Marlon Targa 86

I want to start using the p-car as a daily driver. So, I'm selling my 1986 Targa Black int/ext, 49K miles, everything works except the AC, original, great condition paint, great tranny, no leaks, runs and drives awesome.

I WAS going to buy an 997 2005. But then I started thinking about how much I would miss driving an 911. Especially now I learned how to work on the car, bought all the tools, etc.

So I'm looking for a low miles 1989 911 Coupe Wide Body (or at least wider Fuchs/tires). I'm don't want to drive my Targa in the rain and want a G50 for "trafficy" driving. My question is: is there a difference between a 1988 or 1989 mechanically speaking. Are there specific things unique to a 1988-89 car I should look out for? Any weaknesses?

Thanks!

Marlon

rusnak

I can see going to a coupe for bad weather. But the only real upgrade would be the clutch effort in traffic. I prefer the cable actuated clutch of the 915 in traffic because you can really feel the bite point in the ball of your left foot. I'm not sure when Porsche switched to 8" in the rears, but those would be nice. And I've wondered about electrically operated door locks and if it's possible to add a remote locking feature. Other than that, you're just adding a bit of weight and some small improvements.

ron mcatee

Marlon, mechanically the 88 & 89 are the same.

UberXY

Good move. I've had a 996 and a very nice Cayman S - both excellent, faultless cars - but in the end I preferred driving my 911.

w00tPORSCHE

I would love to learn why the G50 is more desirable for trafficky situations. GLW your search. I can tell you one thing. G50 equipped 3.2's have become one of the most sought after cars by many in the market for a classic 911. I don't have any shifting issues with my 915 gearbox and would not worry about driving it even in NYC traffic.

CT Mike

Sounds like a good move to me. I love my 88 but wouldn't mind less wind noise of the coupe vs targa.

asofine

My car's not exactly what you're looking for, but I thought I'd drop in anyhow. It's an '89 911 cab, anniversary edition: blue on blue, fully loaded (fully automatic top, full leather, plush carpeting, 8-way heated electric seats, CD player, 6 cd holder, digital thermometer...what else? I can't recall off the top of my head). I'm the only owner and it's been my DD since I bought it new in Dec '88. It is a Canadian car with 144,000 km (89,000 miles). It runs perfectly.

I just moved into a 993 coupe, I'm in no rush to get rid of the '89 but am nonetheless looking to sell. Let me know if you're interested

WPOZZZ

The additional money you will spend for an 89 can be better spent upgrading the ac on your targa. As said before, other than the G50, there isn't much difference between an 86 and a 89. The 89 does have a couple more horses, but it can also be negated with a Wong chip.

The one thing you need to consider is you know your car and what it needs. With a new car, you start from scratch and it will take time and money getting it where you want it to be.

Marlon Targa 86

Yeah, after reading all the comments (here and on Pelican) I'm leaning more to getting my Targa the way I really want it: wider Fuchs, working AC and a ducktail. I hate to sell my Targa which running great on all fronts, and then regret it.

Marlon

asofine

That's probably a good idea

Nice car you have!

yumyum1667

Maybe it is because I am new to 911's but I really am not wild about driving my G50 in traffic. I have not driven a 915 so I can't compare but I do like the other posters suggestion of upgrading the AC.

theiceman

must take forever to fill up holding the gas nozzle like that

asofine

Stupid Canadian gas nozzles...nothing you can do about it. But it doesn't take tooooo long.

Marlon Targa 86

Actually I decided to keep the car and get wider Fuchs, a ducktail and fix the AC.

Marlon

Brads911sc

Good Choice.