Wanting to buy my 1st 911, Queries...

Guest · Oct 21, 2004

Hi Guys,

My 1st post on the Forum (well 2nd as this post is in the general section too) [

], hello Everyone... [

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Now I've always dreamt of owning a Porsche 911 since I was about 7 years old, now I'm reaching 31 I feel it's that time when I could afford one once I sell my BMW 328 Sport,

I'd be looking at spending between £15k & £20k so would be looking at a 1990/91 year car?

Can you offer any advice on which model to maybe go for as there seems to be quite a few thats confusing,

I like the look of the Carrera but whats the difference when they say Carrera/Carrera2/Carrera4?? and would that be a good starting model?

What sort of running costs would I be looking at like mpg etc...

My Dad is trying to scare me off saying I dont really want to be buying a 14 year old car blah blah blah unless I was some sort of mechanic, are Porsche's still reliable at that age??

Any Feedback would be much appreciated as I've wanted to own one for so long...

Thanks.

Brian. [

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Elliot Davies · Oct 21, 2004

see........ http://www.porsche964.co.uk/ you will find all the answers there [

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964rh · Oct 21, 2004

Brian

Ignore what people say about buying a 14 yr old car. Mine's nearly 15 years old now and apart from a few minor problems is the best thing since sliced bread.
As regards to which model, when I was searching for one I was told that if I was going to track the car fairly often go for the Carrera 2 otherwise there's not much difference.

My advice is go for the best one you can afford, make sure it's been maintained properly by an OPC or specialist independent and get a pre purchase inspection.

To me the 964 is the best 911 out there, it's still got the classic 911 shape, air cooled and a funky pop up spoiler(which swung it for me, SAD).

Just check your insurance policy before you do buy, several companies refused to insure me (i'm 32) because I had no experience in driving a Porsche. NU did sell me a policy but I had to have a Thatcham one alarm fitted(this I would have done anyway) Policy cost £580. For some reason they gave me £20 back later on because I put the wife on the policy????

A £50 tank of petrol gets me more mileage than a mkII 16v Golf GTI, so I use the Porsche more than my first car now.

In six months of ownership the car has cost me approx. £300 to maintain to a top standard, including £100 of Zymol.

Good Luck in your search, you won't regret it.

Regards

Rob

btw - Carrera 2 - 2wd, Carrera 4 4wd.

kevin · Oct 21, 2004

Brian, do it you should be able to get a 91-92 for that kind of money, and put away a grand for all those issues that "may" arise.........

Get a PPI done as an absolute, and buy the best you can find, don't hurry. Ask for compression test, and or leakdown, these can be usefull for finding valve/top end problems...

Ask about Flywheel/ dual mass, clutch and make sure its been regularly serviced. Don't worry unneccessarily about oil leaks, as most though not all have some small weapage. Mine weaps, but dosen't drip on the garage floor.

If you are tall 6ft 1+ then try without a sunroof you get more headroom, colour is personal, so don't be swayed one way or 'tother.

Leather interiors comand a higher price, air con can be done without, I don't have it, nor would I want it.

Drive many, pay heed to what the car is telling you, make sure the clutch pedal dosen't hang on the way up, can be a sign of slave cylinder replacement required. Make sure the door hangers are ok, they can fail.

err thats my happenth worth.

kevin

Guest · Oct 21, 2004

Thanks for all the replies guys, much appreciated [

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I will certainly keep my eye out for the 964 model now to see what sort of price there going for, I have been looking on a few company's website's for 2nd hand one's like autobahn.co.uk, would I get peace of mind if buying from a specialist garage or are private sales just as good?

I'll certainly be reading porsche964.co.uk to pick up on what to look for when I see some.

Thanks again

Brian [

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964rh · Oct 22, 2004

Brian

I don't think it makes much difference. It just depends on the right car at the right time.
Obviously, a garage will be making a profit on the car so the price might be a bit higher. But they can offer things that private sellers can't.

It took me 8 months to find the right car for me and I looked at 16 in all (private and retail), and eventually bought from 911virgin.com.

Somebody gave me some good advise which helped me find my car, this was to drive a dog of a car first, so you can appreciate the good one's out there, do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions.

One last thing, I had and still have numerous people who took the p**s out of me for spending what is new car money on a 15yr old car. Personally I say F**K EM. Buy, drive and live your dream.[

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Regards

Rob

oldtimer · Oct 22, 2004

well you've scored a lot of replies in a short time here !

Getting back to your original mailing, the model before the 964 was the 'Carrera' , when the 964 came out they introduced the 4wd version and called it 'Carrera 4' and at same time called the new 2wd model the 'Carrera 2'.

The pre 964 Carrera had a 3.2 litre engine , the later cars ( 1987/8) had a G50 gearbox and were regarded as bombproof ie capable of turning in 250k miles on original engine+box. With 230 bhp and lighter weight they are close in performance to the 964s with 3.6 litre engine and 250bhp. I'd recommend you look at one as they dont lose money and have good reliability record but most important are well within your means. If you dont like fixed spoiler look or can't live without power assisted steering then dont bother , otherwise the shape is much the same, ie classic 911

As for running costs....dont budget on any of them being too cheap to run, if you use the performance you will consume tyres brakes petrol , and they need proper maintenance by a specialist and proper parts fitted when needed. End of message.

Guest · Oct 22, 2004

ORIGINAL: oldtimer

well you've scored a lot of replies in a short time here !

I know, and I appreciate all the input from everyone here [

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I think I may stick to looking for a 964 as they seem to have everything I'd be looking for, the original Carrera 3.2 cars are all nice but I feel at 87/88 they may be a little older than what I'd like to spend alot of money to buy, although not knowing much about it they may be more reliable than the 964 newer car? I have no idea, I've read about the horror stories and myth's associated with the 964 on other site's and they all seem repairable so I'm not too worried...

I'm a little worried when I see how much parts and servicing are costing people and living in Whitehaven, Cumbria we have no OPC within a few hours of here so would have to do a little homework to see if any local garages know there stuff.

I still need to get my car sold so when I find my dream car I'll let you all know :-D

Cheers All [

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