Boxster to SC

[Guest]

I usually hang out on the Boxster forum having had one for 5 years from new.
I have always had the urge though to own a prpoer 911 like an SC or a 3.3 Carrera
Can anyone give me an idea about what you budget for running an SC in a 12 mth period. I realise it is a bit like how long is a piece of string but I am trying to find out if I do get an SC or similar (asuming a buy a half decent example) am in effect writing a blank cheque for its on going maintenance?

 

[bones]

Wow I bet that's a rare trade Cary but one I welcome. An SC offers the 'real 911 experience' of old that's for sure but drive some first if you haven't already. There are some good solid cars out there but you may have to look at many to find one. All cars of this age have similar problems like rust in certain areas if you want a detailed idea of what to look for give me a call or better still but the 'Buyers Guides' on the SC and 3.2.
If you find a low mileage care that has been treated correctly and with a service history then you will only have to be concerned with routine servicing and the usual running costs.
However because of the car's age minor electrical problems will always be an issue. Remember you are buying a 'classic vehicle' and along with that comes, at least I think, a different way of thinking about the car. You could run an SC as an everyday car but personally I wouldn't especially if you buy a pristine example.
If you buy a higher mileage car - more likely - the mechanical problems need to have been taken care of before you buy i.e. bills for recent clutch work and for cars over 100,000 miles gearbox rebuild work are a good sign unless the car drives superbly with none of the symptoms of a worn out 915 box.
A book of invoices for the older cars with a good main dealer or good Independant's service stamps should give you confidence but you have to buy on the individual car there are no hard and fast rules except don't be rushed and buy with your head. Change the oil every 6000 miles and remember oil in the old flat six needs topping up every 500-1000 miles, providing you get a good one running costs will be low.

 

[John H]

I too am interested in the responses to the thread, as I am possibly coming at it from the other end. 924, 924S, 968 so far and now I too am thinking of making the jump to 911 ownership, if only I can find a decent one at a sensible price.

Keep those replies coming!

John H

 

[tripe]

Looking at this from a slightly different perspective, (and feel free to call me an '80s throwback if you like), no amount of persuasion would get me out of either an SC or 3.2 Carrera and into a 986/996.

Yes I know the later cars are easier to drive (and harder to crash) and have all the essential toys and creature comforts (and decent heaters) but somehow that misses the point - I like a car to have a bit of attitude and anything that side of a 993 seems to lack it.

One man's opinion, but a well sorted SC begs to be driven and I have yet to come across one with with a rear main seal problem - come to think about it for the cost of the new engine that your OPC would supply to cure a RMS problem you be the proud owner of a decent 204bhp SC and precious little depreciation either - you know it makes sense!!

 

[Bazgillie]

Cary
Rust is one of your biggest enemies on early 911s. If you can do the smaller jobs yourself you can save lots of money. The cars need that bit more TLC than newer cars. Most garages see a Porsche pull up and think its payday so be careful who you let loose on your car. Baz

 

[porkersc]

I have had my sc since December. Not used everyday but have done about 500 miles and had it inspected twice and all is fun. It's hard work to drive compared to my 330ci but boy it is fun and you have to "drive" the car. So far not had to spend a penny apart from a bit of cosmetic work because i am so anal!! Took me a while to find but i could never part with her. Roll on Le Mans as this will be a proper test for her. Buy one and enjoy a proper Porsche []

 

[bones]

ORIGINAL: porkersc

Roll on Le Mans as this will be a proper test for her.

Are you planning on racing then? []

 

[porkersc]

Err no! I think that would kill her. Just going to spectate but going in the SC. Three of us in 911's going. Wish i was racing but think my skill are limited to the Playstation!!

 

[Guest]

Cary,
I have an 82 SC; typically we do 12k a year in her mixed driving from weekends away to business trips up and down the motorway.
For running costs over a year I budget for one service usually between £350 and £500 at a good independent (although it has been as high as 1k!).
In addition to the service I change the oil at 5-6k miles my self costing about £70 quid (depends on what oil you put in)
The clutch was replaced about 30k ago and while the box was out I had first and third dog teeth replaced this cost about £550, the clutch is still going strong.
I change the gear box and brake fluid very 2 years and this takes about 2 hours and £50 pounds for oil and fluid.
I have had the front wings replaced but I think if I had looked at more cars when I bought it I could had avoided this, I was actually looking for an honest car i.e. very few body repairs and with all the warts showing so that I could restore it. I was surprised at the cost of the wings at over £400 each (a 996 wing only costs £150?)
This year has been a very expensive year in terms of running costs as I have had to replace the cooling fan, and oil cooler costing about £800 (no labour as I did these my self again)
Typically the tyres last about 20k and cost £100 for the rears (I run bridgestone SO3's
The only other surprise I had was when I replaced the plug leads, they are shielded in metal braiding and cost £150
The reason I bought the car was that it is really simple and fun to work on. So typically my greatest expenditure has been on "restoration items". Unless already replaced you can count on most of the rubbers and seals will need replacing. The problem with most SC's is that they are of an age that they are quiet cheap and being very reliable often get neglected and take some time and effort to get back up to scratch. Find a car that has been cosseted by enthusiast as we often spend more than we really should.
I've often thought that I could run a new car for the same amount I have spent "restoring" mine, however I know if I had bought a dearer car and hunted better then the SC would have been much cheaper to run and it is very much a 911. I live in Oxfordshire and if you would like a drive give me a call or you want to chat you will find my number in PP under the SC assistant.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your posts and advice
I can't decide whether I just like the idea of driving an older car with a more pure driving experience and the actuality of it may prove to be somewhat removed from my rose tinted ideas of the experience. I feel I may have gone soft driving only modern cars.