Need some buying advice
#1
Instructor
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I'm looking at a 1992 968 with 133k miles. The current owner had it for 10 years and it was meticulously maintained with a stack of receipts. The car looks great inside and out. I'm hesitant because it already has a lot of miles on the clock and I'm looking to replace my mint 944 that has just 53k miles. Should the high mileage deter me? What major expenses should I expect for a 968 at this stage?
#2
Nordschleife Master
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rod bearings! if they haven't been done that is. as far as 968 specific stuff though you have your cam pads and tensioner. if the R and P hasn't gone bad by now, you've got a good one. hmm, others will chime in with more stuff im sure...
#4
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If its a '92 i hope your not planning to track it due to the weaker rods. If it has been properly maintained by a shop that knows 968's than you shouldn't really have anything to worry about.
#5
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Hey workaholic - most of us know the 92/93 - 94/95 rod difference, but no one really seems to care and I know several people who track the early cars on a regular basis with stock bottom ends. I'm curious, is there any proof that there has ever been a early rod failure that was stress (and not lubrication) related? Not taking issue with your statement; later rods are better, but have any early ever failed? Is there a post?
#6
Nordschleife Master
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i'd be interested to hear some real testimony as well. ive always heard the early rods are weaker (and they are) but has this really manifested itself at the track?
#7
Rennlist Member
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I think some of the issues that you might face are cumulative regardless of how well the car was cared for. I am not saying that the care of the car is not important. These cars are over 10 years in age and have one thing against them, time. A lot of basic things need to be checked. Brakes, bearings, wiring, locks, seals, etc. I recently had several things just stop working - the sunroof broke (more common than you know), back left tail light went out, one of the glove box hinges broke, etc.
It's the little details not to mention the things that are no longer available. Preventative maintenance is the key. Finding a good mechanic is priceless! So, many issues can be resolved simply, if you have the right person (some of us do not have garages, hint, hint). It's a true love hate relationship. I don't mean to sound negative because that's not it at all. The 968 is a true Porsche in every way. You can feel and hear the road. You are required to drive it, it demands your focus and rewards you in return. It does not come at a cheap price but it is definitely one of the most reliable Porsche's I have known.
It's the little details not to mention the things that are no longer available. Preventative maintenance is the key. Finding a good mechanic is priceless! So, many issues can be resolved simply, if you have the right person (some of us do not have garages, hint, hint). It's a true love hate relationship. I don't mean to sound negative because that's not it at all. The 968 is a true Porsche in every way. You can feel and hear the road. You are required to drive it, it demands your focus and rewards you in return. It does not come at a cheap price but it is definitely one of the most reliable Porsche's I have known.
Last edited by flwbyu; 03-30-2011 at 05:01 AM.
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#10
Nordschleife Master
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there it is, waited for someone else to say it. i don't think 968s(even early '92s) get to be 20 years old with 100k+ miles with having weak parts... now did they replace the early rods with thicker later rods? yes. has it been a problem in the real world? im not sure but not for me.
and mine's a '92
and mine's a '92
#11
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My theory is that Porsche had forecasted a longer run for the 968 to include (as it did) a turbocharged model and possibly improvements to increase HP of the N/A engine which would require strengthening the bottom end. Unfortunately...............
Sorry to get the thread off topic, but I have yet to hear of a rod failure from stress.
Sorry to get the thread off topic, but I have yet to hear of a rod failure from stress.
#12
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The OEM rods are fine. BTW, I did have a rod blast through the engine while racing at Pocono ... but it wasn't a stock rod, it was a Pauter rod. Needless-to-say I go with the Porsche rods since then.
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#13
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I'm looking at a 1992 968 with 133k miles. The current owner had it for 10 years and it was meticulously maintained with a stack of receipts. The car looks great inside and out. I'm hesitant because it already has a lot of miles on the clock and I'm looking to replace my mint 944 that has just 53k miles. Should the high mileage deter me? What major expenses should I expect for a 968 at this stage?