Buying advice please.

[Hannu]

Hi, Looking for some advice if possible !,
I'm looking at a 1986 targa in white with sport pack, the asking price is £11500. I have just been to give the car a once over and :-
1. Carpet needs replacing in the boot, (looks like brake fulid has rotted a patch of the old one)
2. Bonnet stays need replacing
3. Carpets are damp (may be due to weather or roof seal)
4. couple of small oil "weeps" from timming cover and Left rocker cover
5. Oil pressure fluctuates when warm at idle just over 1bar, Using Moblie 1, 0 / 40w (possibly to thin ?) 5bar when cold at 3000rpm
6. needs new heat exchangers or heater control valves as the cabin is always hot.
Other than this its not to bad, just needing some TLC on the leather interior and a good clean up
Bearing this in mind I feel the cost is too much ! what should I offer or is it a case of walking away to find another ?.

Many Thanks

Bryan

 

[lesworth]

Hi Bryan,

The best advice I was given when looking for my Targa was to look at as many as possible in varying condition. That way you'll get to know whats good and whats not. And take your time!

Les.

 

[Guest]

you don't fancy a coupe (see left) for a bit more money? Perfect heater, dry cabin. Pretty much perfect.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Hannu

Hi, Looking for some advice if possible !,
I'm looking at a 1986 targa in white with sport pack, the asking price is £11500. I have just been to give the car a once over and :-
1. Carpet needs replacing in the boot, (looks like brake fulid has rotted a patch of the old one)
2. Bonnet stays need replacing
3. Carpets are damp (may be due to weather or roof seal)
4. couple of small oil "weeps" from timming cover and Left rocker cover
5. Oil pressure fluctuates when warm at idle just over 1bar, Using Moblie 1, 0 / 40w (possibly to thin ?) 5bar when cold at 3000rpm
6. needs new heat exchangers or heater control valves as the cabin is always hot.
Other than this its not to bad, just needing some TLC on the leather interior and a good clean up
Bearing this in mind I feel the cost is too much ! what should I offer or is it a case of walking away to find another ?.

Many Thanks

Bryan

Hope this is useful stuff:

1. Carpets are cheap (compared to engines, clutches, gearboxes, suspension, brakes). Check the paint under the carpet as brake fluid eats paint. Still, its out of site and out of mind.
2. Bonnet stays are cheap and can be replaced at home with minimal bleeding knuckles.
3. Check under carpets for rust. If the car leaks it is likely to have rust. Are the rear seat buckets damp? A little surface rust under the seats or behind the parcel shelf is to be expected. Frankly I have never seen a pre 89 911 with none at all, but any more than a little on the surface could mean cutting and welding. Please remove the parcel shelf at least. BTW, has anyone told you, Targas leak!!!
4. Perfectly normal. I have never owned a leak free 911. Consider it free rust proofing.
5. Sounds ok.
6. It will be the control valves which can often be lubricated and need a new return spring to work properly. Also not that expensive to replace.

I am more concerned about what you haven't said. All the things you note for fixing are pretty cheap and easy. Did you have a good hard look for rust while the car was on a lift? Do you know where these cars usually rust? How much oil smoke was there? if any? Have you driven a few ie., do you know how they ought to drive in terms of accelleration, gearchange, steering, braking, handling? Did you get a Porsche garage to inspect?

I don't know what these cars are worth as it depends so much on condition and you haven't given us enough info. Asking price maybe sounds high for a pre-G50 car but it may have a fresh engine and gearbox rebuild and be otherwise perfect - I just don't know.

HTH
Richard

 

[Andy Tims]

Hi

Unless your specifically after a targa, consider a coupe. They are quieter (less rattles & wind noise) and less prone to leaks.

 

[Hannu]

Thanks Richard,

Yes the vehicle has surface rust but after getting underneath its nothing major. The wheel arches have been resprayed but its generally sound. It drives alright and has no smoke from the original engine/gearbox (numbers check out). Guess I'v already decided that its too expensive for a Targa of that age the interior hasn't been looked after and the burgandy leather seats are worst for wear.

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

Probably right to walk away, If the present owner cant be bothered to replace the bonnet struts at £6.00 each then what does that tell you.

For future purchases...also check for neopreen seals at the tops of the front wings where they join the scuttle...often missing and a sure sign of a cheap repair due to rust or accident. also check the petrol flap...should be an anti splash guard around the filler neck.

For general corrosion, check the base of the targa hoop where it meets the top of the rear quarter panels, inside the rear of the door jams (b pillars)..these can have rotted thru from the front of the rear wheel arches at the kidney bowl areas.

Check inside the boot (bonnet) for any acid spills from the battery, and from inside the fron arches the same spot as this is a mud trap!!

As Richard suggests, when you find a 'good en' get it checked out by an independent specialist in your area, who will charge about £150 but normally will offer some of that back one your firdt major service!...happy hunting

 

[Hannu]

Just bid £9300 for it (asking price £11500) and there thinking about it !
Surely it can't be bad at that price !

 

[Guest]

Bryan
A poorly cared for 911 can be a sickening money pit,a well cared for one is a joy to own.Please heed advice from the likes of Alan on a specialist inspection, then if checks out ok you would still have a bargain at £9450.
As Richard has pointed out,the obvious minor faults are all relatively cheap to correct so for £150 peace of mind you could be quids in.
Ian