Buying rebuilt from a specialist

[Guest]

Thinking of buying a late 70's SC from a specialist in Ireland and was wondering what to look out for? (nearly cheap road tax at that age, otherwise 1350 Euro a year)

He sells them completely re-built (upgraded brakes, re finished wheels, re-upholstered, de-spoilered etc). They're cartainly not cheap at about 28,000 Euro but they come with a 1 year warranty (the government puts crazy tax on cars here, a new 911 is 170k plus). And i've heard he's reputable, as he works on my Dad's 964.

once re-done, are they reliable?

Thanks, any help greatly recieved.

Rory

 

[jerry911sc]

The SC is relatively reliable so as long as the guy does a good job - yes very. Still need to be very aware of what you're getting -rust free, accident free bodyshell, authentic no's etc etc. Hard to know what the re-sale value would be and I think that is something to consider at EUR 28000. Paul Stephens are doing something along similar lines for a lot more money (approx £35- 40K from memory for a re-built and upgraded retro look on a 964) http://www.paul-stephens.com/. I don't think the price is OTT considering the quality of the PS product on the more expensive base car. PS may be doing them on the SC you'd have to ask.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. it probably sounds like more money thatn it is because of our rip off tax system. It's about 14 grand car wise (ie that's what i'lll be selling my 03 Mini Cooper S for - about 28 grand aswell, you'd get it for 14 in the UK)

It'd be my everyday driver, i only do about 8-10k a year.

Rory

 

[jerry911sc]

If you have a look on the site you will find loads of info on buying an SC and some about using one as a daily driver. Mine is fine as a daily drive but I avoid the wet as much as poss and I avoid salt like the plague.

Personally I think looking after bodywork is the main concern with a daily driver. To prevent your pride and jooy rusting away some TLC will be needed - wash, wax, touch-up, waxoil underneath especially to protect the well known rust traps. There is plenty on the forum about rust!!

I notice you are not going to do loads of miles. Sorry if this sounds obvious but you do need to make sure that journeys are long enough to warm the engine up properly otherwise you get condensation in the cylinders and that is not good.

When you have had a look at the buying tips/ issues it might be an idea to do a check list of everything that you want done on your re-built car. There is a lot of stuff that you might want to see re-built/ reconditioned eg clutch,s flywheel, gearbox, wheel bearings the list goes on. Also there a number of good mods you might want to get done eg turbo track rods, SSIs, sports exahust etc.

Just because the engines have a good rep don't assume you will get a good one. Is it a low mileage engine? Sure the engines are reliable and strong but you still don't want a high mileage engine that needs a re-build in 20 000 miles ie 2 years or so. Here are a couple of links on buying. Just because you are getting a re-built car - doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't have an independent inspection either!

GL

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=128834
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=146269&mpage=1&key=buying𣯫

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Rory

that's what i'lll be selling my 03 Mini Cooper S for - about 28 grand aswell, you'd get it for 14 in the UK)

Rory, my sister in Limerick is in the market for an 03/04 Cooper or Cooper S, so there's a ready Mini buyer there if she likes the car.

As regards how reliable SC's are, you don't win the Monte Carlo Rally or the Tour de Corse in a garage queen who shuts her systems down at the first sign of trouble. SC has won 'em both, as well as the French and European Rally Championships and more. If there was ever a bulletproof 911 then the SC is it with knobs on.

Go for it, sounds like a good deal, but I would ensure the gearbox has been rebuilt, the late tensioners have been fitted, there's a shedload of history and the trim is mint for that money. Also do not buy a LHD/RHD conversion - only first time RHD cars qualify for those bucks. Pay my air fares and I will do your PPI! []

Cheers, John G

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all your help. I'll let you know how i get on.

If your sister is interested in the Cooper S, it's Dark silver with a white roof, and has all the extra's, 3 years free servicing and 10 months left of a BMW warranty. It's perfect (but not a porsche). She can get me at roryh@iibbdo.com.

Thanks

ror

 

[Guest]

I know she's keen on red and white, I advised grey, but then I'm an increasingly cynical thirtysomething bloke and she's a twentysomething bright young thing []

Will let her know, thanks man.