Hi Porschephiles! (Is that how you guys say it? :-))

This is my first post and yes, I read the first post sticky. I am in the process of looking for my first Porsche and I figured this is a cool place to start my quest. Like most people on this board, I've lusted for a 911 at a very early age, way before I discovered my Dad's playboy collection!

After owning VWs and off-roading Land Rovers, an e38 BMW and Volvo V70 T5, I realize it's time to focus on finally getting a 911. I've lurked in these forums for quite a bit and have read many posts, but now that I'm searching for one, I decided to register.

I figured I'd take advantage of this economy and dropping prices to acquire my first 911. After reading the posts, I decided I'd stick with a 964. My forum search lead me to the topic 964 vs Boxster and I saw some pros and cons, but I think I'm still convinced a 964 is the Porsche for me.

If you could be so kind to give me some pointers, outside of what was already discussed here in the past, or perhaps you can point me to a thread with great information, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks again and looking forward to contributing to rennlist.com.

- Glenn
Porscheless in Vegas

 

There is no substitute for shoe leather - you simply need to look at several cars to get the feel for the market, and then wait until the right car shows up. The cars you look at early on are usually the dogs that hang around forever because they are over-priced or have problems. The really good deals get snapped up as soon as they appear. You need to be the one who snaps up the great car because you are able to recognize it for what it is. Get that deposit down to keep the next person from bidding up the price.

Eyeball the owner and his/her other possessions carefully. If they are upgrading to a GT3 that is a good sign. If they own nothing but junk, that says a lot about the Porsche they are trying to sell. There are jokers who think Pep Boys it the place to get service because they are the cheapest. You will spend a fortune getting all the screwed up things back as they should be. Get a competent PPI including a check for a bent frame before pulling the trigger all the way.

Happy hunting.

 

When buying a 16+ years old car you have to expect that you need to put some money into it almost no matter what condition the car is in. Some things will due to time and use fail and need to be repaired. Don't get me wrong, IMHO the 964 is one of the best cars ever. Just be prepared.

Comparing the 964 to a Boxster is not possible, it is simply not possible. It is two totally different cars.

You won't regret buying and owning a 964; the 964 gives you the best of the old and modern cars. The 964 is the last 911 with the classic lines, and comparing it to the 3.2 you will get a more modern car.

 

You're somewhat 'lucky', I guess.
Besides Vegas being both a Porsche hotbed and a depressed area... (...means an immediate selection for you... )

...you're also between 2 (maybe 3) nearby, Porsche-Mecca markets:
LA/OrangeCounty/San Diego,
Phoenix,
(San Francisco)

Personally, my current car was a 1-1/2 hour drive to see.
San Diego to Orange Co. (I went back to see it 2 times.)
But I was looking from The Bay to Phoenix to Elvisland...

 

I just bought a 964. I did look at a few asked lots of questions and had a PPI kick a car back. I did look at receipts. I might of paid too much 22k but the car was completely redone engine clutch etc with over 30k in receipts in the last year and a half. The prev owner was a great guy and very helpful and got lots of extra goodies like an extra clock, abs sensor and battery charger. I think to get a good exampl low miles you will be in the low to mid 20's Mine only has 49,000 miles on her with a rebuilt motor due to the leaking known on these 964's Had new H+R suspension and all done by a very reputable shop in MA. Good luck in yoru search and you have to be patient.

 

I spent over a year looking and found a 90 C2 with 23k from an estate/probate sale. I paid too much, but the car is like new and I love it. I have done the Harley thing, the souped up 4 wheel drive truck thing, the BMW thing...nothing compares to a 964. I too drooled over 911's before Playboys and this car has made my life better. Take your time and have fun.

 

it is relative on how much you want to spend for 5 speed 964:

1. pay $11-$13K for a car that leaks oil w/o suspension upgrades and probably some electrical gremlins

2. pay $14-$16K for a car that probably leaks oil but has suspension upgraded and most gremlins sorted.

3. pay $17-$20K for a car that doesn't leak, has upgrade suspension and possibly rebuilt motor or engine resealed.

4. pay $21-$23K for a car that has rebuilt motor, suspension upgrades.

5. pay $24K+ for low mileage pristine example

look out for:
1. rust at windshield seal
2. oil leaks
3. clutch replaced?
4. electrical problems; warning lights/airbag light/etc..
5. steering rack leaks

i flew down to Los angeles to buy my car...paid $13,500 w/114K miles, minor oil leak, 1 tiny rust bubble at windshield seal and some electrical gremlins that i am currently fixing....has new clutch 3K miles ago and dealer stamped service book since new thru 98K miles

 

I bought a low-mileage 964 (20.000 kms) last year. Here is a list of things I have got repaired since then:

1. New rear ligth lenses (condensation)
2. Some minor electrical problems
3. New rubber seal at the front
4. Sunroof repair (not closing probably)
5. Alternator fan had some play

These are the issues I have faced during my ownership, nothing seriously, but you could keep an eye open for similar issues when you a looking at 964s.

Another important thing to be aware of is if the doors are closing probably. Stand behind the car and look at the doors, they should be probably aligned with the body when closed and should not have any gap. A gap could mean the car has been in an accident.

 

Find a copy of Adrian Streather's 964 Companion book. (search here). It is invaluable history, as well as tips on how to buy one.

Also if you get close to a car, we can help you out here with the pros/cons. Post pix and details and you'll get a lot of free advice. Welcome to the passion amigo!

 

Thanks a bunch guys! I really appreciate the warm welcome!

The one I saw yesterday and is making me think about was a really nice example of a 1990 911 but it's a cabby. I really don't care much for a cabby but this seems to be in great shape. It's got 78k miles. If you search eBay, it's the one in Henderson, NV.

The pics on the auction don't do it justice, it's much better in person. The owner is an older gentleman who needs to sell it to fund college for his kid. It's got records and the car is in really nice shape. There was however an engine fire a few years back that lead him to a $13,000 engine rebuild by a reputable Porsche indy here in vegas. Don't really know what the cause of the fire is. His Buy it Now is set @ $15,999 but I can probably negotiate that down. Waiting for him to email me the docs but he claims that the engine rebuild will prove he's only racked 4k miles since the rebuild back in '02. The condition of the car shows this to be true. But then again, I don't know if I want a cabby

What do you experts think? :-)

 

One of the other things to do is check out if the seller is a Porsche "enthusiast" or anything like that: Maybe a member of the local Porsche club, or Porsche America, or (better yet) Rennlist. If they have owned other Porshes, that, I think, is also a good sign. My belief is that this kind of owner with this kind of history knows more, and has cared more, for their car. I believe they might be less likely to sell you junk. They want want their car to have a good home, because they are proud of how they have maintained their car. Okay, I'm an idealist.

 

Oil Leaks??? If it doesn't leak now, there is a strong likelyhood it will. 964's like to mark their territory. I wouldn't be as concerned with the minor oil leaks. A good PPI will suss out the weak points. I spent 6 months looking for my car, and am glad I spent the time. This resource is invaluable. Best money I spent was joining Rennlist. Enjoy the journey!!!

Now rust, that's a different story. Watch for that. Good Luck

 

engine fire certainly means bodywork and paintwork...i've never seen a porsche with an engine fire that withstood the heat...metal can be badly gamage around the engine/decklid so checking this car out professionaly is a must!

 

I like that White 964, but it is at the bottom of my short list, for a number of reasons listed by everyone. I have the docs for the engine "rebuild". It was impressive, but primarily peripherals. The engine was not cracked open for seal replacement, etc. Valve adjustment only. Nice to have a lot of new stuff, and the car looks nice. It would have to go pretty low, though. There's a 964 near me that the dealer has been sitting on since Feb. Not crazy about the color, but I know the history and it's CLEAN. It was owned by a local PCA'er. They need to drop the price a couple thou, and I'd consider. There's a car in Boston that I like, with a good history, but my bank doesn't like the fact it's over 100k miles.

 

A good cross section of over 100 964s for sale here:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1246070703113