Hello all,
I have dreamt of driving a Porsche ever since I was a kid. However, because of the price tag, I never really looked into all the different features, models, etc. It was all simply a dream.
Times have changed and while I still cannot get into a new one, I certainly should be able to afford a decent used one.

Is there anyone who can give me a quick overview of the different types of models? Series #s, names, i.e. Targa, Cabriolet, 911 930, etc.? For sure though, I am not interested in the 924 body style.

Also what should I look for when purchasing one, mechanically? I'm not afraid of DIY stuff, but I'll stop when it comes to the inside of the engine.

One last question, do all models have seats in the rear?

Thanks!

 

Racer,

You really should drop into your local bookshop and browse a book on Porsches, that would be the best way to get started. At the moment your questions are waaay too vague. Once you mnow more, post some more detailed questions on the relevant board; these roughly give you an idea of the series numbers available.

A very quik and basic overview:

356 the original Porsche, now a classic, built between the 50' and 60's

911 (the most famous Porsche shape)
from 1965 to now (the original shape was pretty much unaltered from 1965 to 1998)
all 6 cylinder engines, varying from 2.0 to 3.8 and a number of variants (Turbo, lightweight RSs, convertibles, Targas, Coupes, Cup cars ...)

912 a 911 with the 356's 4 cylinder engine, well balanced and cheaper than a 911

914 interesting 70's sports car concept, bit of an identity crisis as its not clear if its VW or Porsche; in my opinion the Boxster of the 70's

924 late 70's substiture for the 914, was to be an Audi but became a Porsche instead

944 improved 924 with real Porsche engine derived from half a block of a 928, also wider than 924, still 4 cylinder, available in sexy convertible form and also Turbo, mid 80's

968 improved 944, modern (1993) and quick with 3.0 4 cylinder engine

928 big late 70's luxury cruiser, expensive, powerful and thirsty V8 engine

Boxster 90's 2 seater convertible, 2.5 6 cylinder engine, later 2.7 and 3.2 too

Hope this helps!

 

There is a lot of recommended reading ( books etc), perhaps somebody has a concise list they will post.

Each of the different iterations ( for the 911 anyway) has it's own character and potential weak points.

I found that lurking/surfing the Rennlist forums not only fun but a great help in the search.

For my Vette the search was as much fun as having the car, with the Porsche it was just a start.

 

Good point. I can see how my questions are vague. At this point, while I am attempting to educate myself, I want to obtain as much info as possible.
In addition to actually looking at classified ads, and a little bit of surfing the web, you have already given me ideas about which models I would like to get more info on.
For instance you have a clarified that the 911 is "the most famous Porsche shape" which is basically the confirmation I was looking for. That's the body style/model I have always admired.

Now, I also understand that there are other variations of the 911. Isn't there a 930 or something?
What are some of the 911 weak points?

 

Go do a test drive of the models you think you might want. Drive a 944 S2. Very nice handling car with plenty of HP. I've had a 924 that handled like it was on rails and got awesome gas milage to boot. Just didn't much care for the look of the front bumper and hatch glass. My current Porsches' offer excellent handling and speed, with (as Riccardo stated) luxury. Not really all that expensive to own either. I've looked at getting a 911 variant, but the ones available in my price range, would cost quite a lot more for the upgrades I'd want to have.

 

Racer,

As the 911 was built for more than 30 years there are a number of variations of problems and features to look out for.

Being an expensive(ish) sports car 911s can suffer from:
- missed maintenance intervals (they are expensive)
- clocking (setting back the miles)
- crash repairs (novice drivers not respecting the power and tail happy nature)

General 911 issues are:
- oil leaks
- rust (specially on pre 74 cars)
- exhaust valve guide wear (needs top end rebuild)
- also each variant has its own foibles, for example the 964s (which is what I drive) suffer from head oil leaks, distributor belt failure and weak dual mass flywheels.

A quick breakdown of the 911 dynasty (and someone please correct my dates as they may be a bit wrong) is below. Basically, the newer the 911 the more powerful and 'civilised' they get.

1965-74: The first 911s, engines 2.0, 2.2

 

The 928 isnt expensive now. And I get like 24 or so mpgs on the highway. I like my late 70's cruiser. People actully think its closer to a late 80s or early 90s car.

 

Subscribe to "Excellence" magazine. If you like British mags, also get "GT: Purely Porsche" and "911 & Porsche World". All of these are excellent sources for learning the ropes. All have various buyer's guides on a regular basis. "Excellence" posts regular market updates on various models each month to help you decide how much to spend!

Good luck! You'll never regret a good Porche!

 

Go to a Porsche often and see what car you can afford. Let dealers in your area know that you are looking for a porsche. Have them call you when they get one.
Test drive a many as you can.
I was looking for a M3 when my dealer called about a 1999C4 with under 7000 miles. I took it.

 

Since you live in LA your choices should be many. 911's carry a premium due to their cachet and the fact that even the older well maintanined ones are still in demand. 944's (1988 and up) are well sorted out cars. If you can find a 924S you've basically got a 944 in a narrower body style. The 968's are the top of the Front Engined/Water Cooled's with HP and styling. Bottom line is what do you like? what are your driving habits? and how deep are your pockets? Definately pick up Excellence, see if you can find some Pano's and talk to PCA folks in your area. And whatever you do - get a PPI before buying the car.

 

These sites are 928 specific, but you will find a wealth of material that is applies generally, and a list somewhere on here re buying: <a href="http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm." target="_blank">www.nichols.nu/tips.htm.</a> And <a href="http://www.928s4vr.com/." target="_blank">www.928s4vr.com/.</a> Here on renn/928 forum there is some info re new owners, which is a tip list on problems to look for. General questions to answer: as already mentioned, budget. What will you use the car for? and how much of DIYer are you? 928s can be daily drivers which I doubt you will want to do with any of the others, unless your commute is short. Servicable AT 928s run from $5K to $10K, 5-sp are generally 2K more all things being equal. A near mint '86, 5 sp will run you over 12K. As with any Pcar, get the best you can afford now, but if it looks rough in any way, run away; and have 2K/year for maintenance. You might get away with less maintenance, depends on how it was cared for, but unless you KNOW the previous owner, and his/her habits, you are likely to be in for some unpleasant surprises. Good luck.

 

7 words of wisdom:

"Best bang for buck is a 951"

That is, a 944 Turbo will give you the most flat out performance for your money than any other Porsche model.

YMMV