Jamesh38

Hi all

This is my first post and first wanted to say thanks for a great forum - lots of good info and good people.

I've never owned a porsche before but always loved the 911 and after some research and good info on this forum, decided I want to get a 964.

Hoping a few experienced owners here can point me in the right direction on a few beginners questions (note - I don't have much mechanical knowledge):

- What are your typical running costs for a 964 doing weekend city driving?
- Are parts expensive and hard to come by?
- What are the key things to look for when buying one used?
- Any recommendations on good reference material for buying one (books or websites...)?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

pantera43

Welcome James and good luck with your search. Check out these threads. Loads of valuable information in making a decision and will answer most of your questions. https://rennlist.com/forums/search.php?searchid=5940988

All the best,

Dan

Henry964

Buy the best you can get - and have a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) done before paying the car.

I spent 10k U$S in maintenance and repairs the first 2 years after buying mine, but if I was in the states I probably could have cut my expenses in half ( the car was perfect in body, interior, gearbox and engine but lot´s of other things needed repairs or replacements)

Jamesh38

Thanks Henry - anything in particular to look out for from your experience? What sort of stuff did you have to repair?

Jamesh38

Thanks Dan - I tried the link but got a "no results message". Not sure if the link has expired... much appreciate if you have any other routes to this info.

tbennett017

James,

You might also want to consider the C2 vs C4 question. 964s come in both flavors and they are a little different in personality. You can search here for lots of dialogue about that.

Paulie964

+1

search search search ... the search feature is a very valuable tool ... there is tons of info on this site ... and you will probably stumble upon many things that will be of interest to you ...

pantera43

James sorry about that. Not to be rude but if you use the search button on upper right side of screen and use the words "buying first 964" a host of threads will come up. All very informative and invaluable.
It will save you a lot of time.

Dan

tbennett017

Also you might consider finding a copy of Adrian Streather's 964 Companion book. It is worth reading cover to cover before you jump in.

Streetfighter

Just a few tips, running costs on these cars are high. Parts can be found for moderate prices on the internet and different part shops. Doing work yourself helps greatly in labor costs vs going to an independent shop. Find local PCA club in your area and Rennlist members who wrench and have a great deal of Porsche knowledge. Have a mechanic take a look at the car before purchasing, find a mechanic that knows air cooled 911's. These cars are getting old and a lot of small projects come regularly so that keep that in mind. They can be driven everyday and should be exercised to the red line, no other car like hitting the redline as much as a Porsche. They are great cars and a lot of the fun, searching is half the fun. Good luck.

Jimjacqmx5

Find a good one!!!! You will only know this by looking at and driving lots of them.
Also, I also strongly concur that a pre purchase is a must and get it from a recommended Porsche specialist either official Porsche or an independant. they should give you a report from the front bumper to the rear bumper of anything that need attention.
If looking at long term value retention, I would personally argue that a manual C2 coupe will hold it's value best and try to get a 91 upgrade model with the better brakes and intake manifold etc if you can.

Try to find one that has had the through bolts done as if it is leaking from here $$$ in the future.
Check air con is good as they often leak in the 'condensor' or 'evaporator' (I think that's what it's called.) which requires about 15 hours labour to get at as it is behind the firewall.

I drove a fleet of 15 different 964's prior to finding mine and the difference between good and bad was phenomenal. I knew mine was a gem within 100 metres. A good 964 should feel like it is crafted from granite and have few if any rattles, a good service history and if modded at all, these mods should be done in a way that retains the integrity of the car.

964's respond great to some nice lowered springs/shocks a chip and exhaust mods.

I have found that between the great knowledgeable people here on the forum and sourcing parts from places like pelican parts, autoaction, EBS racing and eBay if you know what you are buying, you can reduce costs substantially.

Good luck and beware, once you have a 911, you will never, ever not have a 911 again.

kopo

+1 Jim from Melbourne..........

wellcraft290

Ok so what are the high running costs? I mean yes you can go crazy, but what is high. Had my car over a year and costs me 1500 dollars for sterring pump and dist belt and oil change.
what is everyone's definition of high?

Earlydays

Besides normal wear replacement items like tires, rotors, pads, shocks etc. the major ongoing expense is the the 15,000 mile service, which includes a valve adjustment and can run $1200+, if you have someone do it.....

Richard Curtis

As for annual maintenance costs, in the past two years I've:
-- Replaced backup light switch ($80 US)
-- Replace CV boots ($260)
-- Replaced angular joint and shift rod tube (because of failed bushings) ($210)
-- Replaced shark's fin rubber gasket and some clips ($26.45)
-- Replaced engine mounts with slightly used RS mounts ($175)
-- Changed oil and filter twice ($70? each time)