ttecwilson

Hi All-
I currently have a 968 and am looking to purchase a 964 Targa. I have located a 1990 with 80k miles and the owner is asking $16k. I'm going to view it this weekend and would like some advice on what to look for. In addition, is this a good model year or should I look for a 92-93?

Tom

johnnydee

Hi Tom
I recently purchased a 91 964 and couldn't be happier with it!
I think the year of the car is not as important as is the condition of the car.
Get yourself a good PPI and then you'll know what your up against.
Sounds like a good deal !

Good luck
John

Jay H

Tom,

Welcome to Rennlist!

First off, if the car has an asking price of $16k and only 80k miles, the first thing I wonder is what is wrong with it. A nice 964 should be in the $18,000 to $22,000 range. You need to do your homework on this one.

The early 964's had a few teething problems. A cylinder to head leak can occur. This is not all that common, but happens enough that you need to check for this leak (or how extensive the leak is) before purchase. It's an expensive fix, but the fix is permanent and reliable.

Manual trans cars had a Freudenberg Dual Mass Flywheel that was not very durable. However, at this age, most of these original flywheels have been replaced and or updated with a LUK Dual Mass Flywheel, so this is getting to be more and more of a non issue.

Early 964's need their dual distributor belt changed every 5-10 year or 50,000 miles for good preventative maintenance. These early cars also need a cheap vent kit ($15 at the dealer and a 1/2 hour of labor to install) to keep ozone from building up in the distributors and degrading the dual distributor belt.

Check to insure all electrical accessories work. Also, use an owner's manual to insure all the warning lights light up correctly when the ignition is turned to the 'on' position. It's happened in the past where some owners will pull the warning light bulb and not fix the real problem.

Targa seals are expensive to replace. Either budget for that repair or negotiate on price if the seals are in poor condition. Same goes for the Targa top itself.

The early 964's can be a great performance bargin if you can find a nice one. Obviously the factory addressed these shortcomings with the later 964 models, but Porsche built the most 964's in 1990 and 1991. '93 and '94 cars are somewhat rare.

Good Luck!

Jay
90 964
84 3.2

skruggs964

Agreed....$16k does seem a little too cheap. Unless of course it hasn't had any of the major issues resolved. (ie: valve guides, oil leaks, clutch/flywheel, etc) If it hasn't had these done, count on at least another $8k in engine repairs coming up very soon.

johnnydee

Is that what you paid to get those items fixed or just a guess?

John

skruggs964

Actually, the previous owner paid that. I have all the receipts.

The way I look at it....better him than me!

johnnydee

LOL that worked out good for you!

John

Chris M.

That price is way too low. I'd get a very thorough PPI and look for a salvage title. A salvage title theft recovery 91 C2 coupe just sold here in Lexington for $18500 and it had 65K on it. Unless the person selling it is really desparate or doesn't know what they have then I'd proceed with caution.

c

ttecwilson

Hi All- I inspected the car and found per the service records that all the major upgrades have been done by the local dealer- ie head seal, clutch, and distributor belt/venting. I ran a Carfax and it came up clean however the both doors have overspray and I think the hood is new since the VIN sticker is not present. Also, there must be a some trim pieces missing in the front as the trunk carpeting has nothing to "snap" to. When driving, however, the car tracks well with no noticable pull. The engine insulation is hanging down- is this a big deal to replace? I also pulled back the floor mats the flooring looks cracked and sort of soft. Is this normal? I'm having a PPI done however is there anything else I should look for as I'm concerned the car has been in a wreck even tought the Carfax comes up clean.

Tom

Chad T

Engine insulation hanging and weird crunchy/squishy carpet is normal. Sounds like it's had some body work. Could be a decent driver for that price.

skruggs964

$16K sounds like a helluva deal.....there's a wrecked one for sale on ebay for $20k....now of course, I think they are wet dreaming!

I think you'd be crazy not to go for it....Good luck!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Porsche-92-911-96...QQcmdZViewItem

Chad T

That car looks a little "forked" Sounds like they are going to cut it in half if you buy it as well.

last toy

I'd start looking again. Even a Porsche in good to excellent condition has many "quirks' at this age that will tax your wallet and time and patience. Do you want a liability or do you want to experience the 911 legend with reasonable maintenace that is more fun than frustration to work on. However, If you want to modify it from the ground up and/or track it and not concerned about recouping your investment, than it may be a good buy.

Bates

I haven't met a nasty Porsche owner yet...but, if the seller can't explain the front end issues I would negotiate lower.

It may be a great car at $16k, just know what you are buying.

Please post PPI results

Gary R.

Bring it to a body shop you trust with a unibody "frame" machine and have them check the car out completely. They can spot any repairs and any mis-alignment. If all is ok and a mechanical PPI is good I would grab it at $16K.. You will NOT find a 964 with all issues resolved, 8oK miles, in VG condition again soon IMO.