If'n I had it to do all over again, I'd probably wait for a nice example from this 'list to come up for sale (like ski's or judson's or ...). I paid fair money for an '89 that had the folder full of receipts and supposedly was current on maintenance. 4 years later, after belts, h20 pump, front seals, rear seal, new clutch, miscillaneous 'small things' like rear hatch electronics, electric window fixes, sunroof fixes, etc., etc., etc. the car is finally nice enough to drive that I dread the next repair/update on my list because it's just too much fun to drive now. BUT, I still don't EVEN think about selling her for something else!!!!!

 

You know MTNMAN, I've seen a few nice examples online normally on the east coast and have been a click away from flying out there to buy and I'm willing to pay 10-12k for a nice example but around where I live it seems like there are only higher mileage examples, although some look to be in very good condition. I'm also particular with the color combination I want so that limits me as well.

 

I think no matter what, the purchase price of a 951 is only about half the cost to "buy" it; you'll spend the rest over the next 6-18 months. Even so, there is still no car that comes close to offering the same for the money.

If you are OK with that, then go find one you will like and not mind putting the inevitable money into. Consider that just about anything mechanical can be fixed for money. However, if you don't like the color or have a cracked dash staring at you every time you get in, it can really take the joy out of spending all that money.

In other words, don't buy your second choice because you believe it will be much less costly to keep running than your first choice.

 

Welcome! Just make sure you have some, deep pockets.

 

Is the cracked dash possible to fix? I know there are skins that can cover but are there other options?

 

Thanks for the warm welcome....the pockets arent as deep as I'd like but I'll make due for what will give me so much joy.

 

Start the music...

Money money money.....moooooney!

I couldn't afford a 951 if I had to farm out the repairs. Sooo...my suggestion is learn how to work on your own car. Oh..and btw...the 951 is NOT a really good car for learning "how to work on your own car".

 

I plan on doing all the repairs that I can myself. I guess its just time for me to bite the bullet and jump in head first. The car looks ok for its age and the price is right...I have a lump sum of money that I will use (about 6k) on an as needed basis to get the car running well.

Thanks everyone for your help/input.

 

You'll love it. There is a wealth of information here to get you through just about anything.

 

they are easy

one of the other first things I would look at replacing is the wiring harness.

GL

 

The wiring harness is a common issue with these cars? How difficult is that to replace?

 

easy to replace hard to find a nice one.

They get brittle and many little problems can be avoided with a nice replacement,

 

Good to konw....these are the sort of things I was hoping to find out. Just gives me an idea of what to expect.

Do you know of any good sites for parts/performance parts?

 

BTW- do you know of a way to check the condition of the wiring harness?

 

I'll let others fill you in on the vendors.
I don't like to promote anyone and make most everything myself. I have preferences though based on what I have seen for AF ratios on dyno charts and quality of parts shown here.

I look at the injector harness ends and the plug covers on the S/R and TPS sensors and any other exposed covers to see if they are still soft or brittle