GoWolfpack

Hello and thanks for letting a dyed-in-the-wool Mercedes-Benz guy see the light on a 911.

I am brand new here and after driving a few 911's, I have decided not to buy a 2001 Mercedes-Benz e55 AMG and instead purchase a late 80's-early 90's-ish 911.

I know about the 911 vs the 964 models and not sure which is the best buy. Any advice very appreciated. Also, am I best to buy a AWD version (even though where I live there is no snow)?

I am strongly considering this one, which is about 90 minutes from me.

(see below)

If you know of any others in my proximity, please let me know. I am seriously in the market.

Thanks a lot in advance.

GoWolfpack

I made a mistake--here's the link:

Autotrader link

GoWolfpack

And here on cars.com (same car)

1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 2. 47K miles. $24.5K

Jay H

Go;

You must drive examples of both the 3.2 Carreras and the 964 models. These are vastly different cars (as you mention above) and you'll know which model is right for you when you drive them.

The 964 is more powerful and is much more refined than the previous 911's (refinement could be bad or good depending on what you want out of a 911). There are more creature comforts and more modern systems such as air bags and ABS on the 964's. The Carrera 4 AWD system is very robust, but does add a bit of weight and complexity. The C4 guys will sing praises all day of their C4's and the C2 guys will claim a C2 is the only way to go. Again, it's your choice and you should try to drive examples of both.

The 964's are more complex than the early cars and therefore typically cost more to maintain them. The trade off is the performance increase mentioned above.

The 964, especially the early 964 models from 1989 to 1991, have gotten a bad reputation due to several items. One item is that the 3.6 liter motors leaked oil from the cylinder to head location. This leak could be severe at times. The early engines from model years 1989-1991 did not have head gaskets and some engines experienced leaking in the cylinder to head area. This was thought to be caused by distortion of the heads when the heads were torqued and then expanded and contracted with heat cycles. Porsche addressed this problem near the end of model year 1991. It's a relatively rare leak, but should be looked for on any early 964 that you are looking at. Porsche fixed some motors while they were still under warranty. Many motors just plain did not leak and will not leak. A select few motors did need the update that is available and completely cures the leaking problem.

Another common 964 shortcoming is the Freudenberg dual mass flywheel that was installed in cars built prior to May 13, 1992. This flywheel turned out to be unreliable. A LUK flywheel used from May 13, 1992 and forward are much more robust and reliable. Many early cars have been updated by now.

Prices are up just a bit on the 964 models, especially the C2 coupes. However, they still are a lot of car and performance for the money. This car you posted a link to seems like a nice car, but those pics are too small and don't show enough critical areas to really get a good feel on the car's condition. If the car is solid and has no major defects, the pricing is right on it.

3.2 values are up just a bit as well. It seems it takes up to $20k to buy a very nice, low mileage example of an early 3.2 (1984 to 1986) and over $20k for the later G50 equiped 3.2's with reasonable mileage in good condition. However, there are deals to be had on these cars with higher mileage and/or issues present or looming.

Is there a best buy? Only you can determine which model you like best. You'll know once you drive them which is the best buy to you.

Good Luck,

Jay
90 964
84 3.2 Carrera

r911

the 964 is more like the e55 AMG -- more like a GT car

the 3.2L Carrera is more like an older sports car, emphasis on sports

GoWolfpack

Thanks all for the very sound and thoughtful advice.
When opportunity presents itself, you have to be prepared to strike and I did.

I bought this car yesterday. Picking it up very soon.

1986 911 Carrera

All comments are welcomed!

andrew911

I woudn't go that far- the 964 is like a "more modern but still classic sports car" I wouldn't categorize it as close to a GT (in my opinion). GT is 928, 996, etc.

rscredon

Congrats on your buy and welcome to Porsche!

m491driver

Welcome to the '80s. Great choice on a great "Pelican car". Almost looks Carolina Blue- go TarHeels! On the other hand mine looks a little Wolfpack red (ouch!) It will be nice having another Porsche in the Greenville area.
Jim

GoWolfpack

Oh man! Anything but Tarheel blue!! Maybe I will call it Carolina Panther Blue..

Thanks for the kudos on my car. See you on Hwy 11 and Hwy 178 up to Caesar's Head....

PS--know a good independent Porsche guy in Greenville?

umfan866

Hey you got a good deal on that car .. only $12,900 for a nice
clean 86? Did you even get it lower?

The reason I am saying this, is because locally, in San Francisco,
I saw a 911 for sale, 1986, same color blue in/out with 157,000
miles in nice condition..the guy wants 16,750 and will negotiate
some but not a lot. I may even show him that pelican add when
I look at the car...

m491driver

Try Protech Motorsports 917 State Park Rd in Greenville. 232-7150. They've got a good reputation and tons of Porsche experience. When I don't want to do my own work I go to them. Yep, Caesar's Head and Hwy 11 are great Porsche roads. Yes, Panther Blue! The ultimate insult from my son, "dad did you really wear a babyblue football uniform?" "Son, it's Carolina Blue!" Sure hope we beat somebody this year.

DJF1

I would do a PPI before putting giving my money. 176K while not a huge amount of miles, it is certainly something to think in terms of wear on the engine and all the other components. One thing you will find is that Porsche parts are not cheap. Be dilligent and buy the best car you can afford but never without a PPI....
Good luck to you!