jclanin

Hi all,

I posted a "pricing advice" about a week ago and got some great feedback regarding $20K 3.2 Carreras. I've since driven a few examples of 3.2s - both 915 and G-50 versions. I honestly can't say I've felt/experienced much difference between the two. The cars I've driven have all been good, solid drivers. The G-50 felt a bit 'meatier' if that makes sense. But I couldn't really find fault with the 915 on a spirited test drive.

I'm seeing about a $5-10K price difference between similar condition 85-86 models and 87-88 models (80-110K miles on the clock). All things being the same (or very close) regarding condition, is it really worth it to pay a premium on a G-50 if I can find a well sorted earlier version?

I apologize in advance if this is a 'dead horse' topic... I'm just excited about looking for and finding 'the car' and want to make sure I'm well equipped. I'm sure I'll have many posts along my 'search' journey - and many, many more climbing the post purchase slippery slope.

--JC

ivangene

I love the 915 and it was worth it for me to get one - I spoke with Amar today at length and we both agreed the 915s are wonderful. I think you need to be happy in thre end and depending on what you plan to use the car for, make the choice. Both are great, worth the premium, maybe not

mk85911

While I don't have much experience driving G-50 Carreras, I have owned a 1985 Carrera for over 26 years and it is an absolute joy! In fact, I purchased a new 2011 Carrera 6 weeks ago and planned to sell the 3.2, but I have changed my mind---I now have 2 black on black Carreras and the 915 transmission is just as thrilling as the super smooth transmission on the 997. I any event, you will be very pleased with any 3.2.

Ed Hughes

Go for the best car, don't sweat the trans.

911Dave

What Ed said, and I'll add that a well-adjusted 915 is a great gearbox to drive. I would opt for the G50 if there was no price difference (or very little, maybe 1k), but certainly not for $5k-10k. The G50 vs. 915 debate is way overhyped. Far more important is the condition of the car and how it speaks to you.

ked

be aware that just as resale value is now higher for late-yrs of 3.2 Carreras, that is likely to remain so going forward (one could argue that MY price distinctions grow smaller as time proceeds - these aren't "investment-grade collector cars", after all). thus, a "good deal" (distinct from an example's specific condition / personal appeal) could be, a) a great early one at the lower range of pricing, or b) a great later one for which there is little price premium. the reason for these variations? local markets / local sales - circumstances dictate. another reason patience is one's ally.

mclaudio

I'm glad folks are speaking up about the virtues of the lighter weight 915 tranny (vs the G50). The "improved" G50 is indeed overhyped IMHO. As a buyer, this is a good thing for you as you can get something at a lower price point.

Also, now that you may be considering 915-equipped 911s, I wouldn't overlook an SC (if you are staying within the impact bumper era)...especially a Euro-spec SC. Although the HVAC i.e. defrost is less effective, the SC's engine torque curve (especially under 4K rpm) makes it for a slightly more drivable car in US streets than the Carrera. However, if you value a defrost system that the 87-89 have, then the 86 is what I would recommend.

jclanin

Gotta love this place! Fantastic advice guys - thanks.

I'm starting to narrow my search. It'll most likely be a long distance purchase unless something I really like miraculously pops up in the Atlanta area. Once I get serious about one I'll again ask advice and of course have a PPI done.

I'm looking for a clean coupe. Preferably w/tail, but that's not a deal breaker. I'm not going to be too picky about color.

I'm searching through autotrader, craigslist, ebay, etc... Private Party sellers only. I'm going to try and take my time with the search - but I'm not a very patient person so we'll see.

-- JC

Shannon123

This little gem (link) will help you consolidate at least part of your search efforts. Than again, there are soooo many cars to choose from it might make it more difficult....lol

ivangene

winner...

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2379077195.html


actually I didnt look that hard, that one just caught my eye

ivangene

white = nice
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/2377467921.html

jclanin

Both are nice examples ivangene... Thanks!

Arctic1

Buy the car that you like, not the one that others like.

My search was 3 years and I could never quite explain to others what I was looking for - but I knew that I would find it, and I did.

All of us are different and besides driving the car, what else will it be doing for you?

jb

hbtd

JC, I was facing the same issues when I bought my 86 last summer. I'm also located in the Atlanta area and when I was looking over a three month period, I didn't find too many examples.

My overriding criteria for a car was condition, < 100K miles, totally stock, no spoilers, coupe. Not fidnimng many cars I knew I'd have to compromise on things like color and even transmission. Something to remember that the manufacturing numbers for the 85/86 cars was much higher than the 88/89 cars. As Ed said, don't sweat the trans.

500

As you've driven samples of both types, you are certainly well-informed as to how they feel.

Without question the G50 is the better transmission, Porsche would hardly replace the 915 with something that wasn't better.

That said, a $5K premium for cars in otherwise identical condition is too much. I would certainly consider a $1 to $2K premium for a good G50 over a good 915 though.

In my personal case I ended up with a good 915 and am satisfied with it. I did prefer the feel of the G50 that I drove (as best as I can recollect), but it was not a super-strong preference though.

Although (as I said above) I feel that the G50 is the overall superior technical choice, the 915 does have a few real advantages:

1) Lower total weight

2) Significantly cheaper to rebuild