Take a deep breath, J. I just repeated the same exact thing Pete Z. mentioned to me when I was looking at a similar car. I believe I also pointed out that I was not an expert on the subject (and that it had probably already been done). He came here asking for input, and he got input from different folks. It's all good, my friend. If $2k scares someone off from a p-car, they should probably be scared off ... JMHO.

 

I know I know, sorry

 

I have to agree. These comments would be enough to make anyone run screaming to the local Honda dealer instead.

I have an 87 so I live in "fear" of the valve guides going bad. 87 was the worst year for them. I sure hope I'm not looking at more than $5000 if it happens.

So, how can I tell if I have the shaft update? I bought my car a few months ago with 113K miles on it. I had some problems shifting, but I think it was bad shifter bushings-- which I recently replaced. Haven't had a chance to get it on the road to test out my theory.

 

Yeah, yeah, rub it in Mr. 89 owner! Like Pete says, "he never met an 89 he didn't like!"

My next 911 will be an 89 or a 964. But then again, I hope I don't have a "next Porsche" for a long, long time. Cause the one I've got seems to be doing pretty good for a 20-year old car with 116K miles on it.

 

Haven't run yet. I've been researching 911's for no less than 4 years. I sold my BMW this summer with the expectation that I'll get a 911. The good 911's I've looked at have several large repair bills between 3-8k. This one had the top end rebuilt, clutch and other repairs for 8k. I'm going to pass on it even though it drives so well and has good maintenance. I can't fall in love with the color.

I'm going to test drive a 964 targa tomorrow, this one is guards red on black.

Mark

 

You know, it's funny. I hated the colour of my car at first but then fell in love with it.

Good luck with the 964.

 

I test drove and inspected the 91 Red/Black Targa. Here are some of it's service/condition details. You're guys thoughts? He is asking $20k, 2nd owner since 1997. 61k miles

Serviced at top rated local porsche shop 15min from home, car is 10min away. Easy to look at.

Major Service Items
Distributor Belt last performed Date: 10/27/03 Mileage: 57,300
YES Distributor Vent kit present?
YES Updated Rear Blower Fan Resistor?
Clutch Replacement? Date: 11/5/07 Mileage: 60,430
YES Flywheel with Clutch replacement?
Transmission Fluid Date: 3/99 may have been done with clutch? Mileage: 43,xxx
Last Oil Change Date: 6/2/07 Mileage: 59,664
Brake Fluid Last Changed Date: 11/5/07 Mileage: 60,430 changed every 2-3 years
O2 Sensor - two of them, most recent Date: 10/27/03 Mileage: 57,300
Front Brakes Date: 10/27/03 Mileage: 57,300
Rear Brakes Date: 4/02 Mileage: 53,190
NO Struts/Shocks replaced?
NO Are Struts/Shocks Leaking?
NO Are Strut/Shock Boots Damaged?
Not Sure Are Steering Boots Damaged?
Tires Last Changed? Date: 4/27/02 Mileage: 53,190
Last Alignment? Date: 3/99 Mileage: 43,xxx
NO CV Joints Ever Sealed/Packed?
Valves last adjusted? Date: 10/27/03 Mileage: 57,300

Engine bay insulation replaced, RMS and input shaft seal replaced with clutch, oil cooler and hoses, several power window switches & motors. Basically $2-3k spent every year since 1997.

Comments from last service: oil leak at intermediate end cap or crank seal front of engine. Not sure how bad, how much to fix or how soon. I'll talk with the shop.

Targa top has some issues, has been fixed, needs to be adjusted.

Exterior condition: Not perfect, a few dings (dentless removeable), wheels scuffed, front bumper scuffed and rock chips, rear wing plastic has vertical split in middle, light scratches on doors below window (they have a big dog). Needs polish and detailing.

Interior condition: Wear on drivers side bolster, can be dyed using Leatherique, mild cracking. Otherwise clean and everything works. Leather needs good conditioning, shifter a bit worn. Heater worked well, has had some service to HVAC system.

Driving: Full power, no hesitation, clutch is PERFECT, some shimmy in front end. Shimmy goes away at higher speeds. Has had tires rebalanced several times, kumho tires look good but are from 2002. I took it up to 100mph, very stable. Brakes good, may have a slight pull to left. Car started fine both hot and cold, bit of white smoke it is about 30deg here. Smoke went away after drive.

I would offer $18k based on condition, timing and where I live. He is in no hurry to sell.

What do you guys think?

 

A 964 with that decent documentation, a fresh LUK flywheel and that amount of money spent on it over the years for $18k would be a decent deal especially with the relatively lower mileage.

The oil leak needs to be looked into. Any cylinder to head leak issue?

The shimy is most likely tires. Khumos of that age may have some runout in them by now that can't be balanced out. Might be time for fresh shocks...

My rear wing split just from age and I have a concours only 964 that barely comes out of the garage. The rest of the cosmetic issues seem to be pretty fixable.

964's are a whole different driving experience from the older cars. Make sure you enjoy what "improvements" the 964 gives verses the older cars.

Good Luck!

Jay
90 964, 84 3.2

 

Thanks Jay. I'll check on the severity of the oil leak. You're probably right about the tires, otherwise how hard is it to change out the struts? I've done struts on an E36, E30 & MR2.

I like the 964 driving experience, a bit more refined but still raw. I drove a nice 87 2 days ago, I enjoyed this one more.

Mark

 

Mark,

If you've done struts on those other cars, you should be fine with freshening up a 964. The rears are just bolt in. The fronts could be just an insert replacement if you go with original Boge's again.

Good luck!

Jay
90 964
84 3.2

 

That's a fairly low mileage 964 for $18k. It sounds like a good deal, but I would have a leakdown performed if it were me. While the mechanic were in there, I might have him inspect the valve guides as well.

 

For the past 4 or 5 months maybe longer there has been a Casis Red 1987 Targa on eBay the seller would not budge off his price of 19k. I believe the miles were around 92 or 98k I forget which. I dont believe the top end had been done. It appreared from the pictures to be exceptionally clean and also was sporting 7's and 9's plus sprts seats in white. I also believe a fellow rennlister recently purchased it. I would use that as a price point and I would also consider how long it took them to get their price.

I presonally think that color is great looking, and I inquired about the one on eBay, I just felt it was priced a bit over the market and I was not in a rush to pay up heading into winter. Thats just my 2 cents on value, I still think is was a great looking targa.

On the car you're discussing I would obviously pay more but I think it tops out around 20 to 21k. I have seen quite a few low miles examples of 87-89 targa's around these days in the middle 20's.

Good luck in your search, let us know how it turns out.