dmorsa

I am looking to buy a (particularly) a 83 911sc
Can someone break it down quick and easy.

What should I look for when buying-do you recommend private seller or dealer(do you know cars dawydiak in san francisco-what about them?)
A quick checklist for looking over the car-what should the mechanic be looking for specifically to avoid major problems down the line
What will need to be done(should be done rather) as a given?

I am seeing prices like 13,000 to 17,0000 for cars in the 90-150 k miles

Also, say the car is in good shape-what can i expect for maintenace ($$) for a primarily weekend driver per year.
Im sure ill have more as i think, but enough for now-any info welcome-thanks

Perkins

dmorsa,
I am familiar with Cars Dawydiak - as I go to browse their selection when in SF on frequent visits. They have always had a couple of SC's in stock, but are always overpriced. Haggle with them as they are known for coming down in price, particularly those that have been sitting there for a bit.

The first thing you should start doing about searching for the right SC is to READ and RESEARCH about the car. A great start is the 911SC FAQ link here on the Rennlist home page. Then go to Amazon or B&N and order yourself a copy of "The Used 911 Story." This an excellent little book that highlights what to look out for on all used 1963-1989 911's.

Then be patient. That's the worst part - but will
definitely save you future nightmares - should you decide to be impulsive and purchase early. I looked for between 11-13 months until I found the right car.

Also, understand that you may have to look outside of your region for the right 911. I reside in DC and found my SC in Chicago. (BTW, I found mine listed in Panorama, PCA's Club magazine) So what you may want to do (as I did) is have a friend that receives the Pano - look out for you at their classifieds as soon as he/she receives it every month. The cool thing about the cars listed in Pano - is that they've usually been taken care of by P-car folks that really appreciate and know their cars. Also, now in Spring and into Summer - sellers are everywhere.

Also, don't shy away from 1978-81 SC's. The car is essentially the same throughout its 5-6 year production history (only the '83 came in a Cab).
You may very well find a sweet, well taken care of 1979 SC - over a mediocre 1982-83.

Anyhow, get to researching. You'll first realize that any SC you buy - should have had 3 things taken care of by the previous owner. Spring centered clutch update, chain tensioners, and a pop off valve added. These are mandatory.

Good luck, and I can tell you that the car is awesome, especially on the track.

best,
M. Perkins
1980 SC Coupe

dmorsa

Thanks- I knew these guys were pricey- I feel like ive been looking for half my life if you know what i mean.

Here is something strange-on a car i am looking at -they said the chain tensioner update was done on a car but not the chains which would be about $700.
I am under the idea that at that cost, it wasnt really done at all.
Mind you they said they would do it for the listed price(you know, the one that is more than i am going to pay-be sure of that!)

am i right or totally wrong

Bill Gregory

The chain tensioner upgrade parts from Porsche, with some discount, runs around $350-$375. Maybe 4-5 hours of labor to install them. I believe most people do not put a new chain in when they upgrade their tensioners. No need to, unless the chain has stretched or needs exchange on it's own.

In the August 2001 Excellence, Bruce Anderson showed 911SC prices ranging from $7K to $20K. That was just before the market cratered in many parts of the country. Take a look at the Kelly Blue Book site at <a href="http://www.kbb.com" target="_blank">www.kbb.com</a> and look at their "private party values". For example, an 83SC with 97K miles in excellent condition is valued just under $10K. As a buyer, that's a reference to use in negotiating price. Local conditions, of course, can influence prices. More often than not, the listed price is negotiable.

cmoss

I live in Santa Cruz and currently have a 1980 SC (118K, good to excellent) for sale, with many of the items mentioned above.
email (pics, info) me if you are intersted.
Chris
'80 SC
'96 993
cmoss@cruzio.com

ked

I would avoid CA SC's having the Thermal Reactor emissions control system, '78 & '79, I believe. There are many ways to control emissions - raising the heat load on an air cooled (or any type, for that matter) engine is a particularly bad one.

Speedraser

Kevin,
Are you sure about the thermal reactors? I didn't think any SCs had them.

ked

Yes, I'm sure. CA-only SCs in '78 & '79. Also, all US 911 Turbos of those years. Source: personal experience & Leffingwell's "Porsche 911 Buyers Guide" (a very good year-by-year overview, btw).

dmorsa

I just picked up my first porshe
(after about 1 year of serious looking-although i feel like ive been looking since i got my drivers license)

a 1983 911sc coupe and its beautiful- i did drive a hard bargain and feel i got a good price-the car seems immaculate and the 3rd party nit-picky inspection gave me great leverage and a good idea of what im in for(not bad at all)

i purchased it at cars dawydiak in san francisco-known for being high priced but most cars are pretty choice-they seem like good people(we shall see with the future of the car)

thanks for all the help <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />