1981 turbo coupe

[Aldercar]

Hello,
Am a total newbie here. Looking for advice please. I set out to buy a 993/964.
But, after a brief conversation with a dealer I have been offered a 930 Turbo. 1981. 50k miles. Good history. Factory spec'. Could anyone offer me advice please on points to check and talk through with the car? Many thanks.

 

[John_Ward]

I'm assuming that it will not be cheap. There are quite a few available with dealers around the country.
Get a proper Pre Purchase Inspection done by a Porsche specialist ( someone like Peter Morgan ). That will cost you at least £250, but it is money well spent.
Go through the car's history file thoroughly and make sure that you have a full understanding of it's life so far. If anything doesn't add up, query it.
If it's a good one, and realistically priced ( what's realistic nowadays?! ), then go ahead and do the deal; they're still one of the very best cars that you can buy.

 

[Aldercar]

Mr Ward, thank you very for taking the time to reply, good sound advice. I am in the process of finding out all the information you speak of. It isn't cheap, well not for that model I believe, over £50k. It is at a Porsche specialist dealer who have extensive knowledge of the Marque. Fingers crossed for all the correct Information to come back to me.
Would,you consider it as a daily driver? For a period of time anyway. Regards.

 

[38F3E1]

What is it about the 930 that appeals to you? Great car but very very different to a 993 or 964 (assuming you were not looking for a turbo version of these).

Ian.

 

[Aldercar]

Hello Ian,

That's an interesting question and something im wrestling with. Thank you for asking. I wasnt attracted to the 930 edition first and foremost. Having looked and viewed, driving a couple of times I liked the 964 and 993. I have a budget for those too. I have a purest view of Carrera 2, not Turbo, manual, as I'm a keen driver. I want an honest car, that I can, if I choose drive daily or spank it up for a meet and /or drive out. I'm not really a concours man, but if I had or when I have the time and opportunity I might decide to take things that way.

I explained this to a dealer. Who pointed me towards this vehicle. (964 and 993 not in stock), Explaining how this car would fit my thoughts and be cheaper to service etc. I had researched 964 993 and thought I knew enough to dip my toe into those editions. This car has thrown me and it's probably the fact that it is a Turbo, that it's different, that it appears to fit albeit broadly my original views of a car that I need. I've not driven it.

I'm must say I'm not totally convinced at this stage that this particular car is right for me.

Having reviewed adverts for 964 and 993 they still fundamentally attract me more than this vehicle. That's not to say of course that any 930 isn't a cracking car.

I'm really pleased you asked that. And I realise i must sound a bit of an idiot. But, I'm a thinker and have the money for the right car. I'm really keen to get something that's as factory spec as its gets. Mostly or all original condition, with excellent provenance. And I'm not in a rush.

Hope that explains some of my thoughts. Kind regards.

 

[John_Ward]

Methinks you are being led astray, and not by Ian.
Difference in driving experience between impact bumper 911 and 964/993 is chalk and cheese.
Throw in the turbo and you're in an entirely different ball game!
You'll find very few people who believe that a 930 is as cheap to run / maintain as a normally aspirated 911 of any iteration.
I happen to be one who does, but..... it depends entirely on how good the condition of the whole car is when you get it.
If it's spot on, regular servicing by a professional who knows his stuff will keep it that way for sensible money - if not, the cost of putting things right can be alarming.

 

[p27549]

Drive all versions and go with what feels good. i have a 930 Turbo and its a great car. Would i pay the going prices today for it, that would be a NO, especially when there are very capable 993's and of course 964's available. I have had the benefit of owning these models and found the 993 the most capable of them all.

Would i sell my 930 now, no i wouldn't, it has great character but can be a handful to drive.

I think you have to want a 930 Turbo to buy one these days.

 

[Aldercar]

Tim,
A really helpful post. Many thanks. ..I suppose the answer lies in driving it and getting views of owners like yourself about ownership and comparisons. Something which I know little of.
Many thanks.

 

[acer]

Very interesting thoughts and I think John's view very helpful.
If you have the benefit of someone experiences it is maybe always wise to listen to their advice, that's not to say it's nice to make
your own choices and experience the different cars for yourself,but the original turbo 930 was a bit of a handful for some.
The latter models 993 964 a bit more refined
I still love the 930 the first original super car,but having been a real enthusiast and seen that a few years ago we were talking around
30-35k for a 930 turbo then it turns out to be at around 50-60k appreciation of an investment in a few years!
I think the main point with the 930 was the turbo lag which according to many American drivers was solved by replacing the 4 speed gearbox with a 5 speed which made it a more tractable every day car and helped fuel economy as well.
I think there was an article with Magnus Walker online with his 930 turbo.
Also worth bearing in mind the ages of all the cars you are potentially considering purchasing,because with all cars you have chassis metal fatigue,the chassis loses it flex.
The really good cherished cars are garaged and have good ventilation systems to prevent rust & damp.
Also worth going through the history of the car as said before,speak to Andrew Churcher he has a 930 and a 964 and loves both cars
a great guy who offered me a test drive for the 964.
Good luck let us know how you get on![]

 

[turbo jonny]

Having owned these cars i would use the 930 mainly for fun on dry days . The 964/993 has more modern features
For safety such as ABS and comfort and could be a Better daily driver . Many 930s suffer from fumes in the cabin . Ok if
You are a petrolhead and love the 930 []

 

[SEE YA]

A 930 is a small market, for a seller and a buyer you must really want the car warts and all.

I looked at 12 so called, good 930's and after a long search I found my one in 07.

The market was near the bottom then, value wise I would think. These days the values have shot up.

Buy the best model you can afford, and hold some money back for a big bill or two.

Look for a solid base 930, one you can improve with time and money that is what I did.
Things overlooked are as follows Shocks, Brakes, Bushes, Exhaust system mega bucks.
Things that are a bonus when buying are Top End done already.
There are many 930's out there that need major money spent on them.
As many owners, buy them and spend no money on there upkeep then sell them on.

People also have to remember, these cars are over thirty years old as well.

These cars, need money spent on there upkeep from day one?
However they are great to own, and a joy to me a marmite car you either love them or hate them.

 

[acer]

Seeya,
That's great advice,and I've always loved the 930,
but always been slightly out of my budget but I admire the owners who keep them running
and use them when they can![8D]

 

[SEE YA]

PM me for my no, should you wish to talk over the phone for advice etc.

 

[Aldercar]

Seeya. and all,

Many thanks for your replies. They have been very helpful in making a decision about which direction to go. I think 993 is the way forward for me at the moment. Still looking. 😃

I do appreciate the time you have taken to write your replies and it's great to know that you will do this for me. Even the offer of telephone call from you Seeya. Brilliant!

Hope we cross paths again soon. Happy motoring.

Andy.