LlBr

I dunno. Please forgive me. Something changed in 1988. Brakes went to "power" in 1988 according to Leffingwell buyers guide. He's warning to give extra attention to 1987 and before because their design was less reliable longevity-wise because the were not the improved design of the 1988-and-beyond "power" brakes.

Ed Hughes

This is how rumors get started. I'm not picking on Llbr, but making broad statements without facts or posting anecdotes that one is not sure of does nothing to help to OP in his search for a good car.

Just when we were getting past the alleged head stud and 915 trans drama....

whalebird

+1 Ed. Brakes are flawless on all the Carreras. I would have to check my spec book, but there may have been a caliper change or something minor. Regardless it's minor. I would not apply the terms power to a Carrera's brakes and not the '77 - '83 cars. IIRC, 77 is when the booster was added.
I have not looked at Randy Leffingwells buyers guide, I always enjoyed his photos but am not sure of his technical prowess. I just don't know, but there may be a context to the '88's "power brake" statement.

murphyjp

Funny you mention it. I just called my insurance company and got a quick quote to see ballpark figures. Mind you this is not collector car insurance. Quote was about $600/year.

MUSSBERGER

I would think that as well.

murphyjp

Me three! I asked again, but requested maybe the original owner could contact me which would satisfy his wanting to keep his contact info private. I got a similar response that the original owner did not want to be contacted.

Something else been bothering me. Given all the info is accurate and the car is as it seems, $17.5 seems like a steel. Either this guy has no idea what he's got, he wants to turn a quick profit after his dealership stole it on trade, or there is something wrong with the car.

salukijac

PPI, PPI, PPI. I would think the price is a very good one if there is nothing wrong with the car. I have seen mid 20s for a car with such low miles. And from the pics, it looks much nicer than the other Targa.

Is this car local to you?

LlBr

Sorry for the mistake, But I gotta blame myself and Randy Leffingwell. He is ambiguous in one of his books stating power brakes did not start until 1988. In another he says the did start in 1987. He's got warnings about both series of brakes, BTW. Pre-power seem more problematic. Nevertheless, I get your point. Please accept my apologies once again.

User 4221

Follow the money and it will tell you what is happening.

whalebird

"power" brakes were first introduced on the 911 for the 1977 model year. There is no problems with any braking system on the 911 series cars. It does become more complicated with the 1989 Carrera 4(964) with abs and hydrolic pump. The Carrera 2 (964) did not have the high pressure pump and was still a fool-proof system. Do not worry about the brakes on an '88 Carrera. Leffingwell has been misprinted, misquoted, or mistaken. There were some changes in that time period for the 944 brakes.
I hope this will mitigate any rumors.
Sweet looking car however. I would most certainly dig into it and see what's there (or not there) and I really like the sport seats.

LlBr

Fair enough Whalebird. There are many guys here, like you, who know a huge amount more than I do from reading books.

dshepp806

PPI: bottom line (simple).....and from a reputable source (not the servicer of this vehicle)...

Leakdown's, for sure......head studs checked.............LEAKS.

,..and service history documentation.

whalebird

what he said ^^^^. I think Peter's book is a great start. LIBr check the top of the 911 forum list for "prepurchase inspection" by our own Peter Zimmerman. It may offer some insight, If you haven'tt already. Reading is good. I really like the car and hope you can move forward if it checks out. if it doesn't check out, let us know.

500

Either it is a great deal, or it has something hidden, like an accident.

Even if there is a story, it still may be a good deal depending on what the issue was and how it was dealt with. Certainly worth a good look.

murphyjp

dshepp806, I thought head studs were only an issue on the SC years. No?

amjf088, stepping lightly here. I think I've asked all the right questions to dig up any gremlins. Unless I've been lied to. Only things wrong are no radio power and a few normal nicks in the paint.