FilthyF14

I've got a great '02 Boxster S with 70K miles on the clock. But adding an '07 Cayman S Tip on my wife's side of the garage, giving us a newer, modern Porsche for road trips to Parade; and giving me some options for what to do with 'my' car.

Considering selling the Boxster and buying an '86 3.2L Carrera. Carrera has 50K more miles, 50 less HP (but with easily 300-400 less pounds), 15 years older technology, no heated seats, PSM, Bose or folding top.....

Car I'm considering is in excellent original condition, including a fresh glass out repaint, all new cabin seals, new clutch, brakes, tires. Good leak down check, no smoke or oil leaks. Owned by a friend who restores 911s..... Priced at $15-16K - maybe $2-3K less than the Boxster is worth. And will be worth more than the Boxster in 2 years....

Neither car will be tracked - have an E36 M3 for that. Or could swap for a BMW M5, a much newer M3 or Audi S4 or.....

So am I stupid?

w00tPORSCHE

Filthy F14, welcome to RL. I get nervous when someone trying to get into an older model 911 makes such remarks: " 50 less HP, 15 years older technology, no heated seats, PSM, Bose or folding top....."

If you want Bose, PSM, heated seats, navigation and all the frills that distract you from the actual driving experience this is not the section or car for you.

Knowing your budget, driving needs ie DD, snow/ice exposure etc would help us give you the right advice. You will be spending some $$ every year on maintenance even on good examples of 3.2 but it should not break your bank if you get a car with a good service history and PPI. IMO the 3.2's are on the other side of the depreciation curve although it does not appear to be the case right now. We all love our pre-89 991s in this section. The 3.2's are a real driver's car, a Porsche in the classic mould. You may miss not having a convertible without the boxster but you can get a cabrio or targa version of the older 911 and that may not be a bad idea.

Some of my thoughts on a 3.2:

1. It is the last 911 to show case the classic appeal and remains one of the easiest 911's to own.
2. The 3.2 engine is one tough and long lasting unit.
3. Very easily serviceable and DIY'er friendly.
4. Your '86 3.2 has a 915 gear box that has a cable clutch system. Totally old school (which I love) as opposed
to a more modern G-50 gear box (from '87 model yr onwards) which I have never driven.
5. It has no ABS, no power steering no airbags, and has a torsion bar suspension...making it a MAN's car.
6. The looks, the sound (which is intoxicating above 4500 RPM), the stunning build quality, the handling
(writhing steering wheel)....is something that has to be experienced first hand.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Ed Hughes

woot's our designated wordsmith. He's summed it up well. You'd not be "stepping down" in the world of driving. Boxsters are great, but a pre-89 Carrera is better.

Funny though, I'm considering a newer Porsche for road trips too. I don't think I'll get anything newer than a '98 993....

ked

Filthy - I assume, based upon your avatar, you know something about air-cooled engines, but that's about it. Some insight to your background w/ old 911s (ever owned one or driven any examples? & etc) could help us help you.

FilthyF14

I've driven older 911's but not to any degree. The Boxster was my first Porsche - bought about 5 years ago. I'm an active PCA member, read all the mags and books, and think I understand the concerns. Need to ask if the top end valves have been done. Normal maintenance is expected, I can change my own brakes, but it's the dreaded "$10-15K" engine rebuild that scares me. That said, even as a DD - shared with the M3 - this car would not see more than 5-7K miles year, especially with the Cayman for road trips. Plus the current owner could do the rebuild for me! I live in Virginia Beach, so weak A/C is more concern than snow.
Thanks for the advice!

w00tPORSCHE

Although you will see this statement commonly in several for sale ads: "Car has had a top end rebuilt as is typical for cars of this age", I will tell you this. If well cared for these engines survive and perform well without any rebuild for >200K miles. That is why service records (for insight to the previous care) and PPI with compression/leakdown (for the current condition) becomes very important. However if the rebuild is done by a reputable mechanic then I don't think you should be concerned. Although there are quite a few who will tell you that their 3.2's A/C blows cold, mine does not. Oh BTW, are you okay without the BOSE stereo Mine has the factory installed Blaupunkt cassette/radio. My daughters love to listen to their IPOD music in my 3.2. They say it sounds like "radio"

MUSSBERGER

Why would anybody trade new technology for old...... Oh yeah. I have.

Ed Hughes

It's all backwards in Porscheland. Older is better, engine goes in back.

g-50cab

Started with a 1990 C2 - then a 1987 G-50 cab and now a 1974 non Sunroof coupe. Working my way to a 901

Vino

Just stick with your Boxster S and be happy, they are fun cars even though I've only driven a Cayman S. I would say I am only speaking in terms of comfort.
We all have our opinions good and bad.

Ed Hughes

That's what Caddie's are for...

ivangene

+1

ivangene

you have chosen wisely

SleepRM3

Yes! I'm hooked on air-cooled 911s!

whalebird

I love a Boxster S. What a neat car, but nowhere near an aircooled 911. If I may, I would suggest you crosspost in the Boxster section and see what response you get. I know all of these cars well, and can tell you that a 911 will grow on you like no other. But don't take it from me, all those guy's posted above me have made the switch and they are really keen about Porsches.