RC

Had a chance a few days ago to test drive a 1982 Targa. It has 160,000 miles on it, transmission seems tight. The engine was rebuilt about 20,000 miles ago, w/ all upgrades completed at that time. The only problems I saw right off were: (1) the targa top has about three ripples in the front; (2) the oil retrn tube has a slight leak; (3) owner has not had the valves adjusted in about two years; and (4) the owner says that the top tends to leak on the side3s occassionally. On the good side: (1) the asking price $13,000, which I think I can negotiate down a couple thousand; (2) the car drives very well, has good pick up and no grinding or difficulty with changing gears; and (3) its close by, equaling no long distance purchase problems. I am trying to decide if I should go ahead and have a PPI done, or if I should wait for a better example to come along. What does the board think? Thanks in advance.

Ron <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Jay H

Ron:

That doesn't sound like too bad of a car. I would go ahead with a PPI if you feel the car drives well and you like it.

Oil return tubes are not a big deal. New tubes are around $100 and a competant mechanic can get this repair done quickly.

Hopefully a Targa owner can expand on what they feel is wrong with the top and how much it would be to get it corrected.

160,000 miles is nothing to be scared of if the car was well maintained. If the motor was rebuilt correctly, you could expect another 200,000 miles out of it. 915 transmissions tend to last around 100,000 miles. Are there any records to show what, if anything, has been done to the tranny?

How many miles has it been since the last valve adjustment? Typical intervals between valve adjustments are around 15,000 miles. I would assume valves may need to be adjusted aftet the rebuilt motor has been broken in (~1000 miles) and then the 15k interval should start.

Buying for $11-12k might be a good deal if the car checks out decent enough from a PPI.

Good Luck,
Jay
90 964

86NOH2O

If you want it, do the PPI. Also check out price on anything interior or exterior you want to fix. Porsche stuff is expensive. Got to fix that Targa top. I hate seeing a nice Targa going down the road and the top is inflated like a balloon. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

scottb

Given the market today, the price seems high. About a year ago, I paid slightly more than yours, and the car was an immaculate, all orginal 84 Targa with 77,000 miles. Sounds like it's worth no more than $11,000.

Bill Gregory

There are several people that rebuild targa tops. Dan Petchel in NJ comes to mind and there's a fellow in Colorado, both I recall have had good customer comments. If you don't get a lead here, search the Rennlist 911 list email archives at <a href="https://rennlist.com." target="_blank">www.rennlist.com.</a>

Rouxzy

I put a new skin on mine last summer. Came out really good. Cost was about 150.00 for the German vinyl. Secret was to set it in the sun so it expands then tighten it up.

rfuerst

If the car is what you want,have a PPI done,wait for the results,talk to the mechanic and fully understand everything they did,you can now make up your mind whether it is the car for you and start negotiating with the owner.Look online at some of the Porsche vendors,you will see that Targa seals can quickly eat up $700.00,so you want to understand which seals are leaking and use this to haggle the price lower,plus the results of the PPI.Good luck.

RC

Thanks for all the replies. I already looked into how much it would cost to fix the top, seems like the prices range from $400-700. The thing that worries me is the seals, because they can leak even if the top is in good condition. Right? Thanks again.

cmoss

Yes, the seals may leak some. I never drove mine in the rain.