I've no idea what car i want, What would i look for in an older 911?
10-07-2011, 12:41 PM
#16
RL Community Team
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I believe valve guides that wear early is a definite 3.2 issue. Peter Zimmerman does list it as one of the significant potential problem areas for 3.2s (along with the fuel lines).
Again, many cars will not have early wear (i.e. before 100K), but many do seem to need top ends somewhere between 100 and 150K.
Again, many cars will not have early wear (i.e. before 100K), but many do seem to need top ends somewhere between 100 and 150K.
10-07-2011, 12:45 PM
#17
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One thing to consider with the transmission choice is the clutch. The cable operated unit with the 915 is a bit more touchy than the G50 hydraulic clutch. The 915 clutch needs periodic adjusting also.
Try to drive both with your wife.
Try to drive both with your wife.
10-07-2011, 01:02 PM
#18
Team Owner
They are very reliable engines in that they rarely suffer a failure that leaves the car inoperable. However, they are old cars and there are some things that will likely need attention to sooner or later, if not already addressed. In the motor department, the valve guides do wear and eventually the car will need a top end. Some cars have this happen early (sub 60K) others are good well over 150K. But it is an incremental thing... the car will burn more and more oil (which you may be able to tolerate) but eventually the valves will be so loose that you have to do it. If you are looking at an SC or a Carrera with over 100K that has not had a top end, then you should realistically prepare yourself for the POSSIBILITY that you will need one in the not-too-distant future. Of course, you will hopefully be luckier than that, but you have to accept the "risk". Head studs are another bugaboo that can trigger a top end.
They are great, strong cars, but they are old, and you just can't get around that.
They are great, strong cars, but they are old, and you just can't get around that.
But you do have to keep in mind he is comparing to a possible IMS failure .. that fails catastrophically and you are throwing the engine away . and 90% of the value of the car .. i would hate to see this happen to anyone . But it does
10-07-2011, 02:25 PM
#19
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What do you want the car to give you?!?! A library of 5-6 books is a lot cheaper than buying the wrong (for you) car. You must really do some soul searching as each car brings something a little different to the party. In my case, I decided that I wanted something with an original "Porsche" look. To me, this meant 964 or earlier. (I had just sold a 356 that I found too primitive.) If your wife will drive it, the 964 has powersteering, and the earlier 911s are pretty light. Parallel parking a Carrera with its wider tires is certainly do-able, but not 'easy'.
10-07-2011, 03:08 PM
#20
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its a car.....
buy one you think will work, if it doesnt...sell it and buy another one...it's not a life long decision you can never change - soul searching...seriously
BTW I would drive a 356!!
buy one you think will work, if it doesnt...sell it and buy another one...it's not a life long decision you can never change - soul searching...seriously
BTW I would drive a 356!!
10-07-2011, 03:41 PM
#21
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Hey- Fellow Marin-ite I see. I, unfortunately, am not in any kind of 911 yet, and it'll be a little while longer til I am, but it's good to see someone local on the board here as I get to know my way around.
Saw a nice 964 as I was driving down 101S last weekend between Corte Madera and Mill Valley. As he passed on my left, I rolled down my window and gave a thumbs up which he acknowledged with a thumbs up back...Don't suppose that was you.
Saw a nice 964 as I was driving down 101S last weekend between Corte Madera and Mill Valley. As he passed on my left, I rolled down my window and gave a thumbs up which he acknowledged with a thumbs up back...Don't suppose that was you.
10-07-2011, 05:16 PM
#22
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It might sound kind of trivial, but you may want to write down exactly what it is you're after in a older 911, do some research about the different years and then go out and drive some and sleep on it before making a deal to determine if that one meets your wants.
10-07-2011, 05:44 PM
#23
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LOL @ Tango.... right out of high school I tried selling cars and found that I would tell the people all the problems with the cars and either they would beat me up on price and I made nothing or they would not buy, and I made nothing......
I know what you mean!
I know what you mean!
10-07-2011, 06:00 PM
#24
Addict
Shop around......
You can get this black one for less than $13,000:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
or this black one for $27,500:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
The one with the lower price has a wing... other than... that it's the same car.
EDIT: heck, if you wanted black I'd take a serious look at this one for $20,000. 'Cause it had a $12,000 paint job.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
You can get this black one for less than $13,000:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
or this black one for $27,500:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
The one with the lower price has a wing... other than... that it's the same car.
EDIT: heck, if you wanted black I'd take a serious look at this one for $20,000. 'Cause it had a $12,000 paint job.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
10-07-2011, 06:11 PM
#25
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I think the $27,500 one is over priced but it sounds like the seller is the original owner and the vehicle is well documented. I would pay a little more for that - not $14K more, but a little more.
I typically don't like dealer cars, not only because of the higher prices, but because they don't always have all the papers for work done. I wonder if they throw it out or something.
I typically don't like dealer cars, not only because of the higher prices, but because they don't always have all the papers for work done. I wonder if they throw it out or something.
10-07-2011, 08:08 PM
#27
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[QUOTE=amber lamps;8928451]Shop around......
You can get this black one for less than $13,000:
or this black one for $27,500:
The one with the lower price has a wing... other than... that it's the same car.
EDIT: heck, if you wanted black I'd take a serious look at this one for $20,000. 'Cause it had a $12,000 paint job.
Just for fun, I looked at the one with the paint job. It lists anti lock brakes.
AFAIK they weren't an option, and I didn't know they could be added on. Someone please educate me.
You can get this black one for less than $13,000:
or this black one for $27,500:
The one with the lower price has a wing... other than... that it's the same car.
EDIT: heck, if you wanted black I'd take a serious look at this one for $20,000. 'Cause it had a $12,000 paint job.
Just for fun, I looked at the one with the paint job. It lists anti lock brakes.
AFAIK they weren't an option, and I didn't know they could be added on. Someone please educate me.
10-07-2011, 08:31 PM
#28
Drifting
The wife and i are looking for an inexpensive toy. Looking at prices it looks like i can either buy an older boxster or 84-92 911.
I had an 02s boxster and sold it last year. I did all the repairs myself as that really makes it much more affordable to own compared to paying someone else.
I am familiar in what to look for in a boxster but don't know what is good or bad on an older 911.
It will be driven on mostly nice days and no snow but may see rain occassionally. It won't be tracked and may see a DE once a year or two.
It's going to be a driver that the wife and i can tinker with as it will be her car too.
What problems do i really need to be aware of? I keep hearing that the engines are bulletproof, are they really that reliable?
I know the a/c systems are weak and i keep hearing about a g50 trans.
I don't want an auto and convertible doesn't really interest me unless the price is right.
What are the things that i need to make sure that were replaced? Are there features that i really don't need?
I had an 02s boxster and sold it last year. I did all the repairs myself as that really makes it much more affordable to own compared to paying someone else.
I am familiar in what to look for in a boxster but don't know what is good or bad on an older 911.
It will be driven on mostly nice days and no snow but may see rain occassionally. It won't be tracked and may see a DE once a year or two.
It's going to be a driver that the wife and i can tinker with as it will be her car too.
What problems do i really need to be aware of? I keep hearing that the engines are bulletproof, are they really that reliable?
I know the a/c systems are weak and i keep hearing about a g50 trans.
I don't want an auto and convertible doesn't really interest me unless the price is right.
What are the things that i need to make sure that were replaced? Are there features that i really don't need?
10-07-2011, 09:13 PM
#29
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10-07-2011, 10:08 PM
#30
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I love my 3.2. Had it about 18 months and it is a keeper. I test drove a Boxster when I was looking for a DD and it is just not in the same league if you are looking for a classic.
Be ready to do the work yourself and keep $$$ in the bank for the unexpected. I am probably looking for a suspension refresh in the near future since after all the car is approaching 25 years. I will probably aso need a top end down the road but as others mentioned these are very reliable cars. I have taken mine on many long road trips with no problems.
Be ready to do the work yourself and keep $$$ in the bank for the unexpected. I am probably looking for a suspension refresh in the near future since after all the car is approaching 25 years. I will probably aso need a top end down the road but as others mentioned these are very reliable cars. I have taken mine on many long road trips with no problems.