audi328

I'm in the market for my first 911, so yesterday I went to look at this car and was hoping to get some feedback.

It's an 86, current owner has had it since 97 and has records since then. 120K miles, clean carfax, asking $14.9K.

Overall it appears to be in nice condition; presents really well on the exterior. Consistent panel gaps, doors make that great sound when they close, not an expert here but the body looked really nice with only small touched-up stone chips in the usual places. Owner said rust free, and poking around the car's nooks and crannies with a flashlight, I thought it looked good, no bubbles that I could see.

Interior is pretty OK, the only things that stand out are some wear on the drivers seat, some odd fading on the pass seat, and the original steering wheel is rough. The dash looks great, windshield has been replaced due to rock chips.

Owner said it burns about a quart between oil changes, and judging by the piece of cardboard underneath the car (which looked like it had been there awhile), not much leaking going on, crawling underneath with a light it looked like most 911 engine pics I see here with some oil seepage. Engine appeared to run smoothly, no smoke that I was aware of.

Owner (who said he hasn't been driving it much in the past several years, other than the occasional trip to work just to get it out) mentioned it would need tires and alignment, current tires had been there for some years with some cupping, especially the fronts, right front was bald on the inside. It drove well, some expected noise from the tires. I've driven 3 915 boxes so far and this was the nicest, also this was the tightest feeling car I've driven yet.

My only real concern is the alignment issue, can't blame the guy for not doing the tires/alignment if he's not driving it much lately, but would hate to find out post-purchase that there was some sort of shunt and the car can't be correctly aligned. Of course I'd get a PPI done, but don't know what that would pick up as far as any potential alignment issues.

Basically what I'm after is a decent, well-maintained and straight driver, has to be a coupe, not a concours creampuff, and with my budget I'm pretty comfortable at the mid-teens in price. I could swing more but don't want to spend all the money up front, as I'm trying to expect some unexpecteds. While I know patience is a virtue in looking for a 911, I also know I can overthink things to death, and would like to find a pretty nice car to enjoy for this season if possible - this seems like it may be a contender.

Any thoughts?

Audi

ivangene

dude, sounds like a winner!!!

alignment isnt a big deal IMO... I just replaced my tires and the fronts were toast on the inner edge. Tires were new a year ago.... the new alignment was also corner balanced and these cars are pretty easy to be out... and take a little bit of care to get IN.. but give big rewards... my alignment and tire mount (I supplied tires) was nearly $600 so if the guy wasnt driving it much and the alignment wasnt that far out I get why he may have not noticed will the tires wore

more pics would help... but I would get busy buying this car (post PPI naturally)

BlackSpyder

My experience on the 88 I just bought was.... it had a front end shimmy at highway speeds during the test drive. I ask the seller and he stated it needed new fronts plus they had been flat spotted ot one point.

I have since put new fronts on with a road force balance and the car is smooth as glass right on past 100mph.

regards,

Mike

jakeflyer

Why not make part of the PPI a visit to a good front end shop??

ivangene

most likely $1k to get new shoes and an alignment, shocks and bushing might be tired too, but arent they all

Adams

Pretty darn good buy. A PPi (or an abbreviated one with leak down and inspection only) would help both of you. Tires and alignment are a good investment right away. if you choose to fix the leaks and are still in that car under $17k or so, you've done well. The leather, cosmetics can wait.

dshepp806

NICE! But see what the PPI says first.

Best of luck.........

Doyle

audi328

Thanks for the replies, guys, I appreciate it. Always nice to get some other points of view, and a little perspective, especially when you're considering the first one...

Here's a few more pics of the car in question:

ivangene

man, $15k!!

these prices horrible to look at, thats a nice looking car for $15k IMO

Makmov

Looks nice enough as long as it checks out.

audi328

Working on setting up a PPI, and based on the results, moving forward...

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Audi

Jay Gratton

I know that car (I think)! If that is the car I am thinking of, I believe it was driven in the winter for a few years. However, a good PPI would tell how much that hurt the car as I know 911's that have been in the winter and held up fine. Where are you thinking about taking it for a PPI? PM if you want as I would be happy to help in anyway I can.

ivangene

driving in the winter is alot like driving in the summer in Seattle... it rains, just colder - If we didnt drive in the rain our cars would have 87% less miles......sorry I am not saving mine, gonna drive it as often as I can, I would advise the same

Jay Gratton

Do they salt the roads when it rains there?

Arctic1

agree with everyone else. Mine was a tad more expensive and condition probably a little bit worse off.

If it checks out and runs / drives OK why not go for it? Its only money.

jb