Porsche buying....a primer question

Ive been reading these threads for about 2 years on all the Porsche topics here. I have sold off my last 2 cars one American the other an F car and have an empty garage now. My cars have all been project and mod/resto cars. I have always loved the look of a gorgeous 911, but have never owned a Porsche. Ive been an amateur cart racer, was drag racing motorcycles for a bit years ago, tinkered and more than tinkered on several cars over the years. Im looking for a "not so project" first Porsche. I like manual things, shifting, steering etc but am not at all opposed to modern comforts that the newer cars have, including performance. Ive read a lot of the this vs that threads, but am looking for a starter advice if that makes sense.
Id like to keep the budget small on size, as in 25-45K, in a car I can drive, tinker, mod, perhaps tune within limits and enjoy and drive a lot.
Im open to suggestions of year, and model. Im not an "air cooled" guy but would be open. Id appreciate those suggestions from you who have driven it all. I do like the caymans, have thought about after 08 years, there as well. But a 911 really just does it for me.
Thank you all for your input,
Paul
ND

 

You can get a nice 996 Turbo in the High $30K's to mid $40K's. Tinkerable and tunable.

 

Second that.

 

I have been looking at 996s, was wondering if the 4s was worth it or if it was more maintenance nighmares? The TT or X50 options in 2WD also are more than enough car. Any opinions on TT vs X50 or the 4S. I do live in Chicago
thanks!

 

Paul...I would not overlook the potential benefits of the vestigial backseat in the 911 vs. the Cayman. It's pretty useful for those times when real life intervenes & you have to haul small kids, groceries, the wife's luggage on road trips, etc...T

 

You should look for a nice 996 4S (1999-2004) with all of the maintenance paperwork. Most of the problems have been fixed. The headlights (scrambled eggs) are weird, but it's in your price range.

I agree the 911 is the one to buy. It's in its 50th year.

 

964 (90-94), 2wd, coupe, MT ....this is what the Singer is based on.


1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 2, $36,995 - Cars.com
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

It really depends on what you're looking for. Personally, I love '80s 911s, but they're definitely lacking in creature comforts compared with more modern cars. Now, I have a 981 Cayman, and that's a wonderful car, and probably as close as you can get to the '80s cars in a new car.

A 2000-era 911 might be a reasonable compromise. I'd probably try and drive cars from several different eras to get a sense of what you'd like.

 

I agree, the 80s cars are bombproof, G50, but pretty hard riding. Purely for driving tho, value, and classic looks, can't be beat!

If you can get past the weak interior of the 996 and hideous front end, great value and tech for the coin.

964 has more gremlins than most models.

 

You could consider an '87-'89 911, which is a quick car by classic standards. It has the better gearbox, terrific build quality and air-cooled sound. If you've raced, I think the "personality" of the 911 will appeal to you.

For more performance, the 993 is faster and has the vastly revised/improved rear suspension, but prices seem to have moved beyond $45K for anything other than a base coupe with a lot of miles on it.

If you need water-cooled for <$45K, I think you're kind of stuck with the 996. Given current pricing, the base '87-'89 Carrera coupe seems like a great way to go. I have a weakness for the targas, but most people will tell you to find a coupe.

 

Should be able to get a decent 997 S for about 45K

 

Based on cars.com, it'd have to be 997.1 gen, with somewhere in the range of 50K miles to hit that price point...T

 

IMO 3.2 liter Carrera 1984-89. The 87-89 G50 cars command a premium; the 84-86 might be the best value in 911's, build quality second to none.

 

Every car enthusiast needs to experience a 911 at least once in their life. With regards to what model/year, each has its own virtues and quirks:

- My favorite driving experiences are with the 964s and the LWB long hoods with mechanical injection. Once in a while, I long for my 69 S (with 2.7 pistons) driving experience until I drive my Ferrari/s.

- For the most reliable and least maintenance intense, my 83 SC and 84-86 Carreras were the best. I had an SC for almost 10 years (For reference, my ownership tenure of other 911s were less than 3 years). I drove that car everywhere including snowboarding and biking trips to Mammoth.

- For the most modern 911 prefix/G code car, the 87-89 cars command a premium. I just sold an 89 coupe, which I had for a very short time. It was fine but felt heavier than the earlier cars. I also had an 87 with valve guide issues. My point is even the popular cars can have issues.

- The best looking ones are subjectively the 993 era (second only to long hood RS and RSR), but other earlier air-cooled models offer better 911 driving experiences IMO

- If you prefer more modern features like proper HVAC, the water-cooled ones are your choices. I had a daily driver 996. When I sold it, the odometer showed 146,000 miles with its original engine and clutch. I think a 99 with the double row bearings are a great value. Their price points are such that potential IMS issues, etc. are factored in

- For your price point, I would think about a 996TT. Even at their age, I would still consider them as daily drivers if I think I won't get tired of turbo lag and resonant tire/road noise for daily driving in Seattle's worn out freeways.

I'm only talking about 911s since you seem to prefer them emotionally. One needs to scratch such an itch in our fun hobby. In reality, my favorite driving Porsches were the mid-engined kind or ones with 50/50 handling. If you're an ex-racer, such handling characteristics may appeal to you more.

 

If you're not an air cooled guy then I would strongly recommend a 996TT. They are bullet proof.

Scott

 

I think the OP needs to make that air-/water-cooled decision first and decide what he likes - the water-cooled cars are lot more modern and comfortable as daily drivers. The air-cooled cars are unique and emerging classics.

The dividing line between the 993 and 996 is IMHO at least as big as the transition from the 356 to the 911 was. (Unfortunately prices confirm this - I wish I still had my 993.)

 

having owned modern, water cooled 911s (996 and 997), they're great cars and are a perfect blend of unique, fast, and comfortable.

that said, my next road car 911 will be air cooled. I think all but the rattiest of 993s is probably out of your budget, so I'd look for a 964 C2 or Carerra from the mid to late 80's.

 

996TT's are stupendously fast and don't seem to suffer from the engine problems standard 996's suffer from.

 

different motor

a 996 tt coupe with a manual and front drivetrain removed would be a killer car.

 

84-89 carrera = great all around! super reliable

 

He needs to go drive several of them from different eras, to really get a sense for what he wants. That shouldn't be hard to do in Chicago.

 

I wish I still had my '87 Carrera!

Scott

 

Me too, I had an 88, awesome! Just ran and ran, never had to touch it.

 

Thank you! and 146K with original clutch? Man you must be smooth!
Nd

 

I agree! but -3F today, im not driving much!
Nd