Rrrockhound

There are some great deals out there right now. I just picked up a rust-free California SC with service records for $9500. Its biggest issues are upholstery, no oil-fed tensioners (which I’ve already taken care of), and a strange bullet hole-like dent in one door. I drove it 2500 miles in 2 days at up to 100 mph with no problems and expect to get years of good service out of it. This was not the only car I looked at and my point is that there appear to be quite a few similar deals out there with the poor economy. Concours-quality cars are probably still holding their price, but driver-level examples seem to be cheaper. And a driver is what I wanted. I already have a mint Porsche I’m afraid to drive anywhere.

porsche4us

If I recall correctly the 1986 models got larger diameter sway bars, a third brake lamp, a revised dashboard with larger vents, and the relocation of the hazzard and rear defroster switches to the center console. Overall, a nice year for the last 915 equipped 3.2s.

Riz

Just got my Pete Zimmerman book! After reading - I'm looking to drive a few to compare.

pchak

I just got rid of my 996, as it wasn't as enjoyable (I'm kicking myself for getting rid of my 993c4). As I drive hardly any miles to work any more (leass than 250/mo), I feel I really missed out on the older 911's (prior to the 993, I had a Boxster, and had been a 944 person for most of the 80-90's). I want to go back to a light, tossable car. I got a crack at an 80 SC with 55K mi, chain tens/pop-off, alt, shocks, valve cvr gaskets and tubes, fuel accumulator and lines, tran rebuild w/clutch all done in the last 2-3 years. Carrera A/C and dash upgrade. Cat by-pass. Leakdown 4-6%. The big issue with the car is that it will eventuallly need a repaint. I can get it for $9K.

The downside I see is the CIS, and less power (thought shouldn't I gain 10-12 w/cat bypass?).

Otherwise, I'd be looking for a 70-90K mi '84-'86. I kinda like the potential of this car(a little fix-up, but enjoyment along the way), as it has had many of the issues fixed recently.

I agree with rrrockhound and Pete's line of thinking, and mainly want a fun, servicable hobby car. I'd certainly like to hear everyone's opinion, based on this info.

Thanks!

Edward

Ahhh, resurrecting the age-old dilemma. At least whichever way one chooses, one still gets a fine 911

It has been stated many times and in many ways, but it bears rementioning, IMHO. The SCs are lighter than Carreras, which serves to offset some of the HP deficit. And if you are in a state (not like CA where the CARB ***** control the roads) where you can get SSIs, that adds another 10 or so ponies. And while CIS gets lots of bad press from folks, may I attest that once the system is adjusted properly (and all items are obviously in order), the system works perfectly ...mine has started everytime and been running flawlessly for maybe 4 years now with zero issues nor add'l adjustments.

Since all these cars are quite old now, the delta between them really depends largely on their owners' care, maintenance, and mods; these alone are enough to justify either car as the "better" one. Just thought I'd chime in ...and throw in my vote for the venerable SC

Edward

Peter Zimmermann

PPI!

pchak

I appreciate the extra input.

I'm not torn so much between the SC/Carrera, just more so that whether or not to stay away from that early of an SC (I know they're all "bulletproof", but...). My thought would be to hit the balance spot of lightest/"cheapest"/HP/other features. To me (from all the research I've done here and elsewhere) an '84 or '85 Carrera would be right in the middleof what I'd want. However, I've seen prices all over the map for likes cars in their condition groups.

This particular car has no rust whatsoever, a really decent interior, and some extra parts. Seems the owner did a lot of upgrades and work, and has the recs to prove it.

I would assume leakdown will show valve/ring/etc. wear, but wouldn't that also indicate stud issues because of compression loss??

As for the cat, OH is strict for emissions in my county, but only up to 25 years. Besides, I raised that issue, and got $500 off to get the "new" cat, lol.

Thanks!

TA911-64

We all put a ton of care and energy into our cars...whatever the year or model. my theory is to check
out and drive ANYTHING in your price and year choice range. Odds are that you'll know which one you
want to own...regardless of CIS/Motro 915/G50.

pchak

Just thought I would post a follow-up. After doing some checking, I found that the miles are undetermined. The car had a 160mph speedo, and from ehat I've learned, the car should have had an 85mph speedo (likewise, there were no rear seat belts, something that I need for my twin future Porschephiles). The owner did not have much to say when I asked him about that. The car had a lot of stuff replaced, but if it had 20K miles or more than advertised, I'm now in an entirely different category of car. After factoring in the paint (it was talbot yellow, and someone painted it a lighter shade, noticeable in the trunk and under the hood) and some other items, I would be in the price range for a newer car without some of the headaches. I like turning a wrench, but I certainly don't have the skills to paint a car. Unless some other "deal" drops out of a tree, I think I'll take the summer to nose around all my PCA friends' cars, and particpate more here (I was a heavy R/L person w/my 993, but lost interest w/the 996).

AND buy Pete's book (ordered it this a.m. )

911vet

It sounds like you made a good choice to pass on this one. These cars aren't so scarce that you have to leap on the first one. I'll keep an eye out down here in Central Ohio for you.

I haven't driven a 993/996. The newest I've driven are 964s. But from what I can tell... I am happy to have a "real" 911. It has a feel like no other car. And the classic lines still draw me in.

You're gonna be happy when you get yours.

pchak

Thanks, Shannon.

I got my 996 for the wrong reasons. Loved my Boxster, but at the time I was looking for a Carrera. When I turned in the lease, I thought the 993 would be a step up. My wife couldn't drive stick, she loved loved the Boxster, and our twins were on the way, so I got the 996. Rationale: it was a Boxster with a backseat and 100 extra HP. I also got a tip. It was a very good, unique car. In the mean time, I taught my wife to drive stick, and she became my best student ever. One of our long-time PCA friends gave us his daughter's Porsche car seats, so fit was no longer an issue. So I was stuck with a really nice car that didn't have the spirit of the older cars.

Last year's Pano article sealed the deal. I decided at that point I would sell the 996 and go OLD SCHOOL!

sbpsu354

I might be in the market to go Old School as well, but I'm keeping the 996. I've found an 83 SC that looks to be very well maintained, but I'm running out of garage space. The DD may need to stay in the driveway.

PushingMyLuck

I noticed a few people in this thread buying an SC for about $10,000.
This thread is from 2009. Was that the bottom of the market, or did they go even lower.
Today, in 2013, it seems an SC is in the $17k range. Nice jump if you nailed the lows!

theiceman

Reiver

Yup, that was the bottom of the market...you missed it. A year or two ago lots of the 'collector car buyers' articles in magazines started the 'buy it now' comment on SC's etc. The most recent articles have noted a 10% annual increase in SC value.
You can still find SC's in the 12k or so market but they will need work you may not want to pay for as one thing leads to another.
Smart money buys about 20k +/- with the work done, rebuilt top end, tranny work, clutch etc.
You can choose to believe otherwise but the guys telling you this stuff ain't making it up.