M1A1 Tanker

Hey Guys,

First off I would just like to say thank you for such a wonderful forum, there is loads of great info on here and it really had helped me learned alot about Porsches in general, especially the 928.


Anyway, my name is Doug Witt, and I am 21 years old. I am married and currently living in South Korea. I have spent the last two and a half years here with the US Army. I am an M1A1 Abrams Tank Gunner. I about getting out of the Army, for good, in January and am starting to make plans for life after. I will be going to college and graduate school for the next phase of my life, most likely in Colorado or Texas. I plan on applying to the University of Denver, the University of Colorado, and the University of Texas, and wherever I get accepted is where I will go, but preference is in that order, and I have a very good chance into getting accepted into all three.

I am originally from the Dallas/Fort-Worth, Texas Area (from what I understand, there is a good deal of shark owners in that area) and have family there, but after Honeymooning in Keystone, CO (and anniversary in Whistler, Canada) I fell in love with the mountains and the Colorado landscape, climate, and people. School is dramatically more expensive in CO than in Texas, especially at Denver, as it is a private school @ 40k a year. I have 60k from the G.I. Bill ($1800 a month for 36 months) so it will be tough to pay for, but if accepted I hope to get grants, scholarships, and loans as a last resort if I have too. In addition I plan to pursue either a law or MBA degree, so that plays a factor as well. One incentive keeping me in Texas is that school is cheaper and after I run out of G.I. bill money they will pick up the cost up to a PHD, so essentially I go to school free so long as it is in Texas.

I will be leaving the Army with a little more than $20,000 cash in the bank. With this I will need to buy two cars, one for my wife and one for myself, in addition to getting started on our new life. We are already planning on spending ~4k on a Miata for her, she loves that car and it should be perfect for her, small, moderately quick, good fuel efficiency, inexpensive. The money is already in place for that and doesn't count against the 20k. I have set an approximate budget on a car for me, and that is around 10k. I really do not plan or like to finance cars, or anything for that matter, however I do have a damn good credit score (740) for a 21 year old and am not completely against financing 20k with 10k down for something REALLY special.

Ah, sorry, this is a Car Forum. I just thought a little background is necessary so you guys can better understand my situation. So anyway, here goes:

I have the sickness. The sickness I am sure afflicts us all. I love Porsches, always have, always will. Ever since I sat shotgun in my fathers '92 964 Carrera, I have been hooked. This obsession has inevitably led me to where I am now, which I feel is the time in my life when I am finally able to afford a Porsche. Most of you probably will think I am a little young, and I assure you that it is not about how I look or who I impress (I am already married for pete's sake), but the driving experience. Not only do I fall in love all over again everytime I set eyes on a 911 or 928, but I truly love to drive, and drive well. I am a firm believer in that what makes a car is not just 0-60 or 1/4 mile, but how fast can you really drive it safely, through the twistys. And Porsches do that exceptionally well.

Hopefully you have enough information now to help me make a better, informed decision. Right now I am planning on getting a 928, as I am very enticed by the V8, supercharging capabilities, handling characteristics, and looks. However, I am also considering an older 911, but am concerned that it will be out of my price range, especially when you consider maintenance and/or possible restoration. I have very good mechanical skills, which were learned partly from my first car, which was a 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible with a 302. I restored it and learned alot in the process. I also have great work ethic which was imparted to my by my Great Uncle Sam. There are, however, many variables to consider, as I do not know what my finance situation will be or Cost of Living. I have the general faith though, that, if I do purchase the car initially, everything else will work itself out.

I am planning on purchasing a pre-1990 S or S4 and from my research (mainly on eBay ) it seems that it CAN be done for under 10k. I hope to find one ( I will be purchasing in late February) in a very good condition that can be reliable as we will have just one car for a month or two (I have to teach my wife to drive )

Here are two examples that sold for under 10k on eBay that seem to be right up my alley and what I am looking for:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m170229795353&

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m250260524860&

I just got an insurance quote through my awesome bank, USAA, and its going to be around $200 every 6 months for liability and $800 every 6 months for Collision. Does that seem about right or rather high because of my age.

So, now for a few questions which I hope you guys' grand knowledge can impart on a young, eager mind like mine:

What do you guys think and what do you recommend? I am thinking that after reading all of this (whew!) that natural suggestions and advice will follow, and I do hope it does, as you guy are very intelligent.

The big one that is getting me is the classic 911 or 928 debate. Based on my background and future, what do you guys think is more appropriate and reliable/obtainable. I really do have a place in my heart for 911s as well, and will no doubt own one, one day, but am curious if now is the right time, or I am better of waiting and seeing what life has in store for me..

Anyway, I have now realized that I have written quite alot and it will be better if I get this thread posted and the topic rolling so better facilitate things. I have alot of questions but think it best not to ask them all at once, but to take things slowly. I have a few more months, after all!!

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. Perhaps this time next year I will get to meet some other fellow Sharks at a Meet and Greet.

- Doug Witt

p.s. below are some pics so you can get to know me better, I guess..

Jfrahm

Hi, thanks for serving, glad you are coming to CO. There are a good number of 928 people here in the front range. For what it's worth I do not think a 928 is a good car to have for college in CO. A 928 is also not a good choice unless you have a good-sized war chest for repairs, a garage or at least a good place to keep the car for winter or for when you are waiting on parts, and good, reliable alternative transportation.

A sub $10k car will probably need a few grand in catch-up maintenance and repairs. $15k would be a good starting budget if you wrench (and whever you live allows it.)

I spent way too much time and money on cars while I was in school and while I had fun I could have been off to a much better and more prosperous start if I'd saved more, spent less, bought a condo (that would have been the big one.) The time was an issue too. If you are dead-set on having your heart broken by an underfunded 928 purchase I'm not going to stop you but I will say there are lots of fun cars that are better for CO and college that can be had for under $10k and the 928 or whatever will still be there when you have a house and a garage and the bank to make owning it fun rather than frustrating.

Good luck,
-Joel.

Ispeed

I had my first 928 while in college, BIG mistake. Get a 350Z or anything with no maintenance that will give you something to drive and enjoy.
The only way I could see the 928 thing working is if you bought an older 928 from a rennlister that would have been maintained and has less stuff going on than an S4 era car. Don't do anything to it but drive it and change the fluids, and enjoy it for what it is.

David L. Lutz

Welcome back and good luck to you and yours.

Listen to what the guys are saying. All of us here love our cars and would like nothing better than see you join the club.

But, maintenance is a BIG issue. Time down (daily driver?) will be an issue. It probably will take more than 10k to find a car with all the maintenance issues basically completed. I have an 1987 S4 paid 10k for it with 55,000miles on it. I am the second owner. The car was well taken care of in the past. In the first 10-15k miles I put on the car I probably invested an additional 4 - 5 k just in the necessary maintenance items.

To get started I think you need to budget 15K, but also have some back up cash, and space/time to work on the car.

Oh yea, one other thought; working on your P-car or spending time with your little baby. Your choice!

checkmate1996

+1 - Totally agree

Research some threads like, 928 tools to own, etc. Things add up fast.

Although my 928 is an absolute blast to drive it took many years to get it reliable. Hence, having a house, garage, plenty of discretionary income, patience, great 928 friends, it made it easier to own and enjoy once it finally got off the ground. I view the 928 as strictly a hobby/fun car. I would suggest viewing it as if it works today great, but if not, I've got my 'other' car so I can get to school.

Now 928 vs 911. 911 will cost you more, a lot more for little to no performance gain, if not maybe even a negative gain. (YMMV depending on year of course!) Plus, they tend to be rear-end heavy and get worse if you have a turbo. Finally, the 928 is one of the best GT cars I have ever driven, balanced super ergo-nomic, comfortable, very driver friendly.

I would suggest focusing on school so you can make the big $$$ and get a GTS when you graduate and have a big fat paying job to help pay for your hobbies!!
my .02

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

I have to echo much of what has been said. You could get lucky and find a reliable S for under $10k or you could get a reliable S4/GT for $15-$20k, but you could easily end up with an unreliable car for the same amount.

Perhaps pick up something for now, until you get a little more settled back in the states, teach your wife to drive and test drive some 911s or 928s. Then you can make a decision. If you buy something practical, you should be able to resell it easily and it won't cost you too much. Once you find the 911/928 you want you can sell the "ordinary" car easily.

Thank you for your service. The numbers and plans you lay out, definitely demonstrate you have a good work ethic and a good sense of responsibility.

A thought for you, the housing market is down, so house/condos are relatively inexpensive. Maybe use that $20k to get into something of your own. You can be confident it will be worth more when you finish school...

P.S. I was married at 20, and still am 30 years later to the same wonderful wife, I wish you the same.

123quattro

I would agree with others here. I wouldn't say don't buy one, but I wouldn't attempt to have it be my daily driver...especially if you wind up in CO. Maybe spend 10k on a Honda/Toyota to get you to school and back reliably, 6k on a 2 valve 928, and 4k for maintenance?

Dean_Fuller

Well.....sounds like your not hearing what you wanted to hear. I'm going to agree with the guys so far who have committed. IMHO these cars require more attention than most any import from Japan. While in school I would recommend a Honda, Toyota, etc.... As soon as you graduate find a nice example and have a blast.
Also if your newly married...in school full time...working part time maybe...studying...keeping the wife happy....time spent under a car will be very limited and something or some one will go ignored. I can see how a new wife can IMHO learn to HATE this car!

Randy V

Welcome, Doug.

Good luck in your quest.

Mike Frye

OTOH, if you're used to driving something fat and slow and being under fire from those around you...

Marine Blue

Amazing how practical 928 owners really are

In a nutshell, everyone here is trying to avoid having a 928 owner that is displeased with the car due to it's higher than average maintenance (as compared to Honda's etc). The 928 (and the 911) have their place in life but realistically if you need something for day to day use in a climate with winters I wouldn't consider this to be the right choice.

If you find that after buying a house, living with a wife and daily driver you have some $$ to throw around then the 928 is an amazing car. Hard to find a better package when it comes to capabilities, comfort and exclusivity.

Good luck and thank you for serving

Jim bailey - 928 International

If you think that you can not afford an older 911... you really can not afford a 928 !! Stay in Texas , concentrate on the studies, AVOID STUDENT LOANS. The next few years will have a huge impact on the rest of your life, focus on the task at hand. I know defered gratification sucks Plus you should try to keep from working as you will be competing with full time students plus need to be active in school life beyond just classes.

Russ In Vegas

Gotta agree with everyone else... owning a 928 can turn into an obsession and a MAJOR Money Pit - If you just gotta have one, buy a cheap one as a second car just to play with. When it needs something, it wont turn into a nightmare if it's not your only driver - it can be something you can tinker with when you need a break from your studies.

I'm sure everyone on this forum has a nightmare story about how expensive a certain repair was. I've spent about 10 grand on mine in the last 2-3 months, and it's not even my daily driver - just sits in my driveway looking cool, but I do take it out for a spin about once a week.

Gahm se hahm ni da for serving the USA

Jfrahm

If you end up in CO with a 928 and a Miata, you might end up walking a few weeks out of the year. Side streets in Denver and Boulder are not plowed and can be badly rutted and impassible by low-clearance cars, and that's assuming they have traction (snows or really good all-seasons and lots of weight in the back.) And that's days (sometimes more than a week) after the snowstorm and the main roads have been cleared. If you want to be able to get around during and after snowstorms by car you'll need something else.

VehiGAZ

OK, I'll say it then...

Dude, don't buy a 928 now.

Buying a 928 at this point in your life (going into college, no place to live, new wife, etc) with what you have in your pocket has about a 95% probability of being a Big Mistake. $20k in the bank seems like a lot, and in fact it is a lot to have saved at your age, but in the bigger scheme of things it's a drop in the bucket of what you will need in life (and a 928 is a hole in the bucket) - I'm pretty sure anyone here will agree with that. Every dollar you can squirrel away and make work for you at 21 is better than another $10 saved when you're 40. Don't take that unique, golden opportunity and throw it away for a stupid old car.

You may want a shark, but just because you want it and you technically can buy it doesn't mean it's a good idea. Take your cash, buy a couple of newer, reasonable cars for yourself and your wife (a 928 is a particularly bad choice for Colorado winters), and put the rest of the money in the bank. Life has a way of throwing some real curve-***** at you, so it's good to have cash on hand to deal with them.

Don't use to money to buy a house or a condo (especially not a condo - you probably will not be in a good position to be able to deal with their surprise "Could you please cough up $7000 to fix someone else's roof by the end of the month? Thanks..." assessments). Stuff the money in the bank or invest it - but don't blow everything you have on one of the most difficult and expensive-to-maintain cars available today. If you think $5k left over to keep the car running is a good buffer, you need to keep reading this forum and smell the coffee - a 928 can inhale $3000 like a Hollywood hooker snorts coke.

You most likely won't have the time, facilities, and cash flow to own one while in school. Hell, I don't think you should even own a house while in school either - they eclipse the money-snorting abilities of a shark 5-to-1! You have other things you need to concentrate on at this point - don't saddle yourself with distractions before you even start the race.

Look, you have accomplished much and clearly grown and matured a lot already, but you are still barely starting your life. Most people your age are blind to that perspective, but almost everyone who has made it past 30 sees it crystal clear. If you love Porsches, that's great, but that won't die, and the cars will always be there for you when the time is right.

You're a gunner - were you trained to pull the trigger the second you see a target regardless of the circumstances? No - you were taught to calm down and wait for your shot. Do that with all things in your life...

And last but not least, of course, thank you for your service!