nkgosselin

Engine is just one aspect to consider.

Suspension is not cheap to totally redo. All bushings etc, even if you go stock.

Interior, they are tough but again, not cheap to get an interior back to mint if you care about such things.

Transmission. Not the clutch, but the gearbox itself.

Lots and lots to consider.

I have owned a 1987 with 65k miles on it. My current 86 with 93k miles on it. And an 86 with 147k miles on it. Little things like squeaks and interior trim. Suspension condition, window operation, door and hatch shutting, etc were all better the lower the miles. Second gear was getting weak on the the real high mile 86. BUT...they were all stock engine wise and all performed equally in that regards.No discernible difference.

Bltzkrg

It all really depends on how the car was treated and what has been done to it. Mine had 180k on the clock, and now I've got it all torn down, completely rebuilding it. Anything under 120k should be ok, but then again you do get what you pay for.

hansman

High mileage is not a problem with these prime examples of German engineering
I sold my 86 951 with 180 k on it and she still ran strong.
I think the most important thing is whether the owner cared for the car.
When you find one be sure the previous owner knows certain "must do" maintenence items such as timing belt, water pump, fuel lines etc.
If these items are not taken care of run.

333pg333

He just means that with all that high mileage he'd be tired. lol

The DareDevil

alusil, no?

Geneqco

Yeah, that's my understanding... Alusil, not Nikasil.

True too about maintenance being perhaps more important than mileage. I know of someone who has had an 850 since new (about 15 years now) and refuses to even get an oil change because it has only done 10,000 km - this car has never been serviced in 15 years!

hosrom_951

Mechanics don't really care if you have full service history or not, they rather physically check everything themselves. From carrying out compression tests, leak down tests, visual inspections and so on.

I agree, i have actually seen a 951 cab here with approx. 50K miles on it that was in need of $4K to get it going right, since all the usual things such as factory clutch, mounts, suspension, water pump and seals needed replacement.

DDP

Uh. No.

And the head needs to be off to get any real determination on the condition of the clyinder walls with your eyes. Looking in the spark plug holes with a flashlight has got to be a joke, lol. Right? Hope so.

Do a leak down and compression test to know if what you're starting with is a solid platform. Suspension/Trans is another good point, people sometimes forget when thinking specifically about the motor. There are bit more parts to a car then just the motor....last time I checked that is.

evil 944t

For get about the condition of the cylinder walls, ie. scratches.. What about taper? Thats the biggest problem with high usage. These cylinders do wear out.

I just restored a low mileage car, 33k and to do it right can cost $3k+. Thats clutch, suspension bushings, rotors/pads, engine(left the piston/rings/bores alone), interior, fluids/ CV's, ball joints, tires etc.. it all adds up. It cost almost $3k to bring it back to new condition and its still stock.

This time, I have to agree with DDP. There are a lot to these cars.. Tons of little clips, clamps, hoses, etc.. that add up fast..

reno808

evil your right but notthing when your including LABOR. I know you know better than I. what they do they charge an hour in a prof shop? 90??? for example oil pan gasket 20 bucks max labor +1000.00

evil 944t

Thats very true, I based the prices with me (somewhat free) doing the labor. Actually, I let DDP do all the work and I supply the insults(for free), lol..

reno808

yessssss lol poor lil ddp NOT hehe.