5 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used 911
1. Which Generation?
From the very beginning, even until present day, the Porsche 911 was classified into specific "eras" that retained specific features, styling and upgrades to the overall design, performance, etc. It can get confusing because while they started out naturally aspirated and the motor size grew relatively, there were the turbocharged counterparts with bigger motors.
For example, in 1973 the 2.7 liter was introduced. In the same year, there was a 2.8 liter turbo charged version often marked as the 911T for turbo. One commonality was the 6-cylinder engine. Except for the 912, most, if not all, of the Porsche's have always been 6 cylinders. As time progressed, so did the Porsche's features and designs with a consistent "upgrade" in every department including all wheel drive and improved aerodynamics. The basic breakdown is as follows:
- 1st Generation (1964-1989)
- 2nd Generation (1973-1989) "G-series"
- 3rd Generation 964 series (1989-1994)
- 4th Generation 993 series (1994-1997)
- 5th Generation 996 series (1998-2004)
- 6th Generation 997 series (2005-2012)
2. Air-cooled or Water-cooled?
Since its inception in 1964, the Porsche 911 has been built with air-cooled motors that recirculate oil. The stout motors lasted surprisingly long, all the way until 1998. This is when the water-cooled versions were introduced to keep up with the competition offered by the likes of Ferrari and such.
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3. What Should I Look Out For?
Like any used car purchase, you'll want to make sure things like the title and maintenance history are clean and clear. Some of the earlier generation cars were prone to rust (depending on the locale you find them in). Some of the 964's suffered from leaky engine seals as well. But again, if the one you're interested in has a clean bill of history, you need not worry. The price ranges on Porsches has fluctuated over the years but in recent years, many of the popular models from the likes of 993 era has seen a sharp rise in value, especially the turbo versions. Be ready to fork over serious cash for this serious vehicle.
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4. Which One Suits Me?
Picking the right Porsche can be a difficult decision. While they are similar, they are vastly different from one another, especially from era to era. Many have claimed the 911's from the 80s were the most reliable, fun and durable Porsches to own and drive. Others will maintain that the 993 era was the creme of the crop where air-cooled technology reached its peak along with a remarkable design.
Some of the basic concepts around car buying still come into effect here. If you purchase a well maintained car, you are more likely to enjoy the car for years to come whilst maintaining the same level of attention it received from the previous owner(s). If you're mechanically challenged and opt for one with questionable maintenance history, chances are, the joy ride will be short lived.
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5. Coupe, Convertible or Targa?
The coupe takes the cake for chassis stiffness and rigidity. But, if you crave the feeling of true wind in your hair while you blast around the track, or during that weekend cruise through Malibu canyon, then a convertible or a Targa top will suit your thrills better. The main difference is that a Targa top has a portion of the roof that can be removed for weekend driving but still maintain some type of enclosure as to not fully expose the occupants. The convertible is basically best thought of as full, open air.
It's black and white. Open or closed. Rainy day? Put the top up. Heading to Laguna beach? Top down, of course. The Targa, again, is a blend between the coupe and the convertible. No matter what your desire, there is a Porsche out there for you.
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