Hello all:
I am an owner of the 2005 Cayenne base and have been a Porsche aficionado
since age 15. I am 56 now!! The Cayenne is my first Porsche. Although it has been well documented that the V6 is somewhat underpowered for a 5000 lbs SUV, I admire the Cayenne's sophistication, looks and handling.
I am posting because I am seriously considering purchasing a 911. That really is the car I have coveted all these years. We decided on the Cayenne because of the family boat. My budget can not exceed 20k. I have been looking at the 964 ('90-'91) but have been also looking at the mid to late 80's models. Tomorrow, I will meet with the owner of a private Porsche/Audi/BMW/ VW garage. They also sell Porsches and the other marques. There is a '86 911 cabriolet there with 136k on it. The car looks very clean with newly upholstered seats. I will test drive thoroughly. He wants 16.9 k for it. Should I look for the G 50 transmission from 87 - 89 instead?
Any feedback would be much appreciated. Is there a year in this span of production to avoid, for example?
Thanks very much,
Bob

 

welcome!

many of us also spent years waiting for our cars - there is one underlying comment that will no doubt be on your mind very soon "why did I wait SO long"

this is a great forum and there are lots of threads discussing the 915 / g50 dilemma and it boils down to personal choice - do some searching and read up -

as for the cab, the miles, the price - all seem in the ball park but i would suggest stepping back and asking what you want out of the car, and what you plan to use it for - a cab is great but unless you like the wind in your hair can be a downer...or if the wife always says close the top....drive a few, take your time - drive a few - take your time -- get that

make a relationship with a local PORSCHE ONLY independent shop and get to know the guys there...tell them what you are doing and get them ready for a PPI - then take any cars you find and "approve" in for PPI with leak down and compression numbers - spending some money up front (even "wasting" money) can save you a lot of headaches down the road

post pics on here - many times these guys can just look at pics and see things you would not have seen

lastly remember it's a car, buy with knowledge and information ...not your emotions - there will be another one...no hurry's

all the best

 

Welcome aboard Bob.. Good luck with the search.. Rochester NY as in near the Canadian border? (pls pardon geographical ignorance.) Im not aware of how the weather is there but maybe a 964 C4 might be a good place to start leaving more months of the year accessible for driving.. Im a huge 911 fan and 964 in particular. Over time ive certainly seen some very decent examples come up within your budget. As Ivangene points out make sure u get a relationship with an independent who specializes in Air cooled 911's. Time spent here saves much time going forward. Re the 915 vs G50 debate, dont make a decision based on the box, If well sorted, both are enjoyable and part of the experience. One other thing that may or may not be something to consider, 2 of my 964's are from florida, 2 are from PA/NY. On the FL cars i have had zero rust/rot issues.. I'm still working on fixing all the problems caused by weather on the North East cars.. Thats certainly not a rule as many keep them as sunny days only cars, just higher correlation of rust free examples in sunnier climates. Post pics of cars you are considering.. chances are you will get some valuable advice from the many helpful people here. Best of luck.