Rob Heath

Buying a used 911 - a most excellent book for any one looking to understand the evolution of the 911, what worked and what didn't. Not affiliated with Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Used-911-Story...6884985&sr=1-1

911Dave

25k would be on the upper end for a G50 Carrera, unless it's an anniversary model or in spectacular condition. '89 25th Anniversary cars go for closer to 30k on average. Everyone's hysterical over G50's these days, and the prices reflect it. The hysteria is unwarranted, IMO.

On the other hand, you can get a VERY nice '86 Carrera (915) for 20k.

Former S2 Dude

I hope that doesn't mean this is going to be like buying a 993 or an old 911!

RoadWarrior19

When I bought my 1988 coupe 4 years ago, I anticipated owning it for no more than a year since I preferred a 993. I followed the type of advice offered here and bought a documented, well maintained car. 40k miles later, I've not had a single mechanical failure. The only thing that isn't working right is the A/C doesn't blow cold air. There are no oil leaks that I can detect.

Over the same period of time, I've owned a 1999 4Runner and now a 2002 Tundra and both of them have had more issues and cost more to own than my 911. It has exceeded my expectations in more ways than I could mention. It will be a sad day when I watch this car go to a new home.

Buy a properly maintained 911. You won't regret it.

michael lang

S2, you keep referring back to the 993, but at the same time in reading your posts it appears as though you are trying to talk yourself into a 911. If a 993 is what you want then you should be looking at those not the 911's. Just because it's a newer model 911 doesn't mean that it will be a better car (talk w/some 993 guys and you'll find out what expensive to fix really is). Take a closer look at this thread alone, it's filled with three pages of guys telling you how enjoyable their experience has been in owning their 911's. When I started looking for a car, one of the things that my wife suggested that I do was spend a little more money and buy a 986, I thought how cool, I'll buy a car that is only a couple of years old rather than 18-25 yrs old. The more I thought about it, the more I cam to realize if I bought a Boxster I would always wonder should I have purchased a 911 but if I bought a 911 I would never wonder if I should have gotten a Boxster. It's true, since the day I bought my car, I have never wished I bought something else. I wish you luck in your search, make it as enjoyable a process as it can be and don't worry if you miss out on a particular car. The right car will find you, just keep looking.

yumyum1667

From my research (and I was no exception) expect to pay about $2k right off the bat to get it sorted out. I have had my 88 for a little less than and a year and I am already $2k into it. I have a few other minor issues to correct and then she will be solid.

I need to do a few AC hose repairs so I may convert it over to R-134 while I am in there.

Former S2 Dude

Thanks, Michael. I know that I want a 911, not a 993. I'm just having a mental debate about the variables: price, availability, condition, etc. For example, there are zero 911 32.2 coupes within 100 mi. of me, according to autotrader.com. On the other hand, I spoke to a fellow with who is selling a two-owner '87 cab with 31k mi. autotrader has cars above $30k; ebay has cars below $15k. And so we go . . . .

The good news is that I will be test driving one, or perhaps two, 911 3.2s (cabs) today while you guys are snacking on corn chips in front of the Superbowl. This will be fun.

racer

Look beyond autotrader. Look for local PCA members who are selling cars. Look on RList and Pelican classified sections. imho the "really good" cars are never really known to be on the market. They are sold by word of mouth. My SC was not advertised anywhere. My brother sold the car to someone he knew. two years later that guy decided he wanted to sell the SC and asked my brother if either he was interested or knew someone who was. The car was in my garage 1 month later.

Former S2 Dude

I must be the dumbest guy on the block. I am looking at Pelican Parts ( http://www.pelicanparts.com/index.htm ) and not seeing anything about cars for sale. Also not seeing how to register for the site, which I assume is necessary.

Shannon123

Pelican for sale link

Can't remember how to register, but probably just click the sign in area and it may take you to registry

TRINITONY

How much does it cost for a top-end rebuild, on one with say 50k miles?

Former S2 Dude

My search for a 3.2 started after I read Tony Corlett's book. He kept saying what a well-built and well-engineered car the 3.2 was.

Now, I'm reading Peter Zimmerman's _How to Buy a Used 911_. I gather that, when people talk about a 200k mile 3.2, they are leaving out the part about 3 new clutches, brake line and fuel line replacement, a rebuilt gearbox, cabin a/c and heater failure, valve guide replacement, etc.

As a former Porsche owner with some experiences in these matters, I am coming to think that "Porsche" is an old German word that means "Alamo."

(Just kidding, guys.)

Andy Kay

Former S2 Dude,
Did you look at the 89 911 in post #27 from hbtd?
California car, low miles, under $25k, new clutch 8k miles ago, spent $3k on brake job all sound good.

Former S2 Dude

Euro, that car is sold.

TRINITONY

What is the value of a mint 88 with tail red and black worth? No mods, 66k miles, but needs a Top End Job. I've know the owner for at least 20 years and he's **** about his cars.