What to check - '84 911...

[Guest]

Hi everyone. This is my first post as a "near-future 911 owner" I'm living in Holland at the moment. So first of all I wanted to say "hello" to all...

I've been looking for a '84-'89 911 for a long time and found a nice one with an affordable price tag (for me at least) the day before. It is a '84 911 Carrera Coupe (turbo-look) with slightly above 100k miles on it. I am a Porsche fan for a long time, but only now I am able to get my dream car. My fear is that my dream turning into a nightmare for me so I'd appreciate all the help you can offer.

As this will be my first Porsche (except for regular stuff I have to check on the car and the history), what would you recommend me to spesifically look for? Any known issues for '84 911s, important and easy to spot malfunctionings that can cost me a fortune later on, etc... Any recommendation will be very much appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance.

Demir

 

[lesworth]

First thing I would do is find an independant Porsche Specialist and have them perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). There are a number of common things to look for. Key things in my opinion would be a compression test for the engine and a check for rust. The are some areas where this will not be evident, for example behnd the sill covers and also the kidney bowls (inside the rear wings just behind the door slam panels). These can cost mega bucks to put right. A good specialist will know exactly what top check for you.

 

[rooksy]

I'd second that have and independant inspection done, approved Porsche Centre's do them for aroud £200 very comprehensive, may even help you get the price reduced if there is work to do.

Good luck

Sean

 

[Big_nige]

third on the PPI, but there are obvious things you can check yourself before shelling out on a PPI.

As mentioned rust, check:
Front wings, around headlamp particularly
Front scuttle, around windscreen
B post/sills/kidney bowls - basically open the door and inspect the lower edges of the door shuts, this also can creep around onto the outer face of the sill. If you take a trolley jack, lift the car and remove the rear wheel, get you hand right down towards the door stricker plate and feel around for crunchiness, its a dirt/water trap here.
Gearbox will be a 915 - whilst not to everyones liking they're good gearboxes though at the miles the car has done look for evidence of any gearbox work/receipts etc. Provided it shifts nicely into all gears, doesn't jump it should be fine, they are slow to use so don't expect modern slickness.

Anything needed in the above will require MINIMUM of £1000 upto anything like £4-6000 to out right if you are lucky.

Tick these off, then get a PPI if you are still interested in the car.

All this depends how much the car is, if its got great bodywork, a good engine but a shot gearbox if the price is right it might be worth that £2k bill to put right once purchased.

 

[Guest]

I was off a couple of days and read all your posts today.

Just wanted to thank everyone who shared their views. I'll do as you all recommended and let you know if manage to get my first 911

Cheers..