What to look for in an '89 carrera 3.2?

[Guest]

The title says it all really, I'm off to look at a car on saturday, is there anything I should particularly look for? it's got a G50 'box and it's been lowered. er, i think that's it. I don't have a lot (porsche-wise) to spend, less than £10K (£9K is really my top-end) so I'm expecting something fairly solid and running, but not a minter. any advice would be appreciated. if there's a touch of rust on a bumper is it fix-uppable? Thanks everyone.

 

[Big_nige]

You might think they're galvanized but they still rust and its the biggest problem, see any in the B posts, screen gutters, front wings(headlight), sills, etc, etc. Main area is the kidney bowls, don't mess around raise the rear wheels and remove them and have a real good feel right up into the arch towards the doors, they can seriously rot there and it isn't cheap to repair. At £9-10k this will be a danger area for rust, but you might be lucky, I looked at cars up to 15k and some of those had rust. Bad paint on the bumpers isn't really an issue other than cosmetic as they are made from ali.

Having a G50 doesn't necessarily mean 'no problems' its should still change smoothly and easily whatever the gear.

You want to see records/evidence of maintenance, regular oil changes, who's done the work. Puff of smoke on start up is fine, although is should disappear after a few moment.

Don't rule out an SC, they're often better value and will virtually match a 3.2 anyway.

I'd seriously think about having a prospective car checked over by a professional if I were you.

 

[dixhuit]

I agree with everything Big Nige says. Have a good look at the oil pipes as well, these are exposed and prone to corrosion.
But if you can get near your budget (agree price subject to survey, so to speak ) then splash out and get it professionally inspected. Dont know where your based but one of our local v.good specialists charges about £200 plus his travel and this type of service. This is money WELL spent. It could save you thousands and that is not an understatement ! Dont be frightened to walk away. Annual services and bills should be documented and available for you to see and these should be from a recognised Independant or specialist. I doubt an OPC will have seen the car for years. Good luck
Simon

 

[oliver]

An '89 Carrera 3.2 for under £10k ? [&:]

 

[Big_nige]

mmmm, does sound suspect.

Strangely the first 3.2 I looked at was £6k, seriously it had NO rust or accident damage but the 915 gearbox was fooked and the engine was lack lustre through little maintenance. It had been repainted in VW jazz blue colour and had 9x16 fuchs.

Was a good buy if you could throw 2-3k at getting the bits sorted and if you could live with the funky colour. I was quite tempted. but didn't want a project.

 

[Guest]

It's at a dealer's, taken in part-ex. an '89 with FSH. I don't mind doing a little work, I don't want to restore it. One thing, can someone tell me a little more about "kidney bowls"? I have a rough idea of what they are, but I wouldn't mind someone telling me to make sure. also, it is under 10K, but only by a fiver!
I was actually looking at SC's, but this came up.

(PS did anyone see the 3.6 on pistonheads for 8k??? someone got a good deal there. My dad's mate knows the bloke and the car well.)

 

[Big_nige]

not kidney bowl specific but there are pictures of them and other areas, all it is a the area behind the door striker plate within the rear wheel arch although i think is more shaped like a fat cucumber myself, its a shaped panel that is welded to the inner wheel arch for strength, really you should be looking for rust generally in that area. Bubbling on the B post means its rotting from within the wheel arch. Like I said get it up in the air, remove the rear wheels and get you hands/torch right up in there, you may look like you're a vet delivering a calf but you get my point.

http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12946&highlight=kidney+bowls

Who's the dealer, is it on the web? somebody might know the car and give you advice. Whether its a dealer or not, take everything they say abouts its condition with a pinch of salt, ultimately they just want you cash.

 

[Guest]

it's er, hang on.
DJC cars in watford.
Thanks for the linky, I'll have a good look at the base part of the targa bar too.

 

[Big_nige]

this car then?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/146712.htm

if it is, initial thoughts looks OK. Targas tend to be a touch cheaper than coupes.

Just tread with care

 

[oliver]

That does seem remarkably cheap - even for a targa with dodgey wheels.

 

[Guest]

Yeah, that's the one. Not a fan of the wheels myself either. I think fuchs are the natural choice, but I might try to do something a bit different. Thanks for the advice everyone, don't be scared to keep it coming! Dan

 

[totsnap]

Good luck with the car.. just be sure that the car is ok. Deffo get a PPI done prior to parting with cash! If the car is sound the dealer will have no fear in accomadting that request.
I got my car PPI'd by JZ who were very good and would be in the kind of right area, but someone else may know of a closer place.
The car does seem to be very cheap for what it is so lets hope that the PPi says YES!!
Adam

 

[K_Claire]

I am pretty certain that 911 porsche world did a buyers guide only a month or two back for the 3.2, may be worth getting a back issue. I would like to ask if you wanted a car inspected do you ask the garage to let the inspector use their premises or do you take the car to the inspectors premises. If so do garages let you do that.

Another possible problem is the link between inspectors and garages. There are a limited number of both of these groups of people and so after a while the inspectors will go to the same premises quite a few times and soon will know the garage owner quite well. This could increase the risk of impartiality. Has any previous purchasers had a feeling of bias.- I felt where I bought my car there was connection between a so called impartial mechanic and nearby garage and he was hyping the car up. (the car is fine now but did have to pay for a repair after I bought it).