Chuck Jones

Good evening folks:

I'm in the market for a really pristine 911 in the body style years of 87, 88, 89. I have a 996 that I use for a daily driver, but I'd like to pick up something that has the more classic look with the whale tail. I want something that I can drive and that's not going to be sitting in a shop for the first month trying to fix all the problems. Question is....how much should I expect to pay for a really nice car that I'd drive probably weekends and for special events...not going to track it...but really nice interior and exterior, pristine, looks sharp, and mechanically sound? Is there a mileage threshold that would be good to stay within? Is there an advantage to any of those particular years? Appreciate some insight...kuz I intend to do it. Chuck

KC911

Basically the '87-89s are all the same with a few minor changes (for example, the '89s have the the clutch fork update), and I'd just look for the best example you can find and not worry about that too much. Be prepared to look for a while until the 'right' one comes along (it took me 6 months of daily searching) and be ready to pull the trigger immediately if the 'right' one checks out (PPI). Here on the east coast, a pristine G50 w/ say 50K miles is probably going to run mid-20s+ (CA prices seem to be less). IMO, anything up to 100K miles would meet your requirements (as long as the car has been maintained properly). At say 50K miles, you haven't reached the window where worn valve guides typically appear (on a small minority of cars), so low mileage is not necessarily a guarantee. Good luck, and have fun searching...that's part of the fun. BTW, when I first began my quest, I 'thought' I wanted a tail (and purchased an extra deck lid and new tail to install). Then the clean lines grew on me....if you're not going to track it, a tail & front spoiler are not necesary (aerodynamically) imo.

ps: Welcome btw, and check out Pelican too if you haven't already....

Keith
'88 CE coupe

Miguel

Chuck, are 964's or the 3.3 or 3.6 965 Turbo out of your equation? They have the rawness, the mystique, are not as antique. from what I gather your purpose isthey seem to be very suitable.

Welcome, anyway, to tyhe air cooled world!!

Cheers

stormmaster

Antique?.....I prefer the term "Timeless Classic"...save the antique for old Chevys and Fords...and such

joey c

i paid 17000 for a car that had 87k miles.great condition in and out.i put new brakes,major service,axel boots,fixed sunroof and a few other little things..total was 4000...i have read that these cars are all 20,000ish..i have a friend that just paid 18500..and he has put 700 without a major service.
having come from a boxster s,and almost a 996,you will LOVE a 3.2..dont be surprised if you find yourself wanting to drive the 3.2 over the 996..you will love it..stay in touch with the guys here,they are a huge help..make sure you get a ppi..and do plan on spending something in the 1st month. my car leaks no oil,so that was a plus for me.the car is very reliable and the build quality is much better than newer cars,so just find the right one..good luck..and keep us posted.j

jackb911

In 2001 I bought a 996 to accompany the '87 3.2 that was already in the garage.

Three months later I sold the 996. Why? Because it felt and drove like a Lexus. The 3.2 felt and drove like a Porsche.

Gary R.

Get a 964, add a Fabspeed dual-out exhaust system for a healty, deep sound and an IROC (whale-tail) if you must have it. Power sterering, antilock brakes, A/C that works and all the rawness and spirit of a *true* 911..

Miguel

Stormmaster, I stand corrected....timeless masterpieces, yes.

Chuck Jones

Gary R....you mentioned to "get an AC that works". By that do you mean upgrade the AC...or make sure that the AC that's in it works efficiently. Since this is an older car, do you have to upgrade the AC to the new type of coolant? How much would such a conversion run? From what I've heard, the AC in the 87 doesn't really work that well. I live in an area that gets into the high 90s and even low 100s in the summer.............Chuck

Gary R.

The A/C in a 964 is the first one that seems to be compareable to modern cars, at least to me. The earlier 964's need to be converted to the new coolant types, my 93 came with it stock. Both my 91 and 93 blew very cold air with temps in the 90's here in the summer... The older cars CAN be made to blow cold, some just take a bit of effort ($$)..

Fidalgo911S

Gary, I agree about a 964 but they are HARD to find. I've been looking for a few months. Nice, really nice, G50 3.2's are much more prevalent in the market. As such I'm starting to lean in that direction. I've seen at least a dozen in the past few weeks that would fit the bill. Sorry to highjack the thread.

Trader220

There is a nice 89 on the rennlist classifieds right now and its local. Low miles but a really high price. I dont know the car but its local to me. If you talk with the owner and want someone to take a look or need a PPI reco let me know.

Spodie!

That's a beautiful car - but that price! Yikes!

Trader220

Yea the price is a joke

Chuck Jones

Trader 220...thanx for the heads-up. I looked at this car, and I don't want to bad rap anyone but this is a bit pricey insofar as an 89 might be concerned. I agree it's a nice looking car, but for that money I'd probably look at something else....but I do appreciate the referral. While I'm at it, as a new forum member and new P Car owner, I'm really impressed with the comaradarie and willingness of you folks to help out with offers of recons or quick checks if the cars are local to you. That really shows some class and an obviously great group of folks with a common denominator.