So which 3.2 Carrera?
Discussion
I'm looking at a couple of 3.2 Carreras and need a bit of advice. They are both around the same price and similar colour. One (the cheaper one actually) is an '87 G50 gearbox model, same owner for the last 8 years, full service history but has done over 200,ooo miles. The second is an '85, same owner for 5 years, weekend and holiday car, full service history and has done 90,000 miles. I know high mileage isn't usually a problem, but high mileage usually means wear on seats, carpets, etc as well as mechanical. Until I see them both I can't judge but is the mileage on the '87 just a bit too high? Also, the history shows two ECU repairs having been carried out in the last 3 years. Is this a common problem or is it a sign off further major problems to come? Is the G50 gearbox that much better that it is worth taking the risk? Or will the '85 have a G50 anyway?
G50 box appeared in '87, but some earlier cars have them retro fitted by owners.
I have not driven a G50 3.2, but it's supposed to be a much better box. Having said that, the 915 box in the older cars, personally, I don't think is too bad.
Depends what your used to driving, if you come from something like an S2000, which has a very nice, slick box you might feel the older car is a bit agricultural.
I feel it just adds to the charm.
Best bet is to test drive both and see for yourself what the difference is like.
As for miles, well despite being a great engine you have to remembers about suspension, steering rack and other mechanicals will be more worn on the higher mileage car.
I would recommend getting the car you like inspected by someone like Peter Morgan, he is very thorough and gives a very detailed report. JZMachTech also do pre-purchase inspections as well, a leak down test is very telling as to the state of the engine, top end rebuild could cost you 5k.
As im sure others will say, when looking at older Porsche's buy on condition, bodywork can also set you back a few quid if it has not been looked after.
HTH
I have not driven a G50 3.2, but it's supposed to be a much better box. Having said that, the 915 box in the older cars, personally, I don't think is too bad.
Depends what your used to driving, if you come from something like an S2000, which has a very nice, slick box you might feel the older car is a bit agricultural.
I feel it just adds to the charm.
Best bet is to test drive both and see for yourself what the difference is like.
As for miles, well despite being a great engine you have to remembers about suspension, steering rack and other mechanicals will be more worn on the higher mileage car.
I would recommend getting the car you like inspected by someone like Peter Morgan, he is very thorough and gives a very detailed report. JZMachTech also do pre-purchase inspections as well, a leak down test is very telling as to the state of the engine, top end rebuild could cost you 5k.
As im sure others will say, when looking at older Porsche's buy on condition, bodywork can also set you back a few quid if it has not been looked after.
HTH
Sound advice - one thing to add - the DME relays fail - about £40 for a new one and 5 minutes to fit. If the bills show these as being the ECU issues then don't worry. If the DME's been replaced then it is possible some idiot rear passenger kicked it with his feet, or water got into it for some reason.
Finally, mileage really has to be an important factor in buying any car - something with 200k on the clock has to be nearer to its grave than something with 90k. Always assuming that both mileages are genuine.
If the owner lets you, prise out the speedo (it's a push fit into the rubber gasket) and see whether the date stamp in the purple triangle on the back of the speedo is commensurate with the age of the car. If it's not, or isn't there, someone has changed the speedo. Take a look at the bezel - is its seal with the speedo case nice and smooth - never been touched? ...or is it jagged, indicating that has someone prised it away from the casing with a screwdriver to change digits.
Finally, mileage really has to be an important factor in buying any car - something with 200k on the clock has to be nearer to its grave than something with 90k. Always assuming that both mileages are genuine.
If the owner lets you, prise out the speedo (it's a push fit into the rubber gasket) and see whether the date stamp in the purple triangle on the back of the speedo is commensurate with the age of the car. If it's not, or isn't there, someone has changed the speedo. Take a look at the bezel - is its seal with the speedo case nice and smooth - never been touched? ...or is it jagged, indicating that has someone prised it away from the casing with a screwdriver to change digits.
I would think the mileage on both cars is genuine, both have fully documented histories (or so I'm told) both from well known independents, and both have had the same owner for some time. Both have had the usual brakes, suspension, exhaust, heat exchangers, etc. The high mileage one has also had a full engine rebuild. If a DME relay is all it was that has been noted as ECU repairs, that doesn't bother me at all. My partner has a 944 (and used to have a BMW 320) so I know all about them! Thanks for the info on the gearbox, as said, I'll just have to drive them. I'm not going from anything modern, I've never owned a car less than 10 years old! If the gearchange is no worse than the aforementioned 944, I'll be happy as I think the 944 has the heaviest, most ponderous gearchange of anything I've ever driven!
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