cheap 3.2's

[Lowlander]

Hello again,

Looking at the classifieds the prices for 3.2's very wildly from less than 8K to more than 18K. Obviously there will be differences between the cars but I was wondering if anyone has bought a cheap 3.2 (say between 8K and 10K) and lived to regret it? I will be buying a car to use as everyday transport so to be honest I'm not sure if it is worth spending huge amounts of money on a low mileage pristine car. No matter how careful I am with the car it will inevitably get covered in road salt during the wionter and will no doubt pick up stone chips and the odd small parking dent from other people smacking their car doors into the car when at tescos, etc. I want a solid usable car that I can drive everyday not a potetial candidate for concours events.

With a budget of 9.5K to buy the car, how much of a reserve do you think is sensible to have for repairs and maintenance? 2K? 3K? I could buy a car for 12K and still have to spend considerable money on it

Thanks and all the best.

Martin.

 

[Greg Park]

Martin,
You could spend £18k and still have to spend money on 3.2.

Prices may drop as low as £8k but these aren't cheap cars to run and with their age there is always likely to be the odd large bill aroundthe corner. If you must get a 911 look at the condition on the car and then the bills to see what work has been carried out recently.

At this time of year you may pick up a car which someone really needs to sell, but I'd be careful. You could always try the 911 SC in Targa which should cost less to buy.

Why not look at a 944S2/944 Turbo which can be found for less money and keep the remainder for maintenaance.

 

[Chris_911]

I spent £18k on my 911 about 2.5 years ago. Had 43k miles on it then.

In the 9k since it has only needed servicing. It's not concours but a very, very straight umolested example. I've chosen to do some jobs on the car, but only because I treat it as something of a hobby. The work I have done really amounts to 'improvements'.

I'm sure you can get lucky and unlucky at any price point. Look at as many as you can, read the buying guides and take your time. This bit should be fun.

I would suggest that it would be wise to look at as many 'cheaper' examples as you can. You'll gradually develop your ability to spot the better ones. I guess the higher the mileage the more likely you'll need to budget for engine or gearbox work, but this is only a generalism. Look at the history of the car.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Chris_911Look at as many as you can, read the buying guides and take your time. This bit should be fun.

It bl**dy isn't, it's a right pain!

Henry Firman at 911virgin.com has a red 3.2 with about 100k on the clock for under £10k I seem to remember, well he did last Friday anyway.

 

[Guest]

To take some pain out of the process get Henry to find a car and have him run it past JAZ or JZM for a full check. Then pay him and you're done. Not a fool proof plan but a good one. Henry is pretty honest IMHO and JAZ or JZM will spot most everything that needs fixing.

More expensive than buying privately but probably a lot easier judging by recent reports on this forum []

 

[Guest]

seconded!

 

[nigelp]

Give Francis tuthill a ring. Bought mine from them and it's been great. LHD mind but very solid and reliable. By on condition and history, not colour and add ons! If you're using it daily it needs to be reliable first and foremost, safe and comfortable.

They are great to own and I use mine to commute at least once a week in the better weather. More often if I can!

I agree about the search, pay a premium but actually get a good car. Enjoy!

 

[JB 3.2]

I was in a similar situation last summer, and looked at 15 cars before finding one I was happy with. and as we all know the price difference is condition dependent. In my experience the 'budget' examples were usually showing clear visible signs of rust in the usual places and it was obvious bodywork repairs would be required.

I'm convinced you can by one for use on a daily basis, but if it is to remain tidy, I suspect regular remedial work may well be required.

..JB

 

[Guest]

Right at this moment 3.2 prices are on the floor, and I should know as I've been trying to sell mine for months. Not that people don't want it, hardly anyone's even seen it! Just not many buyers out there, and some of the few that are, are not very realistic in their expectations. The only half serious buyer I had, rejected the car becasue there was a very small area on the sunroof which is a bit faded; the cars practically mint but still 22 years old! Also, if you want every day transport, don't forget you're looking at a far from new vehicle, irrespective of condition or mileage. All depends on what day to day mileage you're looking at. Mine's for sale in the for sale section . . . .again! Good luck.

 

[Guest]

There are a lot of cars out there, but not many good ones or, ones that do not require quite a lot of work.

Like I said, HenryF has an '85 (IIRC) in pretty reasonable condition and good interior for less than £10k.

Fading paintwork's a tricky one Rod, it may t-cut out with a bit of luck, or it may require new paint. Have you tried cutting/polishing out?