jpf911

Hi everyone,
I'm a new member but have been checking the board for awhile now. I'm amazed by the wealth of information. I've been searching for an 80's 911 for some time and have come across an interesting opportunity. The car is an '87 targa w/88K miles, and the owner is asking $15.5. I have seen few '87s at a price under $20 so I am obviously interested. The car drove well (having a PPI later today), but the exterior leaves a lot to be desired. From 20 feet it seems pretty nice, but upon closer inspection there are scratches, dings and chips in the paint. The car has not been garaged for 2 years and there is some fading in the top and targa bar. If a PPI comes back clean is this worth the gamble? Or would I be better to pay $20-25 for a cleaner car? I'd really like the newest car I can afford, and the 87-89 Carreras seem great, but I wonder if older and cleaner would be better. I appreciate any advice.
Thanks, Joe

Jim Michaels

Welcome to rennlist, Joe.

Tough question, because the correct answer depends on your preferences, not ours. You're likely to get a range of opinions that will give you a wide range of factors to consider in making your decision.

First, I like your thinking on the '87-'89 Carreras. Nice ones are very sought after, and for good reason. I sold my excellent '88 coupe over four years ago for $25k, and people are still asking (not necessarily getting) that much or more for really nice ones. So $15.5k is indeed a low priced '87, and you have already noticed some reasons why. The reported cosmetic condition of the car suggests that it has not been very well taken care of. That probably generalizes to the mechanical care of the car as well. The PPI and the service and repair records (which I'd insist on) should give you some evidence about that part. From what you've said about the car, my own preference would be to wait for a nicer one; but it may be considerably more expensive than this one. Many of us have internalized Bruce Anderson's suggestion to buy the best of the most recent 911s that we can afford (without denying the family basic necessities, of course). If you're like me, you'll know the one for you when you find it, because it will be hard to keep from tipping the seller that you just gotta have this car (wear shades so the seller can't see your eyes sparkle, frown a lot, and ask a lot of picky questions).

Shopping for a used 911 can be time consuming. You might broaden your search geographically, looking in Panorama (the slick PCA mag), where some real cream puffs are advertized, and on the various web sites of PCA regions (PCA members seem to take better care of their cars on average than non-members). Some on rennlist have reported looking for just the right car for 6 mounths to a year, but those must be the most **** compulsive shoppers. People with that much patience seem to be thrilled with what they eventually get, and they deserve to be.

Best of luck in your search.

jpf911

Thanks Jim, you make some good points. I guess it does boil down to my personal preference and $$. I had set $20k as my max and was hoping to get as new a car as possible with that budget. Also, your point about poor exterior maintenance translating to poor engine maintenance is something I am concerned about. I'm awaiting PPI results and will certainly request paperwork/receipts from the owner before doing anything I might regret. The obvious appeal is that at $15.5 I still have some room to work under my $20k budget.
Thanks, Joe

Harold

Dear Joe,

One big advantage post 1987 is the much improved G50 gearbox....and it really made a difference to the driving experience in my opinion.

When I had my 1984 3.2, it would always be a revelation to drive my friends 3.2 anniversary edition with the G50 box. The shift and the clutch action just felt so much better than the 915 gearbox that I had in my 3.2 Carrera (mind you my 915 gearbox had been overhauled).

So I would definitely stay within this year range rather than go for an earlier model at a cheaper price...

Cheers


Harold

993 C2
964 C4 (ex car)
911 3.2 (ex car)
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

agent325

Hi joe,
15.5K is not a bad deal on a '87 911 if the PPI checks out. But consider if you wanted a new paint job it would run you 3-5K depending on how detailed you want the body work. If the car has 88K miles, it still might have the original clutch and that will set you back another $1,600 - 1,900. So you might spend over 20K before you get the car in the condition you desire.

I'm considering selling mine, but I want somewhere in the low 20k range. If you are interested email me in private and I can give you the details.

jpf911

Well the $15.5K is now explainable, the car failed miserably during the PPI. In fact the mechanic stopped making his list because it was getting so long! He told me the car is not worth more than 10-11K. Just more proof that a PPI is well worth the $100. Thanks to everyone who provided advice. The search continues.....
Joe