Classic 911 Costs

[fidgits]

I've noticed quite a few classic 911's in the classifieds for around (and below) £10k..

Now while this is the top end of my budget for a weekend play-thing, the insurance is remarkably low for these...

So, my question is, looking at a late 70's early 80's Carrera, what are these likely to cost in maintence..

My biggest fear is, with a 30-year old car, and especially a porsche, when something goes wrong, its going to be very expensive to put right...

[jamesson]

Have a look at various independents' websites, some of which will give you an idea of what things cost to replace (JZ Machtech for example). Servicing costs aren't too bad via this route, in my opinion, but like you say, with a 30 year old car, something's going to break eventually. My 1984 3.2 Carrera recently had a couple of new driveshafts fitted. Total bill for parts, labour and VAT just under £1k. Ouch...

[Paul Dishman]

You do need a careful look at the body work as the galvanisation is starting to go south after 25 years. My SC had rot at the bottom of the windscreen pillars and that needed about £2k to have it done properly. You need to look out for the area under the head lights and the rear wings as well. It could all be a money pit and any car with significant bodywork to restore might not be worth the financial candle

[bruceb]

Ive had my 83 Sc for nearly seven years now as a weekend car. On average I'll spend approx £1500 per year on servicing, repairs and refurbishments. It could be done on less but IMHO it will not be enough to stop general deterotiation on these old cars which will detract from your overal performance and enjoyment of the car. These cars need to be kept up together to perform well, factory original spec is just fine and upgrades are generally not requierd for a really good drive. Factory worn out is just a pain, think 915 synchro etc.

If you can do basic mechanical work then the costs can be kept in check, for example new discs and pads allround can be had from the OPC for around £300 and fitting is straight forward.

Pauls comment on bodywork is spot on, its real expensive and to be avoided if at all possible

Bruce

[rubystone]

It's so easy - find a car that looks nice, seems to drive well and that you like and then pay to have it inspected - preferably by taking it to a recognised and respected Porsche specialist for them to check over and stick on a 4 poster. Aside from bodywork woes, things like broken head studs, knackered 1st and 3rd gear synchro are all common faults on old 911s.

Older SCs seem a bit unloved at the moment and thus can make good buys - best find someone who's a PCGB member and borrow their edition of Porsche Post. IIRC this month's has some seriously good value cars in it and chances are with such cars that they'll have been mollycoddled by at least one of their previous owners.

[fidgits]

thanks guys,

i guess ill give it a miss...


i was tempted by the [surprisngly] low insurance costs of the older 911's, but by the sounds of things i'm better getting something younger and easier to maintain (like an elise)

[pcn1]

Like you I started looking at 911's at around £13 to £14K and decided it was just to much for me to "bite-off" at the moment. (but when my little one comes out off full time nursry and goes to school I'll be £700 a month better off !!!!!)

But there was a happy ending..... I found out how good 944's are, and I got a 1992 S2 for 5K and its excellent. Cheap to buy, classic insurance and very reasonable running costs.