Superpop

Hi folks, I am looking for a sports car and have always wanted a Porsche. This would be a 2nd car for me and my primary driver is a MB S550, so I am looking for something fun to tinker with and drive on sunny days. I am very mechanically inclined and do all of my own work so I am comfortable with a car that needs some work. Looking at a 1991 911 Cab now and the prices seem pretty high. I know this gen is the last to be air cooled and I have heard the air cooled cars command a premium, what is the trend here. I would think the cab would be worth less as it is not typically used for mods like the hardtop. Also the one I am looking at is one of the first tiptronic models so probably less desirable as well. Is this a good first Porsche? Any major issues to look out for.

Goughary

The 993 was the last aircooled. 964 was the last aircooled that had the earlier body.

964- lots to sort out, and you should add 10-20k for that over the first few years unless you are buying a sorted car.

Is it a good fest Porsche? That's subjective. I think if i were buying a Porsche for the first time and was looking for a sports car to play with, I'd be buying an 89 944 turbo today. Or an 88 944 turbo S. Or an 88 924S. But then, i like less expensive cars that i can play with. 964 have gotten a bit too expensive for what they are, since in stock form, they weren't very good. And they all need changes and sorting to make them "good", but once sorted they are great cars.

It's a good thing you can do your own work, as this will save you a lot of money. And there is certainly a lot of info here on rennlist to help you along the way.

I currently have a 92 cab in my garage w 77k miles and for the most part it's a well cared for car hasn't been driven much, but the lost for what it needs is a mile long- mostly little stuff, but a very long list of "little stuff".

As to cabs- this one is growing on me. It's a manual- I've not driven a tip, but I'd like to drive a tip and really see and feel what that's all about. I hate torque converter automatics, but I'm interested regardless...

Enjoy the trip... it's going to be fun if you dive in!

Superpop

Thank you for the info. Not a fan of the 924/944 versions so really looking for a 911. I have heard horror stories on the 996 vintages and I do not want to spend more than around 40K USD for a nice example so that leaves me with pre 996 cars. I like the look of the 964 and 993 models so that leaves me with a pretty good range of cars.

kreeshp

You will not find a sorted 964 manual coupe in 2019 that doesn't need any work for $40,000 USD. That ship has sailed.

You *might* find some priced around $40K but every one of those has a laundry list of deferred maintenance or other serious needs.

Superpop

Not sure on the coupe but I have found several cabrios with sub 100K miles for around 30K. One I found looks to be in really nice shape although it is an auto.

kreeshp

Your first step should be to narrow your focus to what you're aiming for and what you're willing to spend.

Cabrios are usually in less demand than coupes so pricing wise, cabrios take a bit of a hit. Same rationale for tiptronics versus manuals. No judgement here on which is 'better' -- just stating the market conditions.

$40K for a manual coupe with no needs? Good luck with that.

Greg Wolfe

Have you thought about an early 80's model SC? I think you can get a sorted one for $40k and drivers in the $30's.

Mr. Wolfe

Superpop

Agreed, should have qualified my search better. Looking for a cabrio as this will be a sunny day car only. Don't care about tranny as I will simply be driving it around on city streets and the freeway on occasion. No track time or desire for that. Also looking for something to tinker with.

Railmaster.

+993! Buy a SC! My next 911 will be a SC!

Marine Blue

At sub $40k you should be able to find a decent 964 Cabrio with a Manual or Tip. With a cab I would definitely look very closely at the top to make sure it doesn’t have any rips/tears and is functioning correctly. Any issues could result in some immediate costly parts. If you’re looking at Pre 1991 models make sure the engine has had the reseal and the flywheel changed, both of these were issues/

If you’re handy enough to handle an engine out and engine rebuild you could focus on a cosmetically nice 964 cab that needs this work but remember the parts costs could be a at least a few thousand for a proper rebuild.

Watch for rust around the front window seals and near the front fender seals. Also look for accident repairs, many of these cars have had some shoddy history.

If you find a specific car feel free to post up pics of the car and any questions related to it, lots of knowledge here that can steer you to or away from a car.

DTMLGND

Agreed! My 1st 911 was '78 SC. Solid driver.

This one sold last week looked to be a good deal.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...sche-911sc-42/

Good Luck!

Greg Wolfe

I would love to buy an old SC with engine issues for a V8 swap hooligan type car. :hidesbehindbushes: 2500 lbs and 350-400hp would be a blast with some suspension and chassis work. Probably could be all in for $35-$50k.

Mr. Wolfe

Superpop

Well, back to square one. Forgot to mention that I am 6'7" tall and I went to sit in a few cars today. Very tight fit unless I go with something from around 2007 or newer.

18T_BT

Here is a 993 version of what you are looking for:

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https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/346888576112977/​​​​​​​

gavonder

If the 07 fits, you could certainly do worse. I think the 997 models (2005 - 2012) are a good choice. Obviously not air cooled, but the headlight design is more like a 911. I think a good 05 - 07 can be had for 40k or less.

Although, I think they are harder to tinker with. Tougher to access the engine & a lot more electronics.