New here - Long post sorry!

[Guest]

That's pretty much the same as what I've done with all the car I've owned. Oil changed every 3k and I've always opted for a semi synthetic (Castrol Magnatec).

The bad news is my current insurance doesn't expire until August and they do not offer classic policies! If I cancel they will keep 40% of my premium left. So I may as well see this one out and then change over. I'm insured through http://www.greenlight-insurance.co.uk/ . Great for the Calibra but otherwise useless on BMW's, 911's etc.

I've always heard great feedback from people insured with Carole Nash.

As far as alarms go I've needed a CAT1 on most of my cars. It's the first thing I normally buy for a car but I'm a bit paranoid it won't be there one day and like to have plenty of security to keep them busy if they ever have a go.

 

[Guest]

I wouldn't concentrate too much on going for a G50 gearbox car or nothing. The 915 cars can be very good. Overall condition is far more important and for about £12,000 you would probably get a better 915 example than G50.

 

[Guest]

The first thing I want to do is test drive the cars so maybe an opportunity to check the differences in gearboxes.

I have been looking on Auto Trader and there are some nice examples. G50, '87 in black with FPSH, 85k miles £11.5k. Sounds like one I'd go and look at if it wasn't for my insurers!

 

[Guest]

If you are prepared to limit yourself to 6,000 miles per annum, you should try Carol Nash insurance on a classic car policy, cost me just over £500 to insure my 1988 911 3.2 Carrera Sport.

Hope this helps

Regards

Phil

 

[Guest]

6,000 miles may just be enough. It's roughly what I've covered for the last few years. Before that I was doing 16-18,000 miles pa. So thankfully not as many now days.

I want to save up a few extra £k too so I can be prepared to spend a little more on a good 911. I'll see how it all shapes up next year but it's the car I want now so a matter of time.

 

[Guest]

As to oil, JZ Machtech tell me they put in Castrol Magnatech.

My 60K-miler gets 15W40 and uses little (mainly medium to long runs with due time revving in the power band).

Sideways

3.2 Sport coupe

 

[Guest]

I don't agree that 12K will get you a good G50 3.2. You will get a choice of reasonable 83 to 86 cars for this money. Targas are cheaper, Cabriolets more expensive. Best bet is probably a coupe. 12K is not enough to get you an excellent one. It might get you a good one, but be prepared to have to spend some money on repairs. Parts and labour for a Porsche are much more expensive than a Calibra.

I bought my 3.2 1984 Cabriolet for just 9K. But one year later have already spent 7K on repairs. I don't wish to put you off. Once you have driven and owned a 911 you will never want to be without one. Best buy one from a specialist and have it checked over.

The 3.2 is a better bet than the 964. 964s are more expensive to buy and a lot more expensive to put right if they go wrong.

 

[Guest]

£7k on repairs? Ouch. My genuine GM oil filter set me back £1.29 (trade) today! I thought the clutch and flywheel was expensive. Supplied and fitted come in at £860.00. I don't mind some repairs and getting my own hands dirty from time to time. I've listened to the advice tho and will be increasing my budget (over the next 4 months) for the right car.

The 964 is out of my price range really. Don't get me wrong the 964 is nice but I want the 3.2. It's one car I remember from an early age and really liked.

I don't want a full on soft top but targa or coupe will be fine. I'll have it inspected but intend to buy some books so I can also find out if it's worth being inspected or just to walk away.

Castrol Magnatech it is then.

Has anyone dealt with Portiacraft? (http://www.portiacraft.com)

Thanks,
James

 

[Guest]

I was very lucky when I managed to find my 3.2 Carrera Sport, as it was only the 3rd car I looked at. It is an 88, but has 152K on the clock.

Don't be put off with high mileage like this, if it has been maintained and there is good service history, then it is worth a look. After seeing the car, I wanted to sort out an inspection, but the dealership that had it were not very forthcoming, as they had no ramps and thought that someone would come along and part with the hard earned pounds without one. I tried for a local Porsche specialist (recommended by some of our members on here) and he had the same problem.

In the end, I got a full AA inspection carried out (at a cost of £280!!), and they arranged for use of a ramp at the local Kwik Fit. There was a 7 page report completed by the AA Inspector and he called shortly after he had finished and mentioned that if he had the cash, he would have bought the car himself, a fantastic testimony that high mileage is not always a problem with well maintained Porsches.

Good luck, you are going to need it in trying to find the right car but it will be well worth it.

Regards

Phil

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

James,

Dont be put off by Phil, there are some good honest cars out there...but you do need to be cautious.

I found the many cars I looked at advertised in PP by members to be overpriced
for what they were, and as members, I expected them to have kept their cars in good honest order, this was not the case (when i was buying)

Exchange and Mart, Thames Valley Trader and top Marques are all worth a look as well as 911 porsche world mag.

Portiacraft...have been around along time, and must be doing something right as
there can only be so many gullible people around for so long!...But INMHO I would leave them be, they've always wanted to sell cars as you see them, or pay extra for a 3 month warranty....not impressed...

 

[Guest]

I'm not worried about a higher mileage one providing the service hsitory is there (most I've seen advertised have been 100k - 130k miles). Also a car that has undergone an engine rebuild by a specialist would be fine...

I was wondering about the inspection, especially if the car was not local to a dealership, etc. The AA may be the only people prepared to look. £280 is a fair bit but could mean all the difference. Well worth considering I think.

Usually I try and find an enthusiast owned car but these are the kind of people who don't tend to sell very often! So I think it's going to be a case of being prepared to travel, prepared to spend a bit more and patience!

I don't think Portiacraft are the right people then! If they have something at the time I'll take a look but I'd ask them what needs doing on the car first. If they said nothing and I had the car inspected then I at least expect them to put anything right or refund the cost of inspection... If not prepared to do this then it's one to avoid! Fair enough if they advise up front tho.

 

[Guest]

James. I too would have to agree with Alan. If you want show room condition then maybe you'll have to pay a little more than 12K. However, I bought a very late 1988 non-sport 3.2 with electric leather, 117,000 kms (72500 miles). Full Porsche or Porsche specialist history that is way above "average" condition. I paid 12.4K. It is a left hand drive though, bothers me not but this fact alone does hold the price down a little for what would have been a 13.5-14K car in right hand drive form.

 

[Guest]

Bargins can be had I paid £8000.00 for my LHD 1989 sport with FPSH 106000miles 3 PO's full leather,cruise and sunroof just a couple of months ago.
It has since had a full 12k service with nothing untoward though it will need a new clutch next year but for the money I think its still pretty good, LHD is def worth considering you get used to it quickly and is a cheaper cheaper way to get a car although I think i was lucky to get it for that price!

Paul

 

[Guest]

JRSE

Do you go to the local club night? Where are you based?

I got talking to a chap at the region 5 club night, who is a specialist porsche repairer, and he agreed to look at cars for me, as I obviously didn't have a clue and hubby is only good with minis!

A lot cheaper than the AA

 

[Guest]

Hi,

I don't mind driving LHD but I'd prefer spending a little more on a RHD.

Nice 911 Paul. It does sound like a bargain too!

I have a bit of time on my hands before I go and buy one. TBH I wasn't sure my budget was enough and since found out I need to be prepared to spend a bit more. The leaky sump is done on the Calibra (I got a cheap new GM sump off ebay and a new GM gasket trade from my local dealer). Just the sunroof motor to take a look at now and then it will all be in mint condition, ready to sell.

No, I've not been to any local club nights. I'm based right on the outskirts of Birmingham. 10 mins from the NEC.

Thanks,
James

 

[Guest]

I am just coming back to the 911 fold after a break of 6 months after buying an 85 930 turbo with "enhancements". I bought my first 911, a 89 targa from portiacraft and was more than happy with it it was in good condition with a good history and they were happy to warranty it for my average yearly mileage (about 8500 at the time) sure it wasnt concourse but i wasnt paying concourse money, IMO sound mechanics are more important than cosmetics as they can be repaired far more cheaply and it gives you something to tinker with, we have to remember i think that although condition and reliability are important we are still talking about a (minimum) 14 yo car here and although they are fantastically well built you should still expect some niggles. anyway thats my bit of advice and i am looking forward to getting back into the 911 lifestyle again with my new purchase, pick her up in a week and cant wait!

 

[Guest]

I bought my 89 Carrerra from PortiaCraft and have had no problems that I couldn't fix myself.

That said I think I would sum them up as follows...

I felt there approach to me as a customer was a little off hand. Didn't feel like they cared about my money at all.
Their stock varied a great deal in condition. They had some tat and some very nice.
They were flexible in getting a few items corrected on my car but wouldnt budge on price as well.
They warrented my car for 5000 or a year.
As anywhere else you get what you pay for.

I would say overall they were just what I would expect from a second hand car dealer, no better no worse. If you buy from them (or any one else) get the car professionally checked by a Porsche Specialist/Expert and never put too much faith in a warranty.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the honest feedback. I've bought and read a back copy of the 3.2 Carrera buyers guide in 911 & Porsche World. Ultimate buyer's guide by Peter Morgan was quite good. It lists in great detail the differences over the years.

 

[plhorner]

ORIGINAL: 911POR

I bought my 89 Carrerra from PortiaCraft and have had no problems that I couldn't fix myself.

That said I think I would sum them up as follows...

I felt there approach to me as a customer was a little off hand. Didn't feel like they cared about my money at all.
Their stock varied a great deal in condition. They had some tat and some very nice.
They were flexible in getting a few items corrected on my car but wouldnt budge on price as well.
They warrented my car for 5000 or a year.
As anywhere else you get what you pay for.

I would say overall they were just what I would expect from a second hand car dealer, no better no worse. If you buy from them (or any one else) get the car professionally checked by a Porsche Specialist/Expert and never put too much faith in a warranty.

Cheers

Andy

Andy,
I bought my 86 Sport from Portiacraft about 4 years ago, it sound very much like we had a similar experience. That said, I've been pleased with the car.
IMHO, forget the warrenty you get when buying from specialists as they're not worth the paper they're written on. Spend the money on getting an independant PPI done and use it accordingly to either get work done or haggle on the price.

Regards,

 

[Guest]

I suspect that forum access will be limited soon and I won't be able to view or post in the 3.2 Carrera section as I'm not a full member of the club. When I have changed cars I'll look into signing up for the works.

Anyway I would just like to thank you all for taking time to reply to my thread. Hopefully it won't be too long before I'm a 911 owner.

James.