vitaminC

I am looking for a 911 to use for weekend jaunts into the hills, the occasional AX, and just for cruising in general. I'd like a Targa, and am looking to keep the initial outlay around $12k (yes, I've read that every 911 is a 20k car...).

I recently came across this 1980 SC:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2169168986.html

The crucial bit of info missing from the ad is the mileage: 260k.

I plan to have a look at it if only because it's just down the road from me, but at first glance does the price seem high for the miles?

The engine apparently has not had a rebuild, though it has had regular servicing. Yes, I would of course get a PPI if I decide to pursue it further.

Is it better to steer clear of 911s in this price range and just get something else as a weekend toy (or wait and amass some more cash), or can a well-maintained high-mileage SC still have a lot of life left in it?

Thanks!

rusnak

That is a bit of mileage. The car looks good from 20 ft away however.

ivangene

service records will tell you a lot - look for full suspension, tie rods, wheel bearings, other - if no records you have to get someone really good to preform PPI

red is an ugly color for Porsche's
Looks good on you though

ked

"Is it better to steer clear of 911s in this price range and just get something else as a weekend toy (or wait and amass some more cash), or can a well-maintained high-mileage SC still have a lot of life left in it?"

if you want an old 911 because of what they ARE (as opposed to what you DREAM they are), nothing else will satisfy - they are unique. there are 911s in the $12k range, but you must be patient, examine it carefully (PPI), AND expect you'll have $20k in it eventually anyway... oh, a bit of luck & being mechanically adept helps too. a well maintained, etc SC CAN have a lot of life left in it - it depends on its history & std of maint. & yes, amassing cash is always a good idea. the one pictured (& its backstory) looks nice for 260k mi.
good luck!

500

911s don't trade on mileage as much as they do on condition. That car certainly looks decent from the pics. It may be worth a look.

At that mileage, many things should have been done, or will need it. Things like new suspension bushings everywhere etc.

Peter Zimmerman has an outstanding 911SC that, I believe, has more than 200K on it and it a very sound car by all accounts. Take a look, but make sure you have a professional evaluation if you get seriously interested.

race911

No kidding the 260K on the clock is an omission. Do I give a ____ if he's getting married/buying a house without a garage/going to have children? No. It's a car; judge it on its merits. And the main thing, if this car has not had either the engine or transaxle torn into, is that the next guy will be the one standing when the band quits while playing 911 musical chairs.

~$12K is a tough spot to get into a 911 anymore unless you can do everything yourself. And by that I mean everything except maybe the heads and internal machine work, but doing your own paint.

vitaminC

Thanks for the replies. I just returned from seeing/driving the car. Granted, this is the first one I've driven, but it felt pretty tired...

Cosmetically it looked pretty good. Paint and body were nice with no obvious rust.

Started up fine and idled smoothly. Nice bit of crunch going into second and reverse. No real oomph from the engine. Odo read ~256k, but wasn't working any longer.

Suspension felt a bit loose, probably all those bushings needing replacement.

Possibly a good car for someone that wants to do all the work themselves, but not for someone like me that would have to farm most of it out! So I will definitely be passing...

Interestingly, the guy had owned the car since he was 18 (1994)!

500

Yeah, sounds like an OK car that will need several thousand (easy) to put into "nice driver" shape. I hate loose, noisy suspensions!

Now this '84 looks like a neat possibility:

https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...4-carrera.html

I just finished looking at the thread. The seller has linked to a great number of photos, including the all-important trunk and underside. I do not know the car personally, but it sure looks like a decent deal from here.

vitaminC

Yes, that definitely looks like a nice one! However, personally I really don't like those huge tails. I understand the usefulness of them, just don't like to look at them... though I suppose they can be changed out.

Here is another one close by that is a bit more money, but it does have a good maintenance history with the work done at a good local shop (RMG).
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/2169332019.html We'll see if I have some time to swing by this weekend.

Price creep sets in so quickly...

GothingNC

I would lead toward one owned by a Rennlister then a dealership.
You will get better documentation and history.

As for the tail, just pick up a used decklid and keep or sell the tail.

Per an early article in Panarama, the tail did help out with stability even during low speeds.

John