GeorgeMa

Dear Friends,

I test drove a 1983 911 Targa yesterday, with 430,000 miles (yes, 430,000 miles).
The transmission is better than my current 83, engine sounds strong, but body only a 4 out of 10.
The engine and transmission were "re-built" in 1999 and 2000 (370,000 miles) by

Frank's Automotive
5220 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95819.

If you have experience with Frank's Automotive, can you please share?

I jumped on my current 1983 not with my brain, but with my heart, and shall not repeat the same mistake.

George Ma
Seattle
1983 911 Targa (needs work)

David911

I do not have personal experience with Frank's, but it is one of the two places recommended for Porsche service in Sacramento.

David

davs911

Franks is highly reccomended by many Porsche owners in the greater Sac area. I have used them and just today scheduled service. Frank and Nick have a reputation of being very honest and knowledgable. They are very conservative and tend to discourage highly modifying the Porsche.

I suggest you give them a call. They will probably remember the car and would be very forthcoming.

Carrera GT

I have no question about the mechanic for this era of 911's, but my questions all relate to your decision (and apparent predilection) to pick up another stray dog instead of shopping for the best of the best. If dollars are an issue, look at other ways to bring a good car into focus (such as different vintages, less popular colours) to get a solid, healthy car.

what's the price?
why not look further afield?
... or at least to the usual shopping haunts (traderonline, ebay, dupontregistry, hemmings, cars.com, carbuyer, roadfly, autoweek)
are you shopping to replace your current car?
is Targa important?
is this year special to you?
have you researched other 911's?
am I asking too many provocative questions?

GeorgeMa

Well, it is a long story.
I purchased my current 83 (3 years ago) from an airline pilot (First mistake, contrary to what I wanted to believe, he did not take care of the car).
I had it inspected by "reputable" P-mechanic (Second mistake, he is reputable but was the seller's mechanic). He told me the transmission was good, and basically that the car will run fine after taking care of his inspection list, around $1,500. After two visits to that shop and much over $1,500, I have since switched (ran away) to Dr. Walker, who is great. Dr. Walker is helping me catch up on the many problems that have surfaced. Dr. Walker is very fair, but I do not have deep pockets.
The car still needs tensioners, and only now did I realize that a 915 transmission can be smoother than what I have. (My mistake again, I did not test drive enough of them to know) Dr. Walker told me that I am not ready for a transmission rebuilt, so I have tried to live with it.
This current high mileage car is priced at $10,000, and if the rebuilts were done properly, it sounds like a bargain.
What would I do with two 83 911s? I honestly do not know. I would probably sell the current one. With the problems I had on my current 83, and tight budget, I have driven it less than 4,000 miles in the last three years.
Sigh.

GeorgeMa

By the way, the 83 with 430,000 miles did not have the tensioner upgraded. Rather interesting.
George Ma

Carrera GT

Well, you're not alone in your experiences (and sufferances) with Porsches and Porsche mechanics.
But why an '83?
And why ignore the "golden rule" of buying a Porsche -- get the best one you can afford and make sure the previous owner has spent money on it!

If you've driven only 4K miles in three years, hell, got by an old Ferrari and sell it before the next major service ...

Sonic dB

I cant think of a car that had 430,000 miles that I would pay $10K for. Look around, you should be able to get a decent lower mileage 911 for a similar price.