kenratboy

Hello,

I am new here, obviously, but I have some pressing questions.

My friend is looking to buy a 1985 911 Carrere Coupe with 95,000 miles, with 1 owner (not included ), full service records, MINT condition.

FIRST: Anyone here from Reno, NV? Can you recommend a good mechanic in the area? I want him (her?) to look at the car and see if there is anything we should know about.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? - Are there any major issues? What should I look at in particular on the car? Any pointers? What questions should I ask?

AND: Is there a good Porsche driving school (is there such a thing, you know, don't want to spin in circles...) in California/Nevada?

Thansk for the help! He may buy VERY soon, so I need some advice as soon as possible.

Hmmm, I am 6'6, I wonder if I can fit in the back seat?

<img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

RANDY P

Hello -

Off the top of my head, this is adding to the obvious full PPI at a REAL Porsche shop, -

Conditon of valve guides, have mechanic pull covers and check along with head Studs -

and if you're inclined, also check tranny drainplug for bits and pieces. If the PO wasn't really good with the 915 this will tell you. If it hasn't been gone through recently or at least maintained really well the synchros should start becoming an issue real quick. You should just be past due for a clutch too...

Stumbled across all these when I purchased mine, other than that, have fun.

rjp

kenratboy

So you mean if the guy (PO) was shredding gears?

How much $$$ do you think for a full inspection? I hope it isn't over $300... But it is worth it reguardless of the cost.

Thanks!

more input is appreciated, I want to leanr as much as I can!

Face15

I believe a full PPI costs between $150-300 dollars, depending on whether you get a leakdown and compression test done (recommended by most).
Cheers,

RANDY P

As you will quickly discover, the 915 trans is a PITA if you're not used to it. Despite the rest of the car they seem pretty fragile and sensitive to careless driving. A broken synchro tooth in one of those things (which is what usually happens) could easily lead to broken gears and s $3k fix in no time flat. However, if properly driven some will tell you they will last indefinitely.

Mine has 122k on the car, with get this, THREE rebuilds on the gearbox. I don't know if it was s&^tty driving or what (wasn't me!), but, Honda slushbox it is not.

And as a general rule, casually shift, no speedshifting, and pause in neutral between gears, definitely make sure you're depressed all the way on the clutch, and if at all possible, avoid 2nd to 1st downshifts unless you are under 10 MPH. Never, ever, ever force a shift.

Clean lube all the time is a MUST.
Be prepared, the 915 IMHO is a hi maintenance PITA.

Now it's off to pay my wrench $2200 for my rebuild and clutch (seriously!)

rjp

zzopit

By all means listen to these folks and go for a proper PPI with a compression test. Buy the wrong car and a rebuild can add $6-9k, blowing whatever you may have saved in a second.

On your final point, at 6'6" you will not fit in the back seat. You can sit there for a second or two if you move the passenger seat all the way fw'd just to prove it can be done. Leave the seat for the kids and/or a pair of petite dates who don't mind wacking their heads on the headliner and windows.

kenratboy

I sat in it (test drive later, actually, I will be taken for a ride by the shop owner (read: he can DRIVE the car)) and I am JUST OK in the front, back, NOPE!!!

Thanks guys!!!

Chris Martin

After I paid for my car the PO asked me if I wanted to go for a ride, with him driving. I could not believe the car I had just bought could perform like it was! He was double clutching, matching every rev perfectly and was blasting through his favorite local roads. Needless to say I was in love!

Then on the ride home the thought crossed my mind that he might have always driven like that!! <img src="confused.gif" border="0">