peter's book for some indepth info. I'm sure you can all relate to the pressure I'm under "to produce" a suitable candidate for my friend. I'd never hear the end of it if I got him into dog.
All the same, I think he would really enjoy a Porsche, and most particularly a 911. He hasn't driven my car in the four years that I've had it, so I'll definitely have to let him take it for a spin. I think he would enjoy driving a 928, but I don't think he would enjoy owning one. The '84-89 Carreras seem to be a pretty good bridge between the sports car feel of the SC's, and some of the updated creature comforts of the 964's. We will probably test drive several of both to see which he prefers. In the 928 crowd, there are those that swear by certain model years over others, and it's got nothing to do with "more is better". I'm sure the 911's are no different in that regard.
It sounds like with his $25K budget, he should be able to get into a decent example of whatever model year he chooses. That will make for a good start.
I will see about picking up Peter's book for some indepth info. I'm sure you can all relate to the pressure I'm under "to produce" a suitable candidate for my friend. I'd never hear the end of it if I got him into dog.
All the same, I think he would really enjoy a Porsche, and most particularly a 911. He hasn't driven my car in the four years that I've had it, so I'll definitely have to let him take it for a spin. I think he would enjoy driving a 928, but I don't think he would enjoy owning one. The '84-89 Carreras seem to be a pretty good bridge between the sports car feel of the SC's, and some of the updated creature comforts of the 964's. We will probably test drive several of both to see which he prefers. In the 928 crowd, there are those that swear by certain model years over others, and it's got nothing to do with "more is better". I'm sure the 911's are no different in that regard.
It sounds like with his $25K budget, he should be able to get into a decent example of whatever model year he chooses. That will make for a good start.
11-22-2004, 05:45 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
Jack: Wow! Was a gun used for that transaction? I hope that '95 works out for your friend, did that car change hands in the L.A. area?
Pete
Pete
11-22-2004, 05:52 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
Adam: The 928 is so far removed in feel from a 3.2 Carrera maybe it's a good idea to have your friend drive the car. You will be able to tell if he's interested in something lighter and sporty, or something a little more civilized. Sometimes that's a hard call to make, especially if he wears a suit daily and needs excellent A/C. I know your temperatures aren't like where I live but I've met people that want a car to freeze them on an 90 degree day, which only the best of the best 3.2s will do. Just a thought...
Pete
Pete
11-22-2004, 08:26 PM
#20
Another thing to consider when choosing your 911 is that the newer they are the more epensive they are to have serviced and the less " hack" friendly they are.
I'm a hack, but I can do a lot on my 3.2. The only things I send to the wrench for is major surgery and valve adjustments.
If you keep the 3.2 long enough, Dr Stephen Hawking will get the heater controls figured out and writr a book about it.
I'm a hack, but I can do a lot on my 3.2. The only things I send to the wrench for is major surgery and valve adjustments.
If you keep the 3.2 long enough, Dr Stephen Hawking will get the heater controls figured out and writr a book about it.
11-23-2004, 11:50 AM
#22
I doubt even Hawking could figure out the heater controls..... I've been driving these things for almost 20 years and haven't a clue....
Our 2002 235ic BMW is another story...... it has a totally computer controlled integrated climate control system with multiple sensors and has two settings... too hot and too cold.... this is progress... at least on the 911 I can kind of get the heat level to sort of where I want it by turning the knobby thingy between the seats...
Our 2002 235ic BMW is another story...... it has a totally computer controlled integrated climate control system with multiple sensors and has two settings... too hot and too cold.... this is progress... at least on the 911 I can kind of get the heat level to sort of where I want it by turning the knobby thingy between the seats...