actual

I'm a prospective buyer of a 930 and wonder how it would hold up as a daily driver, perhaps 10k miles a year. Would a modified car present any driveability issues? I would appreciate any input.

cheers

John from WA

Mine works fine as a daily driver, and most would consider it modified.

John
'79 930
<a href="http://www.my930.com" target="_blank">www.my930.com</a>

rickc

10 k miles around here is considered a weekend driver. Stop and go traffic is not fun in a 930, especially as the oil temp increases. If you are driving open roads, I would not hesitate. These cars are a blast to drive moving.

actual

thanks for the input.
I just came back from test-driving an '86 with 84k miles in pretty good shape. Needed new front brakes and an alignment. No records. Asking price was 25,000. Is that fair?
A car with no records makes me hesitate, but I'm not looking for one in pristine shape, rather a car I can park anywhere without worries, but in mechanically good shape. What kind of mileage are people getting out of these engines?

thanks again

John from WA

I get 12mpg. $25k is in hte ballpark, I paid 30k for my 79 but it only had 29,000 miles.

actual

thanks John,
I actually meant how many miles do these engines last. Sorry I didn't formulate that questiom very well.
Is the '89 the only one that came with a 5 speed gearbox?

TVDAILY

Yes '89 is 1st 5-sp. There are a few RUF 5sps & some G-50 conversions. Thing about a $25K 84K 930 is it's REAL easy to put $5-$10K in it, even more to make it a reliable driver--keep that in mind. No records is a problem. If I was buying that car, I would want to know for sure that it had been well cared for. A really nice lower mileage '86 is $30 to $35 & may be a better deal. You could easily end up with that in this one & might not be really nice.

John from WA

Just for the record, my car had all the records and I still had parts to replace (notably the turbo). But fixing it up my way is half the fun.

Eric 930

I have a 79 930 w/40,000 miles on it and I paid 24,500 for the car. The car has all the records and is a 8.5 out of 10. I have only had it for a couple of months and I already have about 2500 in it. The pca 911 tech advisor gave me some good advice when I started looking, he said spend the most money that you can afford finding one in very good condition and chances are you'll come out ahead in the long run.

Gino

sounds like good advice from the advisor/wrench.
Mine set me back $27.5 for a pristine, stock 86 with 75K. Just needed alignment, ride height and 4 tires. PPI showed nothing to be concerned about; had all the records, I'm second to the original owner. I'd say the asking price was more in line with market at $33K.
I'm thinking it's a keeper... better last!!

Gino

sounds like good advice from the advisor/wrench.
Mine set me back $27.5 for a pristine, stock 86 with 75K. Just needed alignment, ride height and 4 tires. PPI showed nothing to be concerned about; had all the records, I'm second to the original owner. I'd say the asking price was more in line with market at $33K.
I'm thinking it's a keeper... better last!!

Ken89911T

My '89 was purchased new and now has 65K miles. Never sees snow, salt (or rain for that matter.) If the weather would permit, I'd drive it every day. Commuting, short day trips, just about everything except trips to Home Depot for drywall. Needed mild engine work at 60K, but I took the opportunity to make some mods worth about 165 more HP. Now its evenmore fun to drive. Go for it.

actual

Thanks everyone,
i think I'll keep looking. It would be nice to know the history of your vehicle, sounds like it would be worth a little more money to know what you are getting.

cheers

D

Actual,

Sounds like your thinking was in line with mine when I bought last year. That is that if you spend a little less you have more resources left to upgrade and fix. I bought my 930 with 122,000 miles assuming I would rebuild anyway. The records were only availbale for the last 3yrs but the engine was in very good shape and had all its compression and only minor oil leaks, it also already had a Kokeln intercooler and new brakes and discs all around. 17" turbo twist wheels and tires in good shape, body and interior were in great shape. Considering the mileage I have been pleased to learn that it only burns 2/3 quart every 1000miles which is well within the norm even for a new engine. I have only spent about $600 so far to keep it going including a new ignition system, a good floor jack a few other misc tools and goodies, I have done all the work myself so far. However, I have been a little concerned at the "true" cost of a rebuild. When rebuilding there is advice everywhere about what to do and it is difficult not to upgrade a few parts while your at it. For instance Pistons and Cylinders for the stock 3.3L are $2000, If you want more power or longevity from the rebuild then 3.4L pistons are $3500-4000. On top of that you will have another $2000 of miscelaneous gaskets and bearings which need replacing and then the head work (valves, guides, timing chains etc.)... there is also a huge temptation to drop $2500 into a GHL or B&B exhaust system, and upgrade the turbocharger ($500 used, $1000 new) the stock intercooler is also a bottle neck on the stock car, add another $1800. Then of course while its out you may as well have the transmission overhauled (minimum about $2000) and possibly a new clutch and new CV joints. And don't forget if your not doing it yourself then the labor will run about 40-50hrs worth for the rebuild..., if you are doing it yourself it is a significant project.

Do I regret paying less for one with high mileage NO, because indeed it will allow me to afford good parts and labor for machine work and in the end the car will hold its value and deliver years of fun.