R. Miller

I have a good delima. I have about $10,500 max to spend on a used Porsche. I've found the three models that would best suit me to be a '78+ 911SC, a '87+ 944 Turbo or a 928S4. I like the 911SC for it's duribility (for that year 3.0L engine) and it's namesake... I like the Turbo for it's horsepower and newer ergonomics and relability... And the 928S4 is a new option I've considered and seems like a good "middle ground". I live in St. petersburg and go to college. Some of my concerns are theft/vandilism (though I live off campus in a nice apartment building), maintainence ( i understand the costs overall of a porsche but per model surely varies) and ease of ownership as I am limited at times such as when i have to move (the 911 DOES have a small "trunk").
Any advice is appriciated as I want to make the right

pacmyster

I realize that I'm biased but I'd say go with the 911!! Regardless of your decision you MUST set aside a few thousand more dollars for some upgrades that you will end up doing... I don't care if the car doesn't need anything done to it, it doesn't matter!!! You will never be satisfied with what you have. It's like an addiction!!!
Good luck,
Pete

Bill Gregory

I'll just echo what Pete and Brian have said, as they are both rght on the money: Pre-purchase inspection is critical, keep a few $K aside for contingencies or upgrades, and given your budget (including contingency monies), the 944 family may be your best bet. You certainly can get a 911 for $7-$8K, but you may get more value for your money in the 944 family - take a look at the non-turbo models too. There was an article in Excellence about a year ago on what to look for in a 944. Drive the 944 for awhile, then when you have some more money, sell it, and buy a Porsche with the engine in the right location...in back!

TOM_C

Just remember that any (911 or 944) porsche turbo of 80's vintage is a high strung animal compared to the NA versions. While the performance gains are incredable it comes with a maintenance price. Since your in school save a little more and get a reliable SC. When you have more disposable income go for turbo (911 or 944) you'll be amazed at the difference.

tom_c sc and fast 951

Ian Evans

Those are all old cars now, and just about any old car you buy will need some $$ put in almost immediately.

If $10,500 is your budget, I would probably get a normally aspirated 944 for much less than that, and save the few thousand for maintenance and repair. I agree with Brian, that amount of money just isn't quite enough to get you into a good 911SC or 928S4.

Tim.

Let me ask you this - What Porsche is really your dream car (stay only to your list)?

If your answer isn't a 944 (normally aspirated) then put the money in technologies stocks before they start going up again. Then, when you have the money, buy your dream car - the 911.

Excellence has had a couple of articles on the 944 and it is considered one of the best "bang for the buck" used cars to buy. Take a look at Excellence issue #100 for the latest 944 Market Update and info on which models you should consider. I'm going to be looking for one this year as an every day (all season) driver myself. Good luck.

'83 911 SC

Leland Pate

I have one thing to add...


Have you ever heard of a 944 World Domination Plot?

"Noooooo"....
Well then ...the choice is clear... save up a couple grand more and get a SC.
period.


Leland Pate, "Mastermind of the SC World Domination Plot"

Muha ha ha ha hah aaaa ah....

Bob D.

As usual, Brian K. is right on the money.

Having owned two 951s, and currently a 964, I can tell you that the 951 is a real gas and, IMHO, an incredible value. You can get a good one for $10k, and if you get a thorough PPI and don't abuse the car, the repair costs should not be too horrific.

Is it logical to get a Porsche if you are in college and on a tight budget? Absolutely not. But is it fun? Absolutely yes. I did it, had a blast, and 20 years later I'm still hooked.

Jdub

I'm with Leland: get yourself a bit more money (bridge loan from a credit union?) and go for the best SC you can find.

The PPI is a must. Walk away from any car that doesn't measure up. You will HATE owning a Porsche if you go in only with your heart. You have to be ready to wrench the car yourself and/or put the $$ down for the professional WHO YOU TRUST!

Once you set the Pcar up, and erase the nagging problems they seem to come with from the PO, you will have a daily driver that is King of the Road. Don't sweat the trunk space: unless you are trying to move a drum kit (don't ask me how I know) you will never have a problem with packing for a two-up jaunt.

Happy hunting!
Jw

Goat

I can only say that when I was in college, I felt truly lucky to have a Datsun 710 (with a back seat; a necessity in the days of 3 or 4 roommates!) with fenders held together with hardware store sheet metal and pop rivets. Boy, the kids have it easy these days... remember, the back seat of a 911 is almost useless for any 2 college-sized people!

R. Miller

Us college kids have it easy?!?!? Perhaps but consider that I pay for a portion of my expensive school, work 20+ hrs. a week, pratice 15+ hrs. a week for the sailing team and still find time take care of the girls In any event I've had two jobs every summer of my life and worked me **** off for my present car and take car of it better than my rabbit. Off of my tangent I truly appreciate everybody's help though I've only more questions. When you say a 911SC cannot be had for $10K+ I feel your wrong for my "buying area". Northern kentucky/ cinncinati ohio have lower used car costs it appears as I look through traderonline ads. Of course I've not had any car checked by an authorized p-car mechanic.... Perhaps one question that could answer my delima is why get a slower (180 vs 951's 220hp) and 10yr older 911sc over a 951? Anything besides the fact it is a 911 and thus has a certain greatness that does not show in statistics?

Leland Pate

R.Miller, I always thought the back seats in 911s helped in preventing the "Taking home of large women syndrome" associated with alcoholic indulgance....an event that is usually regreted in the morning.

Bill Gregory

R. Miller,

You absolutely can find 911's for less than $10K. What's important is what your goals are. If you want to go as fast as you can in a straight line, there are vehicles that will do that. If you want to have a 911 because no other vehicle is a 911, ahem, then a 911 is what you want. Plan to stay driving on the street? Plan to take it to the track? Drivers education? Racing? Autocross? Weekend driver, daily driver, garage queen, concours winner? These are all important aspects to answer your question. We recently discussed a 911 on the old forum that, at best, was going to sell for $3K. By the time you rebuilt the motor, repainted, rebuilt the suspension, etc you'd have alot of money into it. That doesn't count what happens when the magic strikes you, and you want to change it to better be what YOU want it to be. Bucks and more bucks. So, all that rambling aside, you have to decide what you want, then go for it.
OK, end philosophy 101 class now....

Chris Martin

I think we all go through this when it's time to get a new p-car. You really need to drive as many cars as you can gets your hands on so you can find out what car you raelly like. I love my SC for what it is. But, mine at least, is not an everyday car. If I drove it everyday I might not like it so much, that's what my Honda is for. It sounds like you are in a great position, make the most of it. Worst case is you buy the 951 and later decide you want a 911. Life is tough!

Chris

Ian Evans

I don't think anyone said you can't get an SC for $10K.
You just can't get a very good one for that kind of money.
And with Porsches, you should always buy the best example that you can find, because its cheaper in the long run (there are exceptions, of course, like if you want a track car, or a want to rebuild a car as a hobby).
Thus, a $14,000 SC is almost always a better buy and a "cheaper" car in the long run than a $9,000 SC. Ask some of the people here and on Pelican, whose $10,000 SCs have quickly become $23,000 SCs, and they still don't have a nice car, while the financial bleeding continues . . .

(BTW, college kids DO have it easy, no matter what you are doing in college. You'll realize that 10 years from now, trust me on that one!)

[ 06-14-2001: Message edited by: Ian Evans ]