germanspeed

Hey Guys,

So i have had several porsches over the past few years (1986 911 cabrio, 1987 911 targa, 1986 944.) So with a nice tax refund on its way, i have decided to buy a porsche again. I am going to look at a 1991 964 coupe, stock with 92k miles. I need to know what to look for, as in what most commonly goes bad, common problems, ect... Please let me know what to look for during my inspection tomorrow. I am unable to have a PPI with this car since it is coming from a wholesaler and he already has some offers on it. Any advice is greatly appriciated......

ilko

I wouldn't buy a car without PPI. Take your time and find the right car, not necessarily the cheapest one.

Here's a great thread as to what to look for in a 964: https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...checklist.html

jimq

where is it? Maybe a local Rennlister can look at it with or for you.

N51

Don't buy it.

amr89c4

+1

Thats a pretty risky proposition. If you can't get a PPI and if you don't know what to look for yourself, I'd wait. There are plenty of really nice cars if you are patient.

As jimq said there are many of us Rennlisters that would be happy to look at a car for you, if you can't.

Good luck!

PorscheZen

I'd say in this market you have the luxury to take a deep breath and take your time.
There are more P cars out there now whose price makes it attainable. No need to rush.
I totally understand your enthusiasm just take that excitement and put it into your search and research.

Don't get into something you'll be paying mucho $ down the road. As you know, getting a Porsche is not unlike adoption.

Nine11

Agree with what everyone said...if you can't PPI it and get it inspected...let somebody else buy it without performing the critical pre-purhase inspection. Time is on your side...

germanspeed

Well I actually know the guy so he isn't just trying to create a sense of urgency, he does have offers and he needs to liquidate the car soon in order to buy more cars. The car is completely stock and looks like it was well cared for by "older" drivers. I just need to know what to look at. As far as price goes, it would be a STEAL if i can pull the trigger... Thanks for the stern warnings though

garrett376

Wholesalers always say that they have a couple offers going to try to put the squeeze on you. 964's are hit and miss - I've bought 5 of them, all without PPI and all unseen in the flesh and was fine... but you gotta' know what to ask! You can get a real dud that's no fun and can ruin your experience.

tonyl

no ppi no deal, it's risky specially our cars age almost 20 years

doug751

I bought one with a PPI. They said "buy-it" and it was the worst car ever and took $12 G to make right. The next one was really low miles, high price, NO PPI and was perfect.

My advice, avoid Florida or Houston cars. Avoid "Doctor's" cars or Trophy-Wife Red cabs. Northern cars are typically driven only in the summer by enthusiasts and are not destroyed by constant heat. Buy the car with the least mileage possible. Avoid a car with an AC that is not working, it will never work. If it leaks a lot of oil, you will never fix it without removing the engine. Any rust, even bubbles - do not buy it. If the front bumper/spoiler is bent up, avoid car, that is a sign of a lazy, neglectful owner.

You can spend $5000 real quick on a ratty car for repairs.

jimq

why avoid Florida cars. Every car I ever bought was a Florida car?? Is there a problem with Florida cars?

doug751

High Heat, High Humidity, High Pollution = rotted rubber and foam. AC/Heat system will never be right. Much more likely to be rusted under the rubber windscreen or rear window seals. Hotter weather means that engine is more likely to leak oil.

jimq

never had any of those problems with my cars.

Nine11

If you know the guy would he not give you a little leeway and get that PPI done or make it a condition of sale? Most 'steals' aren't going to end well...because I always follow the rule "nothing good is cheap and nothing cheap is good" when I buy stuff. I think this rule applies more to expensive stuff like Porsche's and Ferrari's etc.