cobalt

I had to clean my screan and keyboard before I could respond. Spit my coffee all over the place.

That's a good one. Although I appreciate the compliment and am 100% in agreement.

The issue here is what can you buy for $20k that will be reliable fun.

The 911 is a totally different car than the 928 both capable and fun but serve different purposes.

I would stay away from any turbo for your first 911 especially if on a budget. More than likely the best car for your $$ will be an early SC. Still one of my favorite 911's that is affordable but far from fast. If you can find a nice clean rust free early 911E they are quick and nimble street cars, although you can't fit enough rubber in the wheel wells to make them safe at speed, but nothing like the light weight feel of an early long nose 911.

You have the 964 preferably 1992 and up. Although for $20k your talking much higher mileage car. Heavy compared to the earlier cars but much stiffer with more modern suspension, EFI, Airbags, a/c and potential for being fast. My C2 has some mods mostly bolt on stuff and it is putting down 250 hp to the wheels and is about as quick as my GTS off the line with less get up and go once moving, but still a quick enough car to keep up with much faster cars on tight tracks where they can't use their HP as an advantage. I do have the big red upgrade which helps a lot but braking is not bad with stock components.

Although I am not a big fan the 996 is a very capable car with all modern conveniences and easy to drive. There are so many on the market that prices are dropping at a ridiculous rate and you might be able to pick one up for $20k. Otherwise most other 911's are commanding more than your budget allows.

You need to drive a few 911's to get the feel. Suspension setup is critical to how a 911 feels and handles and if done right is sports car heaven if wrong it is no better than driving an early beetle.

Good Luck

atb

Don't know the pricing, but a G-50 Carrera would by my first purchase. Perferably a triple black '88 just like my 928. If money was no object I'd build an IROC replica on an updated chassis and updated motor.

85Shark

'79 SC for me.

sliceolator

Probably a lightweight 84' 911 Targa w/ a Bulletproof 3.2L (see sig.) ;-)

Seriously, the G-50 years 87-89 can be had for 20K and under. These are highly desireable and rock solid cars. I would avoid a 964 AWD if you can help it.

aggravation

Interesting, because I was thinking having an all wheel drive car would be good/fun. I've never driven an all wheel drive so maybe I'm lost there.

sliceolator

There are many threads out on Pelican describing issues with 964 AWD system. I understand that routine maintenance such as bleeding brakes is almost impossible on these cars due to complexity. After much research, I ended up passing on one when I was in the market. The C2, however, is a different story.

tommytomaso

1967 911...i just like the year it was a good year for me...and my first = )~

pcar928fan

Double and a half your purchase price and get a 996TT! I have seen several right at or even below $50k! The 996TT at $50k is a freaking STEAL! They are WICKED fast too and EASY to drive! VERY, VERY nice cars! I will have one someday!

Black Sea RD

Just checked the Rennlist Porsche classifieds and found a maroon, 1987 911, with about 80K miles with a few little issues but overall good shape for a $16250.00 asking price. If you are looking for a 911 this would be one to seriuosly consider if the advert is all correct since:

1. The 87's and up have the G50 transmissions which are better than the earlier ones.

2. It does not seem modded which is a big plus, no weird aftermarket wheels or a turbo wing stuck on it which many seem to have any more.

3. It's the classic air cooled 911 which many consider to be the "correct" Porsche and which helps greatly in keeping it's value. These cars are going away every year and can almost be considered an investment in future years to come since they will always be in demand by Porschephiles.

4. Because of the above points the money put into it for upkeep will not be like throwing it away, like it is with our beloved 928s generally.

Cheers,
Constantine

mj1pate

As can be seen in my signature, I have both a 928 and a classic '88 911 in my stable. The cars are so different that a comparison is ludicrous. The 911 is with headers and is "show ready" and the 928 is without rear exhaust and is a driver. The 928 is cultivated in comparison to the raucous and loud 911. My wife refuses to tolerate driving any serious distance in the 911. Be sure you conduct a test drive of greater distance than around-the-block, before putting money down.

cobalt

That sounds like a bargain if it checks out. As with any Porsche make sure you have a qualified mechanic do a thorough PPI. 911's can be expensive if major repairs are needed and then as with any Porsche there is the while your in there's that get you. I did not mention the 3.2 Carrera because most decent condition ones I have seen are into the mid $20k's asking price.

There are also 2 schools of thought when it comes to the 3.2's. Some like the early 915 tranny cars because they weigh considerably less and are less tail happy. The G50 is a far superior tranny but if you have the patience to learn how to drive a 915 it is not a problem. In either case a car with an LSD is a big plus and worth paying a little extra for although most did not come with LSD's.

I really like the early 911's but prefer the 964 myself for balance, power, braking and suspension they are a bargain right now and have not seen the increase in pricing the earlier 911's are enjoying right now.

There are many others I would mention if you have an unlimited budget but for $20k full in it is not easy to find a decent 911 for most years with early long nose 911S's now commanding more than a 996TT with low mileage. If you have $40+k to spend a 2001 996TT can be had and is so much car for the $$.

You might consider spending an additional $5k it opens up your options considerably.

928autobahndreamer

I know it is more than 20K, but I want a 993 C4S, arena red please.