Sami951

Hi guys, I'm visiting over from the 944 board...

There's a slight chance I might end up with an '85 3.2 911, depending on how the insurance things go with my current '86 944 turbo.

The big question I have, after reading some archived threads on using these cars as daily drivers, is: What kind of running costs would I be looking at? Oil changes, tune-ups, gas mileage...

I understand the 3.2 engine is very solid, and overall build quality is good - so a low mileage car should be reasonably trouble-free, right? What are the usual problems with these cars?

Thanks in advance!

nate

The normal upkeep costs are relativley inexpensive. You will probably need to replace some of the parts due to age (for me it's been window/door seals, interior panels which have cracked or become excessivley warn, etc). Then again, if you aren't too **** about the car, these are "when you can" items. Make sure that you do your own due diligence on the cars you look at. There is plenty of information on the pre-purchase process here on Rennlist. A solid, well cared for care shouldn't break the bank and should be a dependable car for you.

Now, if you get bit by the track bug, that's a whole other story....

carlitox

with a daily driver ´86 3.2 carrera, you cannot go wrong as long as the car is well kept. Look for funny noises and clouds of smoke.

Running costs are not too high. In my experience, there are 4 things to worry about:

1.- Gas... really expensive nowadays (around 12 liter every 100 km)

2.- Tires: 2 rear sets per each front set. Expect 15000 km per set

3.- Tune-ups & oil changes: At least twice a year. Some 300-400 dollars, providing you don´t change your oil yourself.

4.- A/C Recharge... every summer... unfortunately

Stuttgart951

Sami,

First and formost, head over to the boards at Pelican for 911 information.

Going from a 951 to a 911 is a mixed bag - advantages and disadvantages - but in your case - 3.2L maint will be a fraction of what we pay per year on the 951's. I usually spent about $1,500-$2,000 a year on 951 work - I'd figure on half that for a well sorted Carrera. The reality is the 951 has a million parts that can go bad and diagnosing problems isnt always easy. A 3.2L Carrera consists of a computer, an engine, a transmission, and 4 wheels. Thats about it.

As far as maint. is concerned - you wont be sorry.

Jay H

Sami:

My first 911 was an '86 that I ran for ~25,000 miles from January 1997 to October 2000. It had 91,000 miles on it when I bought it and 115,000 miles on it when I sold it.

I spent approximately $100 per month maintaining the car, not including insurance and gas. Some months I spent nothing, other months I took a bit hit. The major items I replaced included a new clutch, shocks, and 2 15,000 miles services.

My A/C was only recharged once during that time for $150.

Rear tires lasted 25,000 miles before they needed replacement. Fronts were still fine.

My highway mileage averaged 28 mpg and mixed driving netted 20-25 mpg.

These cars are all approaching 20 years old, and all old cars need repairs and upkeep. The only real major problem that could happen with a 3.2 motor is the premature valve guide wear. This usually shows up around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. It is not a commom problem, but is expensive to repair.

Oil changes include 11 quarts of oil and a filter. Valve adjustments (needed every 15,000 miles) can run anywhere from $250 to $500 depending on your shop's labor rates.

Good Luck!
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">90 964</a>

Ed Bighi

In my immediate family, we have a mixed bag of cars. An 80SC which I have had since 92, an 88 Carrera, an 84 Carrera, a Volvo 240 Wagon, a Volvo V40 wagon, an Audi V8 quattro, a Mercedes 300E, an Audi A41.8T quattro, a Mercedes 500SL and a Ford Exporer. My wife used to drive a 944 turbo before the 300E, so I have some experience with that car also. By far the cheapest cars to run are the SC, the two Carreras and the Volvo 240. If it were not for the track abuse on my SC and the replacement of older parts in the Carreras, they could be considered extremely cheap to run. What the 911's and the Volvo 240 have in common is absolute simplicity. While lack of complexity isn't something you look for when acquiring a car with a warranty, it becomes paramount without it. Of course, one has to take into account the cost of a 911 engine rebuild. Though it does not come often. In thirteen years of 911 ownership, I haven't had to have one done. I always tell anyone thinking about a 911 to never, ever buy a 911 for the short term. Because if something expensive has to be done, you should take the time afterwards to enjoy it since whatever you just fixed will not break again for a very long time.

Sami951

Thanks for the comments! Looks like my 944 will get repaired this time though, but one never knows what the future brings along...

gerry100

Sami,

I agree with most what's been said regrding the 3.2. A tune up is simple and I get about 18.5 mpg on short trips, 23-25 on the highway.

Major maintence items may be more of a concern than operating expenses on these cars - oriignal clutches usualyy don't last until 100K ( mine replaced at 75k miles) , alternators also a problem ( $900?).

When those things are addressed, operating costs aren't bad.

Gerry