Buying first Porsche
#1
Buying first Porsche
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.
#2
Race Car
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!
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!
#3
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.
#4
You *might* find some priced around $40K but every one of those has a laundry list of deferred maintenance or other serious needs.
#6
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.
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#8
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.
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.
#9
#10
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Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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.
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.
#11
This one sold last week looked to be a good deal.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...sche-911sc-42/
Good Luck!
#12
Rennlist Member
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!
This one sold last week looked to be a good deal.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...sche-911sc-42/
Good Luck!
Mr. Wolfe
#15
Rennlist Member
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.
Although, I think they are harder to tinker with. Tougher to access the engine & a lot more electronics.