Ed Hughes

I spent a good sum on purchasing a '91 928 with <30K miles 4 years ago. Probably the cheapest car I've ever owned (over about 30 months & 30K miles) in the grand scheme, but I know people who spend a fair sum and a bit of time on their 928 habit. They are fun cars, but they are more complex, and expensive, than pre-89 911's, IMO.

mBot

...yeah, nix the 944 idea, I'd rather have a 911, especially given what you guys have mentioned.

Ok, going to order Pete's book right now

911tracker85

'85 911 targa and '84 928S. I have both.

911 mostly a DE car now, 928 a daily driver. totally different, but each great for the purpose.

I had to have my tranny rebuilt and valve guides done several years ago on the 911. at the time I think it was about $9k for both, done by a great indy porsche guy. I am sure it would be more today. full engine rebuilds are rare for these cars unless abused or VERY high mileage. when he did my valves at 85k miles, you could still see the factory hone marks on the cyl walls and the bottom end good. in my case the valve guide issues was caused/accelerated by a mouse having taken dry dog food into the air shroud causing intake valve overheating.

911 now has 130K, over the past several yrs a lot of track time. runs like a champ with no issues.

I picked the 84 928S as they are much easier to maintain/fix than S4s. not as fast, but that is what the 911 is for. so far has cost me about $6k. got in good condition for $3600 a couple years ago, and have done quite a bit of refresh work my self.

a big question is can you do a lot of the basic work yourself?

in any Pcar selection, PPI by qualified mechanic will help avoid heartache (wallet pain).

911tracker85

PS. we now have two cats that live in my garage guarding the 911.

mBot

I can do basic stuff myself, sure........I've done brakes and oil on cars before (recent model VWs and BMW 3-er).....other than that, not a whole lot. The nice thing is that the 911 will be a weekend-only fun car. So, if it needs something addressed, it can wait patiently in the garage until I have time to do it.......I might be able to do valve adjustment myself, with a Bentley Manual..........I'm not *afraid* to do my own work, I just don't have a ton of extra time to work on the car every weekend. Frankly, I'd rather drive the car and spend the extra time with my 3 yr old

The only drawback to owning a Porsche where I live, is that it's a solid 3 hr drive to the nearest Porsche specific shops I can find in Michigan (Metro Detroit area). That's kind of a bummer......... There is a shop I trust about an hour away (owned by an ex-VW/Audi/Porsche dealership Service mechanic), which has worked on our vehicles in the past, and he can certainly do simple stuff, but the lot is not full of 911s.

Thanks for the input, guys!

931GT

If you're taller than 6ft you'll want to look for a good 84 or 86. The 85s had higher seat rail mounts and get really tight with regards to headroom. You'll also tend to push the seat further back than is optimal to try and get a bit extra room on top, making the driving position a bit awkward.

While I loved my 85 Targa, when get around to getting another one I'll be looking towards 86s. I prefer the 915 and there are a few little upgrades over the 84.

whalebird

Thats IF the sunroof works - You also forgot rear hatch, #2 rod bearings...
A 944 is one of the most expensive cars you can own. And it takes a good bit to make them formidable track cars. Ask me how I know.

Edgy01

Buy a couple of buying guides (like Zimmerman's and Randy Leffingwell's 911 Buyer's Guide) as a start. You can learn so much from those.

mBot

...911 for sure, the 944 is not even an option.

I'm 5'8", so headroom should be OK.

Thanks guys for the great comments, all good info!

I've ordered Pete Z's book, can't wait for it to arrive.

In the meantime, I'm still enjoying the VW..........

mBot

...Got Pete's book, and it's a GREAT read

Question, folks.................with about $15,000 to spend on the car (knowing it'll cost another couple grand to get the PPI, taxes, and transporting it home), can I realistically find a nice example of a mid 80's Targa that *doesn't* need any imminent work (synchros, head studs, high oil consumption issues), or am I just dreaming? It seems as though most "perfect" cars are in the $20-25k range , but I've read some posts here on the board where people have bought nice cars closer to $15k.

I could stretch to $20k if I wait a year (of course, it might take that long to find the right example anyway)........Guards Red or Black with a tail would be my preference I'm not in a huge hurry, and I'll have cash in hand once the existing car sells. I can buy in the off-season if that helps, etc etc.

Ed Hughes

I think you can. As you mention, it may take a little while. Keep socking money away!

mBot

I hope so. Seeing SCs selling for 16-17k and Carreras for 18-19k on Ebay makes me nervous............

Of course, there is a user here from TX who bought his 89 white/black Targa in TX last year for like 14k, with under 100k on the clock. That makes me feel better

I could deal with a car that needed, say, upholstry work, but paying $15k for a car that needs an engine/trans rebuild, head studs, or a re-paint is going to kill me

If you guys think it can be done, then I'll start looking

Ed Hughes

Looking is pretty cheap, unless you get to the point of doing a PPI. You'll find something. Be patient; you'll know when it is the right one.

User 4221

Ahem, that's member to you, sir