Advice on lhd US imports - 3.2/SC

[Buzzfan]

Can anyone offer advice on buying an unrestored us import 3.2 or SC? I'm still trying to get on the 911 classic ladder at lowest cost, and would rather run an unrestored scruffier car if reliable than anything too valuable or precious.

There are a number of cars described as "running but in need of work" advertised on the continent from £ 15k upwards - are these a guaranteed money pit, or could I hope to recoup any repair costs on a future uk resale (without a profit). I could stretch to £ 25k inc bills.

Also wondered if any could recommend an honest fair value workshop for looking after / restoring a ratty SC or 3.2 in/near London

(pls do pm if you'd rather comment privately)

[BertBert]

Sadly it seems that everything bar the very best of old 911s are going to be money pits, so going for a poor one to start with is going to be a challenge.

To me it seems better to find a non-rusty one that needs mechanical work rather than a rust bucket that will probably need both.

Feels a tad risky to try and do it from the US, but then what's life about if it's not overcoming challenges?

Hey ho and this is advice from someone who has a UK SC in the garage that has a slight bit of rust (ahem) and a poor gearbox! And it needs new heat exchangers! I'm just waiting for the price of them without issues to go up enough so my man-maths can get on with sorting the gearbox and the heat-exchangers and then tackle the bodywork!

Bert

[rubystone]

Don't forget shipping costs and import duty. And if the market dips you'll end up with an lhd car that's not as desirable. You'll then not be able to get shot of it easily.

Buy a 996 instead. Still cheap, still a 911 and engine issues massively overplayed. Then, when the bubble bursts, go and pick up a distressed sale impact bumper for the money you saved by going the 996 route (assuming you still desire one after enjoying your 996)

[Crimp]

rubystone said:

Don't forget shipping costs and import duty. And if the market dips you'll end up with an lhd car that's not as desirable. You'll then not be able to get shot of it easily.

Buy a 996 instead. Still cheap, still a 911 and engine issues massively overplayed. Then, when the bubble bursts, go and pick up a distressed sale impact bumper for the money you saved by going the 996 route (assuming you still desire one after enjoying your 996)

Good advice and you never know the 996 may rise a bit.

[rubystone]

Crimp said:

Good advice and you never know the 996 may rise a bit.

The 996 is like SCs used to be back in the late '80s...the runt of the litter...everyone wanted a 3.2...so the sensible money bought an SC, enjoyed it and used it without too much concern about value....I don't care whether my 996 rises in value. I'm just enjoying it and driving it

[Poorsh]

Add around 30% on top of purchase price for import duty, registration and shipping… I looked into this myself before buying from UK, prices in the US are lower but taxes and associated costs rack up which intern lessens the appeal.
Ask on www.ddk-online.com for restoration advise.

[rubystone]

Poorsh said:

Add around 30% on top of purchase price for import duty, registration and shipping… I looked into this myself before buying from UK, prices in the US are lower but taxes and associated costs rack up which intern lessens the appeal.
Ask on www.ddk-online.com for restoration advise.

Not if more than 25 years old and standard spec. Then 5% VAT

[graemel]

An honest answer. Unless you are going to view the car personally and get a thorough pre purchase inspection done by someone who knows what they are looking at and has no allegiance to the seller you could be making a very big mistake. Buy the very best you can afford. That you have seen and had inspected thoroughly.
I made a silly mistake many years a ago and bought a car (not a Porsche) from a so called reputable dealer in the US. I had my pants pulled down and my bottom smacked.

[rubystone]

graemel said:

An honest answer. Unless you are going to view the car personally and get a thorough pre purchase inspection done by someone who knows what they are looking at and has no allegiance to the seller you could be making a very big mistake. Buy the very best you can afford. That you have seen and had inspected thoroughly.
I made a silly mistake many years a ago and bought a car (not a Porsche) from a so called reputable dealer in the US. I had my pants pulled down and my bottom smacked.

10000% right.

[85Carrera]

graemel said:

An honest answer. Unless you are going to view the car personally and get a thorough pre purchase inspection done by someone who knows what they are looking at and has no allegiance to the seller you could be making a very big mistake. Buy the very best you can afford. That you have seen and had inspected thoroughly.
I made a silly mistake many years a ago and bought a car (not a Porsche) from a so called reputable dealer in the US. I had my pants pulled down and my bottom smacked.

I bought one unseen from a dealer (having been provided with a load of photos) and had it checked out by Carchex. When it arrived in Dubai it was in better condition than I expected so it can be done if you do get it checked over.

Dealer I used was Specialty Sales in CA who were great to deal with. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

[g7jhp]

It can go very wrong as this 3.2 Carrera demonstrates

You could see potential issues around the kidneys in the main sales picture (bottom of door on sill side)!

[Buzzfan]

tks all for their v comments. A few missed the point I was interested in USA lhd cars being advertised for sale on the Continent e.g. Belgium, so I would inspect before committing.

I've only driven 993 C4S to date for 3 days (which I found too fast/good to have fun safely/legally!) so am arranging to hire a long nose 2l and a 3.2 for comparison before making a purchase.

I'm not bothered by ultimate performance, it's the balance/feel & long nose appearance that interest me so a budget Singerish backdate wouldnt upset me either