Jake_SF

I have a reputable mechanic doing a PPI on a 1992 911 C2 Cabriolet today (very few other metallic blue C2 cabs out there). 100k miles, owner is asking $30k (Calif. car, very nice condition). I am by no means a mechanic -- problems I uncovered in my test drive were:
1. a/c not blowing cold
2. seat belts do not retract (busted springs?)
3. plastic rear window has small rip
4. neither hood nor trunk stays open -- I suspect bad springs or shocks?

Does anyone have any sage advice for key items I should check/have checked on this '92? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
--JJK

(As this is my first post on Rennlist, sorry if this is covered elsewhere)

Jay H

Just some opinions if I might be so bold...:

$30k seems to be a bit much for a cab with 100,000 miles. But, your market might be different and that price might be realistic. Shop around a bit before signing the final papers to see if it's priced right.

A/C problems can be complex and expensive. Make sure your mechanic diagnoses the problem to see where you're at for repair costs. Maybe you can bargin the purchase price down to cover those potential costs.

Seat belt retractors: I would think this would be a normal wear item on a 100k car. Probably not the worst problem and new belt(s) and hardware are not prohibitively expensive.

Can't help on the ripped rear window.

Front and rear hood shock are normal failure items on 911's. Front's are about $25 a piece (2 needed) and rears are about $10 a piece ( 2 needed).

The dual distributors need a vent kit installed ($15 part). The dual dist. belt should be replaced every 5 years or 50,000 miles as a general rule.

The cylinder to head leaking that can occur on some 964's should be checked for. But, at 100,000 miles, this car probably has one of the following situations: It came from the factory with the update, or has been previously updated, or is leaking like a sieve, or will be just fine.

Depending on the build date of this 964, the original Freudenberg Dual Mass flywheel probably has been replaced by now.

Make sure all accessories and warning lights work. 964's are somewhat complex electrically and problems can be expensive to fix.

As with any other car, look for all the normal things that can go wrong. Brakes, tires, trim condition, etc, etc.

Good luck!
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">90 964</a>

buckdr1

I agree w/ Jay H..... just bought my '91 C2 a month ago..check that dual mass flywheel( there is a spring action 10 deg?? I think of movement) if not and you shear the stops-so do U. Once your in there.. clutch disc/ pressur plate bearings etc
Oh & the potential of rust under the weather stripping below the winshield, look for paint bubbles
Good luck

mojorizing

Hi Jake,

I concur with Jay on the 30K price...it's got to have a working A/C unit and the seat belts should retract...you're paying a slight premium at that price and these should work. Metallic blue is one sweet color for your car, and it's your color of choice, but negotiate hard on the asking....the market is soft. One thing I'd like to add is this...I too live in CA and one thing I noticed is Targa's and Cab's interior leather are invariably sun damaged and cracked, because the owners leave the car open to the elements. It's not indicative of the time spent at the beach, but the owners awareness of what the hot sun can do to leather, that's reflected in how well the car was maintained, IMHO.

After the report from the PPI, feel free to share any concerns or questions.

<img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Bill L Seifert

I agree with the others that $30k is a bit high. I bought mine (91 C2Cab with 90K) in 2000, and paid $29,000, and I thought that was high back then, and everything on my car worked, even the AC. Kelly blue book says mine is worth $24,000 now, but that is for Tenn. Your market might be higher, but I actually doubt it. Remember supply and demand. There are very few cars advertised here, and I'll bet there are hundreds every day in San Fran. I know Atlanta and Miami, have zillions. Back east the prices are cheaper in big towns. Check Bruce Andersons prices in Excellence, his articles are done in Calif.

Good luck,

Bill

91 C2 Cab
83 944 race car
98 Boxster (Wife's)

JonSeigel

Price does seem high, although I presume the seller has some flexibility. Also, it is worth paying a grand or two more for a color you really like (however, don't fall in love with the color and disregard potential problems and other negatives). The PPI is key. Who is doing the PPI (Stable, Auto Sports Haus, Otto)? Also, who serviced the car?

Feel free to contact me with any questions as I have local knowledge (or at least I think I do!).

Rocket Rob

Be sure to take it to a good shop. There are several good ones in the bay area. Let me know if you need specific names.

Things to watch for

* Dual mass flywheel - you want the new one. Mine failed on me. Replacement was $2K in parts/labor.
* Dual distributor - you want one with ventilation kit installed. If not, they are easy to retrofit. Mine cost $3 to install.
* Check cab fabric stitching. Be sure none is fraying - I had to replace my top (cost $2K in '96).

Rob (Redwood City)

Michael Delaney

Jake, One other thing you might do. Familiarise yourself with the warning lights on the speedo and clock and make sure ALL are functioning. Lots of problems get covered up by previous owners removing or disabling warning lights. Good Luck, Roy