Entry level 911?
07-25-2012, 11:42 PM
#1
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Entry level 911?
Hey guys,
I am a newbie to this site, I am looking to purchase my first Porsche, like many of you Ive been in love with the 911 since my teenage years.
What years would you guys recommend as an "entry level" 911, I dont have any mechanical knowledge, so most the work would be done at
a local indy shop. As far as maintenance is concerned, which of the 911 years would you say are more easier on the wallet than others?
I am aware that these cars take money to upkeep, but I thought that maybe earlier years may be less expensive to run than say 964's.
I have been looking at a 1975 911s Targa that is a local sale. The seller is looking for $11,000, it has 140k miles on it, 35k on a rebuild.
Im looking to spend 15 - 20k. As much as I love the 964's i think they may be out of my price range, and from what I read are more expensive to
maintain. Any input with be appreciated. Thanks.
I am a newbie to this site, I am looking to purchase my first Porsche, like many of you Ive been in love with the 911 since my teenage years.
What years would you guys recommend as an "entry level" 911, I dont have any mechanical knowledge, so most the work would be done at
a local indy shop. As far as maintenance is concerned, which of the 911 years would you say are more easier on the wallet than others?
I am aware that these cars take money to upkeep, but I thought that maybe earlier years may be less expensive to run than say 964's.
I have been looking at a 1975 911s Targa that is a local sale. The seller is looking for $11,000, it has 140k miles on it, 35k on a rebuild.
Im looking to spend 15 - 20k. As much as I love the 964's i think they may be out of my price range, and from what I read are more expensive to
maintain. Any input with be appreciated. Thanks.
07-26-2012, 04:42 AM
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the 2.7 liter cars (74-77) are usually the cheapest because the 2.7 is prob the least desirable engine due to some issues it had
After than a late 70's early 80's SC would be the second, than 915 equip'd Carrera's, G-50 Carrera's, followed by the 964
IMO an SC is prob the best choice for you... you can find a nice early 80's example thats been well looked after for 15k pretty much all day, if you want to spend in the high teens, you could find a nice mid 80's Carrera
The sticky in the top of this forums has the porche buyers guide look through it, since you don't know about these cars, find a good porsche shop to have whatever potential car inspected
After than a late 70's early 80's SC would be the second, than 915 equip'd Carrera's, G-50 Carrera's, followed by the 964
IMO an SC is prob the best choice for you... you can find a nice early 80's example thats been well looked after for 15k pretty much all day, if you want to spend in the high teens, you could find a nice mid 80's Carrera
The sticky in the top of this forums has the porche buyers guide look through it, since you don't know about these cars, find a good porsche shop to have whatever potential car inspected
07-26-2012, 09:40 AM
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The Carrera oil cooler is a must out in PHX, I've got 993 brakes all around, they're a HUGE improvement over the stock brakes, and the new fikse with 285's out back really keep the car planted!
07-26-2012, 12:16 PM
#6
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as an owner over the past 30 years of many porsches from 1953-1999 i strongly suggest the 911sc as your choice. for the $$, you won't find a better match.
i still regret selling my 1983 silver/black 911sc with 75K original miles 10 years ago. it was a beautiful example and never should have let it go.
**one of my other favorite cars was an extremely well sorted 77 911s - completely stock except for the momo steering wheel - silver/black with rebuilt engine which had the upgraded devlar headstuds which were the major issue with the 2.7 engine. the weight to hp ratio was perfect and it was a gem.
heres a photo of me with the c77 911s 20 years ago:
i still regret selling my 1983 silver/black 911sc with 75K original miles 10 years ago. it was a beautiful example and never should have let it go.
**one of my other favorite cars was an extremely well sorted 77 911s - completely stock except for the momo steering wheel - silver/black with rebuilt engine which had the upgraded devlar headstuds which were the major issue with the 2.7 engine. the weight to hp ratio was perfect and it was a gem.
heres a photo of me with the c77 911s 20 years ago:
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07-26-2012, 05:19 PM
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Hey Stickman, looks like I'm about a year ahead of you, and to make a long story short, once you learn about carrera tensioners, the various fuel injections, and my friendly reminder there is no replacement for displacement, then I would recommend you look for a well kept 3.2 car (+1984). The good news is, that if you stick to a 3.0 or 3.2 car that is WELL MAINTAINED, then you can't make a bad decision. The key is to find a nice one. Good luck!
07-26-2012, 07:08 PM
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RL Technical Advisor
Make sure you get a PPI by a competent shop on any candidate you choose as thats the key to prevent unpleasant and expensive surprises.
07-26-2012, 10:22 PM
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I disagree with the SC recommendations. I'd go or a 3.2 Carrera. The Motronic is tough to beat for reliability and lack of maintenance. The CIS on an SC has more components for failure and headaches. But, of you find a great SC and the price is right, it is not a bad car at all.
07-29-2012, 12:06 PM
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Be patient. The 3.2 is a great reliable motor. And I'd personally recommend the G50 so look for an '87 or '88. It took me 4 months to find my '88, 5 for my '87. And don't forget the PPI. Money well spent to uncover issues. It is a ton 'o fun to find the right one.
07-29-2012, 08:25 PM
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Stickman;
Two P or not two P? I lost my 1969 912 to a fire in 1981 and mourned until 1997 when I got a 1983 911SC. 15 years later the Porsche smiles are alive and well. A local well known wrench with experience dating to the 70`s told me 1978 through 1988 are so good, for a while he had to work on 944s until the 1990s put him back to work on 911s. The pre 1978 head bolt issue was improved along with electrical improvements. Tensioners for the timing chain were added around 1984, so `78 through `83 need to address if upgrades have been made. Remove the cap to the oil fill and see if there`s a white residue. Such reside usually indicates a bad head gasket, that may indicate bad head bolts, that may result in a head job you want enjoy. Even the best maintained SC will have head issues around 160,000 miles while the bottom end is still tight. PPI is a good investment. If you do get your Porsche, I suggest joining Porsche Club of America (POC), do one or two driver education (DE) events. The street is a dangerous place to get the rear engine around about experience. DE`s are great fun and informative in many ways.
Two P or not two P? I lost my 1969 912 to a fire in 1981 and mourned until 1997 when I got a 1983 911SC. 15 years later the Porsche smiles are alive and well. A local well known wrench with experience dating to the 70`s told me 1978 through 1988 are so good, for a while he had to work on 944s until the 1990s put him back to work on 911s. The pre 1978 head bolt issue was improved along with electrical improvements. Tensioners for the timing chain were added around 1984, so `78 through `83 need to address if upgrades have been made. Remove the cap to the oil fill and see if there`s a white residue. Such reside usually indicates a bad head gasket, that may indicate bad head bolts, that may result in a head job you want enjoy. Even the best maintained SC will have head issues around 160,000 miles while the bottom end is still tight. PPI is a good investment. If you do get your Porsche, I suggest joining Porsche Club of America (POC), do one or two driver education (DE) events. The street is a dangerous place to get the rear engine around about experience. DE`s are great fun and informative in many ways.
07-29-2012, 09:14 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
Umm, Porsche Club of America is PCA. POC is Porsche Owners Club, a SoCal organization, centered around the track.
Stickman;
Two P or not two P? I lost my 1969 912 to a fire in 1981 and mourned until 1997 when I got a 1983 911SC. 15 years later the Porsche smiles are alive and well. A local well known wrench with experience dating to the 70`s told me 1978 through 1988 are so good, for a while he had to work on 944s until the 1990s put him back to work on 911s. The pre 1978 head bolt issue was improved along with electrical improvements. Tensioners for the timing chain were added around 1984, so `78 through `83 need to address if upgrades have been made. Remove the cap to the oil fill and see if there`s a white residue. Such reside usually indicates a bad head gasket, that may indicate bad head bolts, that may result in a head job you want enjoy. Even the best maintained SC will have head issues around 160,000 miles while the bottom end is still tight. PPI is a good investment. If you do get your Porsche, I suggest joining Porsche Club of America (POC), do one or two driver education (DE) events. The street is a dangerous place to get the rear engine around about experience. DE`s are great fun and informative in many ways.
Two P or not two P? I lost my 1969 912 to a fire in 1981 and mourned until 1997 when I got a 1983 911SC. 15 years later the Porsche smiles are alive and well. A local well known wrench with experience dating to the 70`s told me 1978 through 1988 are so good, for a while he had to work on 944s until the 1990s put him back to work on 911s. The pre 1978 head bolt issue was improved along with electrical improvements. Tensioners for the timing chain were added around 1984, so `78 through `83 need to address if upgrades have been made. Remove the cap to the oil fill and see if there`s a white residue. Such reside usually indicates a bad head gasket, that may indicate bad head bolts, that may result in a head job you want enjoy. Even the best maintained SC will have head issues around 160,000 miles while the bottom end is still tight. PPI is a good investment. If you do get your Porsche, I suggest joining Porsche Club of America (POC), do one or two driver education (DE) events. The street is a dangerous place to get the rear engine around about experience. DE`s are great fun and informative in many ways.