flash_malmö

I'm in the market for a 964 and before investing to much funds in a Porsche I would like to start out cheap and later perhaps change up.

I am considering a 1989 C4 with about 100.000 miles on the clock. Apart from the cosmetic level (I can check that) what should I worry about when considering this car?

Thank!

roblav

The million O-rings and seals on the car are now rock hard.

The engine leaks oil, the PDAS hydraulic slaves leak brake fluid, the oil lines are brittle...etc.

And then the list of things that are worn out.

Don't buy a cheap un-maintained Porsche. I've done it many times, and there are advantages and disadvantages. You will NOT save any money. But you WILL learn about the car and perhaps appreciate it more.

newsboy

Most important thing is to have a pre-purchase inspection( PPI), by a qualified independent Porsche shop.
Make sure they include compression & leak down tests. This will give you an indication of what you may have to spend.

springer3

You are on a fool's errand if you think you are going to save money in the long run. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Porsche.

pat056

What Springer said. It's like getting a "free puppy". The vet and the dog food maker don't differentiate "free" from "thoroughbred".
If you like working on cars and it checks out, go for it. 100,000 miles aren't a lot of miles on a Porsche IMHO. Just make sure you save some money for maintance. It won't be like owning a Honda, but you will get geat times driving and yes even some frustrations running it. If you do get it, post pics and we're here to help!!

flash_malmö

Thanks, I love the helpful spirit on this forum - looking forward to joining in when I get a 964.

I'm now comparing with a 92' with less miles on it, trying to see if the price difference is in fact what I will end up paying after I get the cheaper one.....might end up the same cost.

raspberryroadster

92 does have some enhancements over the 89, from the factory. also unless it will be a daily driver (wet & snow) theC2 tends to be nimbler/potential for less mechanical issues (imo no desire to spark debate).

suezen

Hello flash_Malmö,

I just live 20 km from you (assuming you live in Malmö). Send me a private message and I will be happy to give you my phone number. I may be able to provide you with some support (I spent a lot of time gathering info before I finally purchased my 964)

/Anders

pat056

I would seriously look at the '92 C2. It's lighter than the C4. I think I remember the early 4 wheel drives being a little more problomatic than the newer. Also, the '92 may have the seepage issue solved; if not, see if the crankcase seeps or has this issue been addressed.
I think the '89 had a valve train issue the 90 and above doesn't have.
Not sure if the 89 has the G50 transmission but that may be worth the difference.
Do a search and you can get better, more reliable info than what I'm sharing. Feel free to ask questions if needed.

altarchsa

+1 on PPI (absolutely necessity) and well maintained, with proof, car, unless you can enjoy the car sufficiently just looking at it sitting in your driveway. Mine has been on blocks about half the three years I've owned it.

'89 is one-off re: clutch and bell housing and a few other parts. No air bag (a plus or a minus?). STRONGLY recommmend you look for a later, non-inaugural model year (Do as I say, not as I did.). In today's market, you should be able to get a later one for about the same $$.

However, I highly recommend the C4. If you're a new to 911's buyer, I think you'll appreciate the stability of the C4 vs. tail-happy 2wd models (I've owned three). It's hard to put a value on the confidence of taking a cloverleaf at high speed in the rain.

I won't argue the pros and cons of C2 vs C4 here (you can find links to those previous discussions), except to say that it's pretty much personal preference. Performance differences are minimal, unless it's going to be primarily a track car, and 4wd has proven to be minimally more expensive to maintain.

PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI

altarchsa

[QUOTE=pat056;7317686]I think the '89 had a valve train issue the 90 and above doesn't have.
Not sure if the 89 has the G50 transmission but that may be worth the difference.QUOTE]

I'm not aware of any valve train differences, and I'm up to my knees in mine right now.

It does have the G50. Trans in my 110K car is still tight and smooth, with the right lube.

cabjorn

Hi flash_malmö,

I can recommend a book, it covers a lot of aspects, also the changes made from factory during production yeas. I guess I will see you in the surroundings of malmö and on the PCS meetings.

http://www.bokus.com/b/9780837602936.html

flash_malmö

Thank you everybody for your kind support and answers.

Never thought there would be this many fellow Swedes living nearby on here!

I closed on a well kept GR 92 C2 with LSD this weekend and drove her home. Can't believe it, I keep finding strange excuses to walk by the garage to have a look at her ;-)

Pictures;

I know I know, you will be asking for pictures. However after 700km drive in damp weather she does not look her best. I promise, pictures will come.

Redcoat

This isn't the Concours forum, just get the pictures up!

Congratulations - four months since I got mine and the novelty has yet to wear off

BlueHeeler

Congrats. Dirty Porsche photos are the best IMHO. The novelty does not wear off, it may become more manageable.