Help! Stop me from buying a 911!

[jmatta]

First of all, a 1984 911 is not an SC, but a Carrera debuting Motronic DME, which is a modern engine management system. Prior 911s utilized CIS injection, which was fine when working properly, but a bit of a pain otherwise. I've owned many examples of the eighties Carreras and never experienced any major repairs. Cost of parts is certainly not overly expensive due to the massive aftermarket following of these great autos. As I mentioned previously, check for worn valve guides, as this is one area of trouble that could show on these engines. I have many friends that have rebuilt their own engines, as they are not overly complicated nor terribly expensive to repair, compared to the M96 (bang and done). These cars are rock-solid and great fun to drive, but not really a daily driver. AC doesn't work great from the factory, but there are numerous aftermarket solutions that don't alter the physical appearance of the car. If you want a modern ride with your latte and iPod, maybe a Carrera isn't for you; however, if you are longing for a true air cooled experience, this is the ticket. Don't bother with the 996 models, Boxsters are more fun to drive.

[nola911]

The 911 is a great car to add to a collection but not to replace a modern porsche. 25 years is a LONG time in the automotive world.

I respect the "raw" driving experience of the older 911s, but couldn't bear being beat around the track by a kid in a new Hyundai. A good compromise if you want the rawness of an old sports car and the performance of a modern sportscar is the lotus elise.

If it is the porsche experience that you want- you first need to decide which experience that is - aircooled classic or watrercooled modern.

[nola911]

By the way- 20 thousand is 996 territory, which is a whole new debate.

[BMoney5327]

996 Carrera too 1999-2001...Just sayingg

[stephen wilson]

Ignoring which car is "better", You're talking about a 27 year old car with bad paint, it's not likely to be cheap to own. You may end up with a restoration project. IMO a Boxter that is about 20 years newer would be a better choice.

[blue2000s]

Looking at it as a car age issue is misleading. My 30 year old Mazda is more reliable than my Boxster in general. It's electrical system is dead reliable and simple, it's never had any problems with suspension bushings, coolant tanks, or engine ventilation systems. It doesn't even have a MAF sensor. 14" tires are half the price of 17"s. Cars were better built 30 years ago and last much longer if well cared for. And sports cars were sports cars. They were loud, rough, and a blast to drive at any speed. They weren't easy to drive.

[WhipE350]

It's funny I hadn't thought about my 28 year old RX7 in years, my first sports car, it never broke down and felt like a rocket on rails at the time. Fastest I ever went in my life...it was 4am in 1984 on route 128 in Boston, got the little rocket up to 126mph...though I can't remember how high the speedometer went. Car and Drive in a review said "The Mazda RX-7 is the car you buy when you have all the right instincts and are a person of good taste and character but you can’t afford a Porsche"

Looking at the car specs though it likely wasn't that fast...think the top speed was way below that...must have been down hill.

[Khizer]

I have had a 986s for 4 days, but on Friday night all I wanted to do was take our 1974 Toyota Carina out on a 0-60 test and a high speed run. 0-60 in 11.8 and 100mph top speed. It was awesome!

We spent two months on it to get it to this. A lot of time under the bonnet and minute measurements. It's all about doing a bit of work, going on a run, listening to the engine note, feeling the distribution of power, then going back home and repeating the process. It's a lot of fun and as long as your not planning on trying to put your car on pole during qualifying, figures don't mean anything.

Go with the 911 but only if you are willing out time into it. If you want quick thrills and clean hands, go modern.

Classics are about nostalgia. People smile at you more, genuinely take an interest in your car and give you way.