Psychdave

Greetings all,

I am in search mode for a 1987 to whatever my meager budget will afford cab. I have run across a couple that had the phrase "Not made to American Standards". Can someone enlighten me as to what that means? Anything to watch out for with a car like this?

How about mileage? How much should I weigh mileage? I have avoided over 100K cars. Is it that important?

Thanks for the time!

Bill Gregory

Bruce Anderson says 7K-9K/year is 'normal' for 911 mileage, so for an 87, at 18 years old, average mileage would be around 126K-162K! Very important as you consider higher mileage 911's (really any 911, for that matter) is the maintenance history. If your dollars are tight, you may find slightly higher asking prices for the 87-89 911's, as some assign a 'last of the original' value to their asking prices. The 87-89's are fine 911's, however, earlier non-G-50 transmission 84+ 3.2L 911's have alot going for them too. 964's have been coming down in price in recent years, you might find what you're interested in there too.

Good luck with your search!

JackOlsen

'Not made to American Standards' probably means European models that were imported into the U.S. informally -- so-called grey market cars. For the Carrera, the 84-89 models were not the same for the U.S. and the rest-of-world (ROW) markets. Aside from MPH speedometers, side lights and (I think) some side- and front-impact differences, the 3.2 motor had higher compression in Europe, and put out a few more horsepower.

Depending on how the car was federalized, the value of these cars can be slightly higher or significantly lower than a U.S.-market version. Especially with California's smog laws, be careful in buying one.

Mileage is important with Carreras, although an engine rebuild can address some of the motor's shortcomings. The most common problem is premature wear to the valve guides, which produces smoke in some decelleration situations, and requires a top-end job to fix. The valve guides can go between 40K and 70K, though, so even a low-mileage car could potentially have this problem.

lewis9113.2

Not sure about your query re the Standard but re mileage; don't get too hung up on the number of miles as it is the service history you should be looking at foremost.

As long as it has had regular services, the Turbo spec bottom end in these engines are good for the life of the car but most 3.2's are starting to need some sort of top end work; mine for example has a fully stamped service book with 90k mile on the clock but it is having a top end re-fresh as I type this.

There was nothing wrong per se (except for the usual smoke at start up) but any caring owner will want to give it new stem seals, valve guides etc. While in there new piston rings of course, crankshaft bearings etc etc.

Everything so far is within spec but it did need new valves as they had worn around the stem; so it just goes to show no matter what miles, most 3.2's are at that age in needing some remedial work.

I am of the opinion in that if you own a Porsche, maintain it no matter what cost.....the car will love you for it and you will be able to treat it like it was designed to be treated; hard but not rough.

JCP911S

My $.02....FWIW... if budget is an issue, there are some things to do to reduce price..

First, consider the 84-86 cars with the 915... comparable condition, there is generally a $2K =/- premium for the G-50 which IMHO isn't really warrented.

Second, if you are willing to compromise cosmetics a bit, you can find great cars in the low teens... $11-13K... ALWAYS get a car in tip-top mechanical shape... but if it has alot of wear on the interior... or maybe some non-accident related paint issues (but not both) you can enjoy the car and clean it up later as you save some more money..

What I wouldn;t do is buy a car that is run down and a bit shabby everywhere.... (unless it is going to be a track car). A car with great paint and a really crummy interior or a beautiful interior and really crummy paint.... that's the ticket... it costs just as much to redo it so the worse it looks, the better.

I would not be afraid of a higher mile car... IMHO a 150K car that was carefully maintained and driven regularly is probably better than a 50K car... also, the driving style of the owner is critical... these cars are pretty tough, but abusive driving can accellerate big ticket repairs...(engine trans, clutch...) so be aware of signs of abuse and walk...

Third, I would not rule out a car that had some DE use... a few DE a year will not hurt the car, and you may be able to negotiate the price down on that... however heavy track use or abuse... see the above...

Fourth... be patent and keep looking... bargains spring out at the most unexpected times... timing can impact the sale price on a car by several $K.... keep your eye opened and be ready to strike..