kurt0811

It's time for me to admit it...I need help. I've been looking for an 87-89 cab for some time now, and I may have found one. But I'm just not sure. I found it through Autotrader, but have not been able to master the linking process, so I'll summarize: 87, red cab, black interior, 62k mi, new power top, new tires. From photos, the exterior is probably 8/10 (few small dents ) , the interior 9/10, with mild wear on the drivers side seat bolster. No whale tail, asking 23k. Its been in New England it's whole life, and some records are available. Current owner says top end and clutch done by previous owner about 5 years ago, but that receipt is i storage at other home, and not accessible until mid Dec, unless I put a deposit down. So here's my dilemma...the car is too far for me to go see personally ( in CT, I'm in PA), and the prices I've gotten for the PPI from Daniel Jacobs in Oxford CT is just over $500. The car seems to have low miles for a new clutch/top end/seat wear, and I don't really want to spend the money for the PPI only to find out the miles are not accurate, or the top end was never done, etc. Am I being overly cautious, or is this my new toy?

rusnak

Try re-posting a thread titled "Need help w 911 purchase in CT"

There are a few who post here and on Pelicanparts.com who live in that area, and they may be able to go over and look at the car and send you some photos. Even better, post them for evaluation before spending your $500.00.

Just my $.02, not an expert.

Daniel Dudley

500 is a reasonable price for a true PPI. I also am not an expert. Sounds like Jacobs is. I think in one of your other threads someone said 500.00 saved then 10,000.00.

How true that can be. Also, be willing to travel. Courtship is part of the romance.

kurt0811

Thanks for the replies. I'm not too averse to traveling, especially since this is not too far away. I think my major concern was: does it seem odd to have had a top end job and clutch replacement already in a car with seemingly low miles, and how insistent should I be to get the previous receipt for the top end/clutch work, or would the PPI reveal the condition of those? And of course, what every ones thoughts were on the price

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Its not unusual for any of these cars to require a top end at those miles to address the valve guide issue. I'd want to know who did the work and the details of what was done.

Clutch life is largely determined by driver skills and habits. Most 911's need a clutch between 60K and 90K so this means that the person who drove the car wasn't very careful in this regard. I'd be more concerned about oil change intervals.

butzip

Hey Kurt, I'm in CT and I know Dan Jacobs. He has an excellent and deserved reputation. You will get your $$$ worth from a PPI by the 'Hairy Dog Grrrrage'. No kidding, that's what he calls it. Do you have the VIN? I can run an Autocheck for you. I used to use Carfax but they jacked their prices big time. Please keep in mind, these aids do not necessarily give you the whole picture of a car's history. I'm on business in Houston right now and will be hunting for cars this weekend in CT. If I get a chance, I would be happy to check the car out for you. I had an 88' cab as a daily driver for 8 years, I know a good (or bad) one when I see it. I also travel to PA (Coatesville) almost weekly and I have a trailer if you need some assistance getting her home.

After reading the ad, the guy sounds like a bit of a jerk.
"I don't need to sell this car before I buy the next so my price is firm. The car is priced fair for its condition and uniqueness. I'll accept the best offer over $22,899...$22,900 is the lowest offer I'll accept. Cash only, no trades. Note: If there are multiple potential buyers, the car will be sold to the person that bids the highest price. Interested?"

FWIW - The wheels are really faded, but top and everything else looks acceptable from the distant pics. The price is not unreasonable given the mileage if it's correct.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

butzip

Oh and another thing, he actually told you he won't retrieve the receipts unless you give him a deposit?!?! That's unacceptable.

kurt0811

Hi Butzip, I've sent you a PM

rusnak

The seats look aftermarket (release on both sides), the ciggy lighter is missing and there is some sort of EQ or amp on the dash. I'd ask if the seats were replaced and if so, where are the originals. Also, red w blk interior is not "rare".

Ed Hughes

I think the guy is off base for a car without full records, and a "few small dents". To me, a $23K cab should be pretty much impeccable in this economy. I'd allow for rock chips as well. But dents tells me it hasn't had the pampered life it is priced at. Steve also points out a good point about the clutch (changed 5 years ago-what mileage?) which is possibly further evidence to the point.

He doesn't have to sell, but you don't have to buy either. Keep in mind many here have taken some time to find their car. Why is this car so "rare"?

kurt0811

Everyone is sort of echoing the voices in my head...I've learned my quest may, in fact, be a long one. Just didn't want to let a good one get away because of my tendency to over-analyze.

dshepp806

yes,..it will be a "trek".....patience is the key.

,..and, of course, the "analytics".

butzip

Here's the summary:

Report Run Date: 2009-11-18 17:43:50.723 EST

Vehicle: 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera (WP0EB0913HS170641)

Event Date Event Location Odometer Reading Data Source Event Detail
07/15/1995 STAMFORD, CT 37,585 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:022462659)
04/18/1996 FAIRFIELD, CT 42,284 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:022891263)
04/18/1996 FAIRFIELD, CT Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
09/13/2000 CT Independent Emission Source PASSED EMISSION INSPECTION
11/01/2001 STRATFORD, CT Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
04/23/2004 STRATFORD, CT Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
05/13/2005 TRUMBULL, CT 55,055 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:029108583)
05/13/2005 TRUMBULL, CT Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
07/04/2007 TRUMBULL, CT Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
05/04/2009 TRUMBULL, CT Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL

butzip

There's nothing wrong with the seats, the later Carreras had releases on both sides, those are no doubt the original seats. Good call on the EQ under the radio, wierd.... I also see a remote K40 radar detector on the center console and an alarm led, so beware of some possible electrical hackery.

I just made that word up

There is nothing particularly rare on this car except that it is a (seemingly) low mile G-50 car that appeals to you and you could be waiting a long time to find another that's conveniently located and with the same criteria. No need to be hastie but no need to hold-out forever either. They only get so good if you know what I mean. I agree with the others, at this price, it should be an above average example that should need little to no $$ to drive right away. or in your case store for the winter

As a reference:
I sold my 88' cab silver/navy with 125k miles on it, new top, new clutch et al, new brakes, 75% tires, OEM cup II's, small tear on drivers seat blah blah blah for $18.5k last year.......... Which is exactly what I paid for it in 2001 with 75k miles on it

rusnak

That report is awesome!!! I wish I had one of those when I bought my 911.....but then again maybe I would have passed...hmmmmm

Kurt, offer him $100 less in order to buy a new ciggy lighter and some paint for the wheels. You know, just to tweak him a bit.