Should I get a 911 SC (which one)?

In this uninspired market, $20K will also get you an '84-'89 3.2 Carrera in good shape.

Among other things, it trades the CIS mechanical fuel injection system for digital management...plus you wouldn't have to update the chain tensioners and you won't need a pop-off valve to prevent occasional airbox explosions.

Of the two cars you have listed, I like the Targa. Mileage is high, but you probably know these cars run forever with proper service.

PPI should tell you what you need to know. Good luck!

You may also want to pick up Peter Zimmermann's book "The Used 911 Story." It's a wonderful resource.

 

i recently sold mine after putting a whopping 200 miles on it for right under 19k after buying it in the spring......


most of them (should they have been properly maintained) should already have all those updates done.
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I am not a Porsche expert, but I have always admired the 911.

Why the SC and not a 3.2 Carrera? From what I understand the Carrera was an improved car, while retaining the 911 heritage / looks.

Just curious - good luck whatever you choose!

 

Well, everybody settles on what they like best eventually. I traded a 1975 911S for a new 1982 SC back in 1982 and ended up selling the SC and buying the 1975 back because I liked the earlier feel of the 1975.

Of course, you probably cannot touch a good early car now for under 20K...

BTW, if you can stretch the budget a little, well maintained 993 high-mileage cars are available in the 20-30K range.

 

any ideas what a sub six thousand mile 79' 911SC would be worth?

 

Henry...I really think your 911 was the best looking car from all I'd looked....but I went in a little too late..and it was sold and on its way to Germany. Lesson learned...I am still searching though,...but have prety much decided on a 87/88/89 carrera due to the G50 tranny, and all other mechanical upgrades. Cheers.

 

thx. i think the those later cars are the best of breeds

 

i wouldn't touch it unless your going to "look at it". probably mid to high 20's (if not more) your in collector territory there.

 

What are they asking? That'd be kinda fun if you could get a good deal on it. There'd be a few things that would need to be tended to but if you drive it just see what comes up? With low mileage like that hopefully the guy has it well documented too.

 

2/1995/993/CABS going for $17,000-$21,000...hi miles..on E-BAY..take a look @ those

I have a 1996 coupe though...listed here.............but r u looking for a convertible
MARK
florida

 

Its a one owner car, and its been driven every few weeks for most of its life, it seriously is like brand new. hes asking like $50k so yeahhhh.....lol

 

Not out of line from similar low-mileage Porsches (see RPM Sportscars in Houston), but that's for a collector. It's worth $30K when it rolls over 10,000 miles, so you might as well lease a GT2 at that rate....

 

If you are going to get an SC, get the '83 Cab. It's the only one unique enough to justify not making the small step up to the '84 Carrera, which is a vast improvement.

If you want an open car, get the Cab. Having owned two Targas, I'd avoid them. The cost of replacing seals is close between the two, and the Cabs hold their value much better. All open cars leak sooner or later....

For 911s, '84, '86, and '87 are the "break" years, when significant improvements were made, with '87 being THE most important. If you want a more bullet-proof car than the '87, you have to jump all the way to '93.

 

There really is nothing significant about the 79' other than its mileage and condition. DEFINITELY a collector car.... I suppose you could buy it and speculate on it for 10-15 years. But honestly with $50k; I could make that money yield a lot more than the SC ever will.

 

buy what you want, but after 6 3.2 carreras, 84-89, I would not give you a penny for a cis pre 84 911. I detest them, and the niggling issues they ALL seem to have.

The 3.2s i have had, my friends have had, their freinds have had , have all been bulletproof cars, you can use everyday, or just on the weekends. yes i have seen a few 3.2s that smoked and needed valve guides, but so what. depends on how the cars were built, driven, and stored.

i have YET to see an SC that could be driven everyday without touching the toolbox. not a single one. and every single one around here, always has some major $$$$ failure or mechanical "oops" that means the car is down, and costs tons of time and cash to fix.

there is a reason lots of the SC's are getting chopped up for the sum or thier parts, as is happening with bottom of the barrel 3.2's.

buy what makes you happy, but with all the cars i have had in the last 3 years or so, the 3.2 is a freaking honor to own and drive. I will have another 308 in the spring, but the Jalpa, and 308 are nowhere near as good a "car" as a 3.2 911.

i sold a fraking PRISTINE 3.2 85 Carrera Targa, with 58,000 miles, and 3 owners a few months ago for $18,000. car was just immaculate, I just have too many cars ( see profile)

unless you are on a sub $10k bugjet and "have to have" a 911, I would try a 3.2.

thank me later.

 

993
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I've had my '81 Euro Targa for 24 years. While I love the open air experience (even in winter), if I had to do it over again I would get a last year (1983) coupe in a rare color. Mechanically, SCs are bullet proof provided they are maintained and the usual upgrades are performed (e.g. air box valve, chain tensioners, etc.) I've never driven the later Carrera G50 transmission, but the 915 in my car shifts fine. I usually double clutch, and change the fluid every two years.
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The US prices make me envious... cars without major issues start at 30k€ here...

 

i guess that's why mine was but by your countrymen

 

SC simplicity, Less weight, less emission, I would pick the Carrera for ssme price. USA '78-83 911SC 2756 lbs. curb weight and ROW model 2601. Carrear weight 2,740-2,950.

58,914 SC
76,473 Carrera

Buyers market.

 

That hasn't been our experience. Both of our Scs have been completely reliable and great DDs if needed. We also have an early 911 and a later Carrera.
SCs aren't being chopped up out here on the west coast, unless they've been wrecked or severely abused. A friend of mine paid 30K for a very low mile SC that is perfect. The car never fails to receive positive comments and he's been told he could easily get his money(and then some) out of it.
Higher mile cars are available at great prices and really do make a perfect, entry level sportscar that can be driven without worry.

 

I have an 1984 Euro cab and its been fantastic with zero problems in 3 years. To me an 84 or 85 Euro cab are the best as they are as light as an 83 cab due to no roof motors etc. The 3.2 with a chip and decent exhaust is also way faster if thats important.