What else should I be worried about?
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,951
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From: Wisconsin
What else should I be worried about?
We folks- I may be joining the ranks of ownership soon. I've found a 964 with 46K miles on it; asking mid $20's. Here's what I know about it.
1991 964 Cab
46K miles
Black ext, Light Grey int
Serviced by a garage in Baltimore area- Ralph's
CO has had it serviced regularly, and has all records including PO records.
No dents, dings, etc on the paint- near mint according to the owner.
AC works great
All electrical works, no problems here
Flywheel/clutch are original- future expense
Left rear tire looks like it need to be replaced- shouldn't both rears wear evenly?
Talk to me about the vent kit- what should I be looking for?
BTW- I just got Adrian's book last week because I'm positive I want a 964.
what else am I missing.
1991 964 Cab
46K miles
Black ext, Light Grey int
Serviced by a garage in Baltimore area- Ralph's
CO has had it serviced regularly, and has all records including PO records.
No dents, dings, etc on the paint- near mint according to the owner.
AC works great
All electrical works, no problems here
Flywheel/clutch are original- future expense
Left rear tire looks like it need to be replaced- shouldn't both rears wear evenly?
Talk to me about the vent kit- what should I be looking for?
BTW- I just got Adrian's book last week because I'm positive I want a 964.
what else am I missing.
Addict
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 52
From: Atlanta
If it is a nice car, you will have no regrets paying in the mid 20. It it has problems, you will soon be miserable and broke. Proceed carefully.
Spend the money to take it to a shop. Have the alignment read - the worst thing to have is a bent frame from an collision or off road event. The uneven tire wear could mean the owner was too cheap to replace both after road damage, or it could mean frame or alignment problems. It is not a good sign in either case.
Be sure to get the diagnostic fault codes read. That checks the all the engine sensors and controls, and also reads codes for the heating and air system, airbag, ABS, and PDAS if it is a C4.
Obviously look underneath after driving for oil leaks. If the car runs, rides, and handles well, it is a great find. If you don't have a lot of seat time in a 911, put out a call on Rennlist for a local owner to drive the car for you and tell you if it feels correct.
Mid-20s is fully priced, so the car should have no significant issues. It sounds like you need tires and alignment. While you are in for that, why not a new set of shocks and a corner balance to get the ride and handling back like new? You are already in the hole for close to $3000 in near-term needs. You will be in the upper 20s for a car you could not sell for that. I would get the seller to pay half for any repairs you identify during the inspection.
Spend the money to take it to a shop. Have the alignment read - the worst thing to have is a bent frame from an collision or off road event. The uneven tire wear could mean the owner was too cheap to replace both after road damage, or it could mean frame or alignment problems. It is not a good sign in either case.
Be sure to get the diagnostic fault codes read. That checks the all the engine sensors and controls, and also reads codes for the heating and air system, airbag, ABS, and PDAS if it is a C4.
Obviously look underneath after driving for oil leaks. If the car runs, rides, and handles well, it is a great find. If you don't have a lot of seat time in a 911, put out a call on Rennlist for a local owner to drive the car for you and tell you if it feels correct.
Mid-20s is fully priced, so the car should have no significant issues. It sounds like you need tires and alignment. While you are in for that, why not a new set of shocks and a corner balance to get the ride and handling back like new? You are already in the hole for close to $3000 in near-term needs. You will be in the upper 20s for a car you could not sell for that. I would get the seller to pay half for any repairs you identify during the inspection.
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From: TX
Talk to me about the vent kit- what should I be looking for?
The vent kit is a $15 kit from Porsche to run an extra hose to the distributor. Look for a 2nd white hose coming off the left side black air pipe to the left/rear of the distributor. Could also be a "T" connection with the existing hose which goes from the pipe to the rear tail light area. If one is not there, by 50K miles, plan to replace the distributor belt - it's a good idea as preventative maintenance in any event at 50K miles. Porsche only offers rebuilt distributors, with trade in of the old, are pricey (List around $800, from a discounting Porsche dealer maybe $600). Or, there are places that will replace the belt for around $150, or if you're handy with tools, you can do it yourself with a $10? new belt.
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,951
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Thanks- next questions is: Anyone know of a good mechanic in Baltimore area for a PPI- Can't go to Ralph's as that's where the CO takes the car for care and maintenance.
Possibly looking for another 964 owner to also test drive the car for me, as this will be my first 911- first Porsche purchase also.
thanks for the information- keep it coming.
Possibly looking for another 964 owner to also test drive the car for me, as this will be my first 911- first Porsche purchase also.
thanks for the information- keep it coming.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
I bought my 1990 C4 near Baltimore...I had the seller drive it out to Tisher Porsche, I think it was called. The head mechanic there is knowledgeable on the 964. Ralph had done all the work on my car too, and that is where he recommended I go. Give Ralph a call, chat with him about your future car (he was upfront with me about the couple of things the PO had done that were questionable, like having the rotors turned instead of replaced and clipping the brake pad sensors on the front. Ralph will comfirm the name of the dealer for you. If I remember correctly, there were two dealers closer to Ralph's, and he thought it best not to go to them. I got a great PPI from Tisher and it only cost about $135. Good luck.
PS, I got to fly out to get mine and drive to all the way back to Wisconsin. Happiest driving of my life!
PS, I got to fly out to get mine and drive to all the way back to Wisconsin. Happiest driving of my life!
Track Day
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: bowie, Maryland
Greetings!
I live in Bowie, Md which is only 20 miles from Baltimore, (depending where in Baltimore). I am aware of a couple of places that you may want to send your car to for a PPI. There is a place in Maryland called German Auto Service Center which specializes in Porsche, and Mercedes right outside of the Baltimore area at (410) 799-5787. Another place to consider is Auto Therapy which is in Gaithersburg, Maryland which is not too far outside of the Baltimore area. I'm not familiar with the work at Tischer. I recently purchased a 91 911 with 57k and recently had the 60k service done plus some additional performance items added for around $2,500 including a new vent kit and a new distributor belt. My brother in-law resides in Baltimore and has a 90 c4 so either one of us can check it out for you!
I live in Bowie, Md which is only 20 miles from Baltimore, (depending where in Baltimore). I am aware of a couple of places that you may want to send your car to for a PPI. There is a place in Maryland called German Auto Service Center which specializes in Porsche, and Mercedes right outside of the Baltimore area at (410) 799-5787. Another place to consider is Auto Therapy which is in Gaithersburg, Maryland which is not too far outside of the Baltimore area. I'm not familiar with the work at Tischer. I recently purchased a 91 911 with 57k and recently had the 60k service done plus some additional performance items added for around $2,500 including a new vent kit and a new distributor belt. My brother in-law resides in Baltimore and has a 90 c4 so either one of us can check it out for you!
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,951
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
might take you up on that
Originally Posted by Peter 89 S2
Greetings!
I live in Bowie, Md which is only 20 miles from Baltimore, (depending where in Baltimore). I am aware of a couple of places that you may want to send your car to for a PPI. There is a place in Maryland called German Auto Service Center which specializes in Porsche, and Mercedes right outside of the Baltimore area at (410) 799-5787. Another place to consider is Auto Therapy which is in Gaithersburg, Maryland which is not too far outside of the Baltimore area. I'm not familiar with the work at Tischer. I recently purchased a 91 911 with 57k and recently had the 60k service done plus some additional performance items added for around $2,500 including a new vent kit and a new distributor belt. My brother in-law resides in Baltimore and has a 90 c4 so either one of us can check it out for you!
I live in Bowie, Md which is only 20 miles from Baltimore, (depending where in Baltimore). I am aware of a couple of places that you may want to send your car to for a PPI. There is a place in Maryland called German Auto Service Center which specializes in Porsche, and Mercedes right outside of the Baltimore area at (410) 799-5787. Another place to consider is Auto Therapy which is in Gaithersburg, Maryland which is not too far outside of the Baltimore area. I'm not familiar with the work at Tischer. I recently purchased a 91 911 with 57k and recently had the 60k service done plus some additional performance items added for around $2,500 including a new vent kit and a new distributor belt. My brother in-law resides in Baltimore and has a 90 c4 so either one of us can check it out for you!
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Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,951
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
I want to tyake you up on that
Originally Posted by Peter 89 S2
great let me know!
I talked to Chris (CO), and he's fine with someone else driving it. I'll also send you a pm with my info so we can discuss the details.
thanks alot!!
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,951
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From: Wisconsin
I'm having it checked out at GT Performance in Edgewood, MD. I'll add it to the list. Anyone have experience with GT Performance?
Seems knowledgeable on the phone, and reasonably priced. He was recommeded by John Cochran from Chesapeake Bay chapter of PCA.
Seems knowledgeable on the phone, and reasonably priced. He was recommeded by John Cochran from Chesapeake Bay chapter of PCA.