buying 87-89 911 - Page 1 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Great cars I have owned a couple of 1989 examples myself in the past. The targa is cheap for a reason,,,leaks,targa itself is expensive to replace/renovate & the cars are less stiff...I have always gone for the coupe versions,but on a sunny day forget the points mentioned above. Service history is essential as the cars will have had things done to them at this age. One of the worst things to occurr on higher mileage cars or even say 80k plus if it is a town/city car,is the valve guides wear,this results in a top end rebuild at around £3k if done properly. Body condition is also V important despite being galvanised you can still find rust particularly at windscreen corners or tops of wings where road dirt has not been removed. great cars I would buy spend as much as you can,,you will get a great car for £5k more,,where as you could spend that sum putting a poor example right. Some early '87 cars have the 915 box,,but most examples you are looking at are G50 ,make sure you get one of these.... G50 is hydraulic clutch,where as earlier 915 is cable operated. WPOZZ numbers are on plaque under front look on inside of os front wing or on bulk head depending on year. Also look directly under front hood by bonnet catch,,,the wpozz numbers should be on a sticker there with list of options as per service book,,,if not there then maybe,bonnet replaced by front end smack... The next few responses will be taken over by why you MUST buy a lhd car and don't worry about the mileage etc...good luck >> Edited by clubsport on Thursday 1st May 16:15

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At least Dom's not around to ask whether he's considered an RS, even though he'd need another £13K to buy it. BTW, Griffter, have you considered a LHD 964 coupe. Easily gettable for £12K. OK, CS ?

Targas are cheaper for the reasons already given. But there's more room in the back should you need to use the seats. They are less stiff and this manifests itself on older cars which do tend to show this in signs of rot round the seams on the door shut, more so than coupes. Base of windscreen, bubbling round the rear window, rot anywhere the bumper meets the body panel, round the headlights...all things to watch out for. The 915 box can show wear on synchro in 2nd and 3rd, try fast changes in any car with such a box and see how if you can beat the synchro. But don't rule out a 915 car - a good one is just fine....Finally, finally, finally, buy on CONDITION and PROVENANCE, not colour (they don't look bad in white either), not mileage. And if it has been painted (which most have by now) just make sure that isn't hiding anything nasty. But I would add that an lhd car will always be mroe difficult to sell than an rhd car (although it will sell...at the right price...). Loads more advice, sound heat exchangers, oil leaks, tatty trim, ill fitting top, all runnber seals in good condition, targa top should be in good nick inside and out..... Good luck!

the "bubbling around the rear window" even on, very clean cars with original paint and history was the reason that put me off buying a Targa. A lot of money for a rotten body... G50 is a nice to have, not a must IMHO. In direct comparison, I found a good condition 915 with a new clutch more pleasing to drive than a G50 on a 90.000km car with history from Porsche dealer. Cheers Patrick

the "bubbling around the rear window" even on, very clean cars with original paint and history was the reason that put me off buying a Targa. A lot of money for a rotten body... G50 is a nice to have, not a must IMHO. In direct comparison, I found a good condition 915 with a new clutch more pleasing to drive than a G50 on a 90.000km car with history from Porsche dealer. Cheers Patrick

Griffter, Shameless plug i know but i am currently selling my 89 Targa, its on the for sale section (with pics) it is a very good sorted car, i just wish i had the time to drive it.... why not give me a bell or drop me a mail if you are interested Rob D (Infernored)

Thanks for all replies so far - interesting opinions on the targa! I'm not dissuaded - I don't want the ultimate 911, just one that's worth taking to a track, can carry the shopping and lets me catch the sun . I do plan some trackable upgrades (suspension/seats/exhaust) but I'll post about those when I've got a car ! Meantime, no insight on an on-line buying guide? - I've found some stuff but not very comprehensive. Anymore info - keep it coming. Offers of cars welcome too!

Hi, I am (or will shortly) be in the market for a late 80's 3.2 911 (having temprarily given up on finding a Griffith!). I'm after a targa for the rooflessness and allegedly softer prices. Unfortunately I will be hunting at the lower end of the price range - £12k ish so this is going to mean going privately. I don't mind a bit of wear and will place history above mileage. I'm reasonably mechanically competent so I intend to work through potentials until I find something promising, then (if practical) get a specialist inspection. Some questions if I may: a) any good 3.2 buying guides on the web? b) I'm opting for G50 models if possible - is this as important as some seem to think? How do I know it's a G50 model for sure? c) where are the engine/chassis numbers? d) without listing everything to look for on any car, are there any classic areas for bodging/hiding impending disasters, or anything else in particular to look for? e) can anyone recommended a MOBILE specialist inspector? Cheers for any help.