New here - Long post sorry!

[Guest]

Hi,

Great forums...

I'm considering buying my first 911 next year. I currently have a vauxhall Calibra 4x4 Turbo (don't hold it against me!) and fancy changing to something a bit different next year. I'm 25 years old and have had some decent insurance qoutes.

I'm a car enthusiast (I stopped reading Max Power at 18 for my sins)... but this will be the first time I've considered owning a car older than what I have now with more miles ('96 "P", 62,000 on the Calibra). I have lots of questions... Sorry!

I have looked at E36 BMW's M3 Evolution and will have about £12k to spend around June or July time. Would this get me a decent 911 Carrera instead (maybe an 87-88)? I would ideally like PAS and ABS. When did these start on the older Carrera? I really like the guards red and targa roofs. From what I've read many leak - is this right?

I've tried to find buying tips so I can get clued up but have struggled to find info. Anyone have any pointers?

The car needs to be used on a daily basis although my work journey is only just over a 10 minute drive. I can't afford to be without transport which brings me to reliability. Is an older looked after example fairly trouble free in your experiences? What is performance like on these classics?

Lastly am I going to struggle to find a decent one or should I be willing to spend more?

Once again sorry for the Q's!

Best regards,
James

 

[Guest]

Good choice should get something good for that money Mine's an 1989 and that does'nt have abs or power steering which isn't a major problem as you would think as i came from a 944S2 with both and really don't miss either of them in fact it almost makes driving more fun you will certainly love it compared to a Calibra (not the worlds most rewnowned spors car) and will certainly be quicker!.

Paul

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the speedy reply Paul.

Yes I'm a little concerned with losing the 4x4, ABS and PAS that I've got used to. I want a car to put a huge grin on my face every time I get in it. Good styling as well as reasonable performance but a bit different - which I think the 911 does nicely.

As far as the Calibra goes, it has been pretty good. 204bhp standard with 0-60mph in 6.4 secs, 152mph top end. Not too bad for standard trim and handles well enough with traction from the 4x4 system. I will have been driving Calibra's for nearly 5 years next year. I now want to get away from Vauxhalls tho - something with more prestige required. Time for a much needed change!

My knowledge of them is very good but I need to do my homework on the Porsche as I'm sure there is a lot to learn.

 

[Guest]

Hi James. I have to agree with Paul and also say good choice. Funny you mention the M3 Evo, my brother bought a 98 model last weekend. However, he has decided to "learn" to drive the car properly after driving home and putting his foot down in third (straight line) and breaking traction! 911's have more straight line grip than that! Paul is also right to state that you won't get Abs and Power steering. That came in on the 964 model (late 89). However you'll need to spend more for one of these cars and an enthusiast will tell you your loosing out on driving pleasure for the bother.....As for reliability, I'm sure your aware that 10 minute (short) journeys are not the best sort of driving for any engine, however as a rule, you can be asured that Porsche's are better enginered than almost every other car marque and so go for the car in the best condition. ie, low mileage full history etc. Alternatively, a car with more miles thats had a full professional engine re-build can be a better bet than one with less miles approaching an engine re-build.
You question whether Targa's leak or not? - Is the car to be garaged overnight? Dodgie seals will show up by wind noise at speed. Usually if a car leaks then there will be tell tale signs. ie, damp smell, wet carpets so again judge the condition yourself.
As for performance. The 84 to 89 model years were powered by a 231bhp 3.2 litre. 0-60mph in 5.2secs topping out at 152mph!
Don't forget your looking for a car thats at least 15 years old and the occasional niggle is to be expected. However, you can bet your bottom dollar that you get far more smiles per mile than any Calibra would ever offer......
Try getting hold of a copy of Randy Leffingwell's "Porsche 911 Buyers Guide" which covers every model year from 1965 to present day.
I spent 10 months looking for mine and I know people who have spent longer. Worth the wait though. Happy hunting!!!!

Antony

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: JRSE

I want a car to put a huge grin on my face every time I get in it.

[]That will cetainly happen with a 3.2, Ive had mine for 18 months and can't stop smiling when I drive it. The closest I've been to a similar experience is the VW Golf R32, cant justify the £'s.

Go for it, you won't regret it.[]

 

[Guest]

Every mile brings a grin.. and I have plenty of miles on the clock! Yes it's 17 years old, yes it's not a concours model, yes it needs a little bodywork done to it, but it stills turns heads and is the centre of conversation. The best car I have every owned.
Regards
Lloyd

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone. What a friendly forum!

I don't have access to the garage - A Porsche (as is the Calibra) will be too wide since the garage is at the back & between two houses. If a good 911 came along I wouldn't be fussed about a Targa but guards red would be nice!

Driving pleasure is important so I'm convinced now I don't need PAS or ABS.

I'm prepared to put up with the occasional niggle and have tools at the ready for minor work. I just don't want to be spending more time under the car than driving it. I've seen underneath the Calibra quite a lot this week with a leaky sump but I have time on Friday to fix it.

10 months looking? Oh that's a long long time! I spent 3 months looking for the Calibra and thought that was a fair bit!

 

[Guest]

HI JRSE

£12k will get you a good Carrera 3.2 (impact bumper model) BUT these cars don't have ABS and PAS.

£15k will get you a decent 964 model Carerra 2 or 4 (plastic bumper model) and these cars will have ABS and PAS and maybe even aircon.

It's almost impossible to retro-fit ABS and PAS to the 3.2 Carrera. Plus, for all the effort, you may as well have started off with a 964-model in the first place.

964s are cheap to buy now because many ppl think that they have inherent problems (dual mass flywheels, multiple spark plugs, leaking head gaskets, etc). Since you only drive 10mins to work, my advice would be to cut out the unnecessary toys of a 964 and go the best 3.2 you can afford. It's cheaper to buy, cheaper to fix and if you wanted it to look like a later 964 model, just go for a £1500 bumper conversion.

On the subjcet of trouble-free, if something soesn't exist, then it can't go wrong. Hence, buy the best 3.2 Carrera you can, but get it inspected beforehand.

Performance should be 0-60 in 5.5 to 6 (depending on condition) and a top whack of 150mph. Expect 22mpg running 95 unleaded.

G'luck and welcome!

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

I go along with all that has been said above, For the £11-12000 you want to spend, you may struggle to get the year that you want, but make sure you get after '86 as it has the later more smooth G50 gearbox.

Just to expand on the differences between the 3.2 (up to '89) and the 964 model ('89 late 89 onwards)...it was a total model change...the engine went up to 252 bhp and 3.6 litre (but had a cat) and the suspension changed from torsion bars to coil over springs....more modern stuff also came in the package, abs, pas etc
BUT early version were/are unreliable, expensive to service (around £550 for 12,000 service with oils). The 3.2 is/was viewed as the last real carrera, is well put togther, service is around £275 for 12,000 miles, not unusual for 100-110,000 miles prior to top end rebuild..(as opposed to 45,000 on a 964)

My own car is a '84, on 114,000 miles, still original engine..in good condition and I would think hard before parting with it for £12,000.

That might give you some idea in relation to cost/year/condition.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[Guest]

Don't forget insurance, you should be able to insure your 3.2 on a classic policy

I paid £250 this year, 3000 limited miles and full european breakdown.

 

[Guest]

Yep my insurance is £350.00 wiv 5000Ml limit £12000 fixed value and £100 exess, I'm 26 and live in chichester a bargin i thought![]

Paul

 

[Rodney Naghar]

A friend of mine recently bought a 98 Evo as well. It has an incredible engine, but the car just cant handle it, he wheel spins and loses traction on a regular basis, it does have all the toys tho if thats what you;re after. He had his 'Oil service' done recently which cost him £140, and his major service will cost him over £1000. BMW charge him £90ph for labour. His insurance is £2,500 with full no claims bonus in N.London.

Get the Porsche!

 

[Guest]

Okay you've twisted my arm and I really want a 911! The BMW is long gone!

Insurance on the M3 Evo was likely to be quite expensive and without really looking around £1,300. I'm paying £850 at the moment - classed as ins group 18.

The 964 model is very nice but I think the 911 has more character, in my price range and if I can find a nice example for £12k ish I'm going to be pleased.

I've always used Optimax in my current car. Is there any point in running the 911 with this?

Great, thanks for the info between earlier and later models.

I'll look into a classic policy. Hopefully that should save me some money.

I do want the later G50 gearbox. I believe this is a getrag?

What oil do you use and how often do you change?

Thanks,
James

 

[Guest]

Ok - so who is giving you all classic insurance on an 88 or later 911? (don't want to Hijack this into an insurance thread!)

James

Good choice - the last real 911!

I use Optimax - only the best for the best! (There's been a separate discussion on this - try a search)

G50 is a Getrag

I use Mobil 1 - some people get leaks with a fully synthetic but I've had no problems at all

Regards

Roy

 

[Jamie Summers]

Roy,
I'm on a so called 'classic' policy with Carole Nash for my '89 3.2. As far as I know a car only needs to be 10 years old to qualify as 'classic' - although I will happily defer to anyone who knows the definitive answer !

Jamie

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

Classic car insurance is available for vehicles over 15 yrs old...'88 year might just get it!!

If an engine has been running OK on full synthetic oil with no leaks up til now (when you get it) then it's Ok to continue, if not or not known, then go for semi synthetic which will not be as thin and find the leaks fully synthetic will! Castrol Magnatech is a good choice.

If the engine has been recently rebuilt, then probably already running on fully synthetic...(after a rebuild is the best time to swop over, as all new gaskets, seals, rings etc)

Oil changes...I only do 3,000-4,000 miles a year, but change the oil annually anyway...my garage does an oil change and general checkover one year (about £160.00) and a full 12,000 service the next (about £285.00).

 

[Guest]

Whenever I've gone for classis insurance in the past it's always been 10 or 15 years "but that doesn't apply to Porsches"

I'm renewing in January and after problems my mother has had with Direct Line it's time to say goodbye to privelege! (it'll also cost them my house insurance and deposit accounts - do these organisations not realise people have families and friends!)

Roy

 

[Guest]

Roy

Try Classicline, they advertise in PP!

£250 for '89 supersport, 3000 miles pa. No additional security required, agreed value £18,000!

 

[911sse]

87 SuperSport Coupe

5000 Miles per annum, agreed value of £19,500
Porsche Thatchem 2 immob
Full European Breakdown Cover


£298 with Carole Nash.......

That has to be cheap motor insurance!

 

[Guest]

Carole Nash were good for me BUT insisted on cat 2