911 Purchase

[peterhaines]

I have just joined TIPEC and am already looking for advice!

As a young man I actually owned a 1988 911 Carrera SE that I crashed into a police station wall......

Every car I have had since then has NOT been that car. Now 25 years later I am looking to buy a 'classic' 911 to keep forever. I'm not much of a mechanic, not much of a performance junkie and ive never seen a 911 I didn't like!

What is important to me is to spend wisely. I do want to keep the car and am by no means a speculator but I would like to know that to the best of my ability I am buying wisely. I've no interest in investment but I'd also rather not lose thousands of pounds.

My other criteria would be a car thats reasonably easy to live with as I will be driving it. I guess mainly weekends and the odd 150 mile trip to London. Reliability to that end is also important. I will be putting miles on it so i'd appreciate any thoughts on that.

I look forward to any and all thoughts and advice. I guess I am looking at a maximum spend of 50K.

Many Thanks


Pete

[JasonGibson]

£50k gives you plenty of options and perhaps it would be wise to get out and drive some of the newer 911s to see if they give you that same buzz as your old one.

The newer Watercooled cars are fantastic and ultra capable cars but to me they have lost the feel and involvement of the older cars.

I think that a 993 may well tick the boxes for you

I had one a few years back and it didn't feel too old and was a very comfy everyday drive for me. I had it for a year and did 13k miles in it.
However, as values have risen since then, doing those sort of miles will end up dropping the value but what you have planned should be fine.
Prices for 993s start around the £40k mark and as with all older cars, i'd keep a few grand to get the car sorted, there's always a few bits that need to be put right.

That's just my choice but get out and drive a few different models and your head and heart will guide you in the right direction

[Sean Smallman]

I haven’t owned a 993 but a well sorted 964 puts a huge smile on my face

[peterhaines]

Thank you Jason. I am looking at 993's but they seem to be going up in price every day! Im not sure what kind of mileage is too much mileage as well

Is there any thoughts around 993 prices being in a bubble? Im looking for a solid 911 that will hold its value despite maybe having a few miles put on it.

[sam]

Good decision, 964's have risen in value on the back of the 993's being like hens teeth a few years ago. Maintenace costs on older cars will usually be higher, 993 servicing is lower cost than 964's and is a more powerful car, hopefully you will enjoy a decent example whichever you choose, so buy the best you can afford

[Prophead]

Which ever model you go for look for one that has been driven (not garage queen's) but has been well maintained with good history file. Seems I'm stating the obvious but a garage Queen will give you more problems than a car that has been driven but cared for.

Happy hunting

[Sean Smallman]

Not sure I totally agree about garage queens as an owner of one. It’s a different style of maintenance regime but if followed there is no reason for the car to be problematic.

[peterhaines]

I'm hoping for some advice on actual models to consider. I like all aircooled 911's and I currently drive a Land Rover Defender so you'll understand that performance isn't really a priority for me....

[sam]

Sounds like you were heading down the 993 route, your decisions will be, body style, coupe, cab or Targa....personal preference, they are all good, Targa's can rattle a bit. Transmission, manual or Tiptronic, again personal preference,you may fancy an auto? the Tips do come a bit less expensive.....make sure you get a car with the wheels you like, can get expensive chopping and changing wheels. This is all based on a Carrera, think all decent wide body and 4 wheel drive variants are maybe just outside your indicated budget? If you want to have a natter about this stuff, you are welcome to give me a ring. 01243373159 Home number

Cheers Steve

[Prophead]

Not sure I totally agree about garage queens as an owner of one. It’s a different style of maintenance regime but if followed there is no reason for the car to be problematic.

Can't say I'm surprised

[Sean Smallman]

Peter

I would pop along to the Bristol Region club night and ask the guys there. If you drop Sue a note I am sure that she can put you in touch with owners in your region to chat with.

[peterhaines]

Hi Sean

Yes I just got my TIPEC magazine. I'll investigate the Bristol club night now.

Pete