Don't make the mistake of only considering SC's and "later Carreras".

 

... as I am looking to get into the 911 game!!

I am considering SCs and 3.2 Carreras, so this thread has provided some validation of where I am aiming - either would be a good decision. I have Pete's book and have been researching/looking for the better part of a year now. Was hoping to do something this summer but it's almost end of August now, soooo ... it might be a winter/spring purchase instead.

--flexbert

 

Yes, however Porsche kept making them better. The general rule is buy the newest one you can afford.

 

Bw patient. Wait for the 911 that "speaks" to you. Not necessarily the perfect one, just the one that speaks to you.

 

That is probably good advise. I think, like most, you will discover it takes some time to find THEE car. You look at a bunch of cars out there but there will be one you keep coming back to for some reason or another. That is probably the car - speaking to you.

I window shopped for a couple years before I got serious and it took a few months to land on a car and another few weeks to actually buy it.

 

Wow.

What an awesome reply(ies)to my query. I feel indebted to you already.

Peter, I'm ordering your book,really!
I'll keep lurking and reading.

 

I would suggest you look at them both without bias, and one will stand out. Drive several, and eventually you will come across one that just feels better. I know someone else has commented about this before, but all things being equal, the cars seem to have a bit of an individual character. My old SC that I sold runs better than most of the 3.2 carreras that I've driven. Call it the ghost in the machine if you will, but they are very comparable machines.

 

All that I ask is that you read it cover to cover! And, thank you!

 

I started shopping for my first Porsche over a year ago and purchased my Ice Blue 82' SC in January.
I considered, scrutinized and drove over a dozen cars in the 1978-1988 time frame and in my opinion they all "felt' and "pulled" about the same! I noticed no appreciable difference even with G50 cars.
I bought this Porsche with eyes wide open after talking with Pete on this forum, reading his book (among others )and bought my car based on CONDITION! It had ALL maintenence records from new, 60K miles, lowered,paint and interior almost mint and all mechanial upgrades completed. I have both tracked and autocrossed it. Purchase price: $12,500.
This car definitely spoke to me when I found it. They are out there so be patient and always do your "due dilegence"!

Go SC's!!

Scot

 

Awesome thread, and Pete is the definitive expert on these topics... It is great to see him chime in!

I have to agree with those that notice the individual feel across the complete line of SCs through 3.2s. I drive Porsches because of that visceral feel of the driving experience, and really enjoy the '78-'89 model years. Truth be told, I find my 964 to be a bit "soft"...

I miss my 79 SC, and this thread makes me miss it even more. I have spent significant time driving a close friend's 89 targa and still prefer the rawness of my old car (heavy steering, healthy clutch, lighter weight, etc.) and am now very interested in finding an '83 targa at some point soon.

DEFINITELY drive as many as you can - and you will find the one that feels right!

Good luck!
-Blake

 

Gee, Peter--couldn't you be more specific! lol

 

Thanks Peter,

Your expertise is invaluable and your book has been a life saver!

 

Peter's book really helped with my recent purchase. Helped me narrow down my choice to 3.2s. Thanks Peter.

 

i loaned a guy my copy of petes book ... he was so impressed he bought me a case of beer .. so i think i owe Pete a six pack in royalties ... nah .... i'll just mail him the empties

 

Thanks, pal! I can always count on you...