Carrera 3.2

[MGYoung]

Hi there,

I'm considering a 3.2 Carrera as my next car. Always wanted one and can now just about afford one. I have saved up the cost of buying the car so no need to take out finance (which is nice!).

I'll be looking for an early 3.2 (between '84 and '86). Any tips, hints or suggestions as what to look for?

I've already done a fair bit of research into these cars and I have some knowledge. I suppose the big things to look for relate to the bodywork and the major mechanical components such as engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, clutch, etc.

Are the electrics of cars of this vintage likely to prove troublesome?

Thanks and all the best.

Martin.

[domster]

Electrics not known as a weak point particularly.

A couple of members have all asked the same question recently, so search these forums over the last few months if you haven't already.

I'd personally get as late a model as possible... they improved year on year and I prefer the G50 gearbox.

[A11REX]

Not sure if I'm allowed to point you in the direction of other forums, but here goes anyway.
www.impactbumpers.com
It a fairly new site but there are some knowledgeable characters on there.

My rather obvious advice is always to buy the very best you can afford and if it has a hint of rust walk away. Don't ask me how I know!

[FUGatso]

www.pistonheads.com/sales/70909.htm

If your interested

[ICSD]

MGYoung said:

Hi there, I'm considering a 3.2 Carrera as my next car. Always wanted one and can now just about afford one. I have saved up the cost of buying the car so no need to take out finance (which is nice!). I'll be looking for an early 3.2 (between '84 and '86). Any tips, hints or suggestions as what to look for? I've already done a fair bit of research into these cars and I have some knowledge. I suppose the big things to look for relate to the bodywork and the major mechanical components such as engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, clutch, etc. Are the electrics of cars of this vintage likely to prove troublesome? Thanks and all the best. Martin.

Don't consider it, do it.

If you buy well you should have a good, solid, reliable and depreciation free car.

For good buying advice, see www.performance2and4.co.uk

[911addict]

Just an idea, but if you can afford it maybe get one slightly later, ie. with G50 gearbox, integrated rear fogs, probably better rust protection (undersealing) and maybe a few goodies in the spec, eg full leather etc.

Great cars, had two.

[burriana]

You don't mention a budget?

[sdm_3.2]

Based on a statistical representative sample of 1

Places to look for rust include:

Around front bellows and wheelarches
Rubber trim under the door, if it's wobbly it can mean the sill covers are rotting.
Around the lock plate on the B pillar (get dirty and have a look at the back of it from the wheel arch).

Electrics

heating system has lots of motors that give up the ghost.
Windscreen wiper intermittent relay can give up meaning the wipers don't park properly.

Just a few of the tribulations of mine!

Hope this helps

Steve M

[bruceb]

The 915 gearbox is fine if the synchros are ok, personally I think the g50 is overated, its heavy and adds considrably to the all up weight of the later carrera's.

The pick of the 915's is the 86 model year car as they have upgraded suspension, better ventilation etc

[jamesson]

As someone who has a 1984 model, I can recommend it highly. Yes, it's a bit agricultural to drive compared to newer versions but personally speaking that's part of the fun - you have much more sensory information.

My car has had mostly niggles. Cold air through the ventilation is poor (although I've always found the heating to be more than up to the job), my bonnet struts sometimes don't feel like doing the one job asked of them and the door bins are working themselves loose.

The one major thing I've had is replacing the driveshafts and CV joints. Both sides set me back just under £1k so if you hear a clicking noise when the transmission is engaged and you're moving, be sure to have that checked and either repaired or reduced in price accordingly.

Starts first time, every time, does 25 to the gallon, doesn't cost a fortune to buy or run generally speaking and makes that wonderful noise. Do it while you can, life is far too short.

[rubystone]

Best do a search on PH - this subject has pretty well been covered in the past