First time buyer! Oil return tube seals leak? Fair Price?
 

I'm about to purchase my first Porsche - 1989 911 3.2 Cabriolet

The car has been stored for the winter so the owner says there is a small leak from the oil return tube seals which is "normal". Is it really normal?
Claims those seals can be changed for about $500.

The car appears in great condition otherwise, has 80k miles and the price is $22k (still have to go through PPI). Is that fair?

Any other suggestions before I sign the check?

Thank you

someone with more knowledge will tell you to get a PPI before you buy, and others will tell you

THIS

With age, I would say, yes. A 911 engine will leak. It's just a matter of time. The return tube seals are a common leak. But, it may not be a continuous leak. I had an instance when my 1978 911 was parked for about 3 weeks and dropped 1/4 quart or so of oil on the garage floor. Took it for a drive, and it didn't leak at all the next period of sitting. The O-rings can move around and reseat with heat cycles. May depend on whether they are 1- or 2-piece tubes.

Don't know about shop cost to replace them. Call you local shop and ask? Pelicanparts has the 2-piece tubes at $30 each. If you get a PPI, they'll quote you for repairs that they recommend.

Brett

Does the car a nice maintenance history (documented)?

PPI, for sure, without fail!

Dash: no cracks?

Seats: no tears?

CAR: NO RUST!!!!!!!!

These items can be expensive to repair and can be used in the negotiating process. Original owner? What area?

I'd certainly look for maint records. Not everyone is that picky, however.

PPI to be done by a real-live Porsche mechanic (and NOT the owner's mechanic).

Best of luck,..be very careful.

Doyle

Without pictures and more detail, we have to make assumptions about the car.

But from what you've read, the Seller is correct about the oil leak - some seepage from sitting is quite normal. The price seems pretty good too, pending the PPI.

Thank you everyone for your feedback.