Cheap 911 - Worth a punt?

[mattley]

There's a white 911 on sale outside a nondescript second hand car dealers in Watford for just under 7K. It's on an A plate and I know nothing about this but I assume it's an 83-84 SC. I've probably even got this wrong.

This seems very cheap, so what's likely to be wrong with it? I know a great local independant so if I can spend about £500 evey six months getting it up to scratch over a couple of years I'm OK with that.


Is it worth taking a closer look, as from the other side of the road it looks lovely, I've always loved that shape 911, or should I just forget it?

Any input appreciated.

[rich 36]

price and SC model seem on the right track

got any further details

[mattley]

No, I just drove past it earlier, didn't have time to stop, but might go for a look see tommorow if general advice isn't just it's too cheap, walk away.

What details should I look for, and what questions should I ask? Are there any big bills on the way or are they just rock solid?

[willdew]

If you search 911 under £10k on autotrader there's 56 for sale nationally at present. I would not be put off by the price. If you're potentially interested there's no reason not to have a closer look.

[mattley]

willdew said:

If you search 911 under £10k on autotrader there's 56 for sale nationally at present. I would not be put off by the price. If you're potentially interested there's no reason not to have a closer look.

I did that, but most of them were only just under 10K, which makes this one look too cheap, especially as there must be dealer markup on it. Thanks for that, I'll go tommorow.

But I have to admit, this all comes from a passion for the shape, rather than any mechanical knowledge. If I do go for a look tommorow is there anything I should lookout for in particular? Are there any weak spots on these I should check?

[rich 36]

Right lets try this link,

these lot are very knowledgeable,

sociable to

[scruffy101]

check for rust and if its done over 90,000 (which it will have)you will need to see a bill for a top end overhaul.If this bill is not present you are looking at £2,500-3,000.These cars are great but you MUST get it checked out by a porsche mechanic.For rust check the front wings, b pillars and the bottom of the rear wings in front of the wheels.Make sure the gearchange does not grind on first and second gear and buy one with full history that can be checked.My engine blew up and it was £7,000 so be careful!

[rich 36]

But your buying an early car well all said and done

how do you know amongst a giant folder full of reciepts
that perhaps something fiddly was attempted by
'bodgit & scarper ltd'

what use are a load of reciepts then.

I agree it needs the once over by your mates, who'll know what to look for,

but the condition the car looks in, is as valuable a guide
as any number of bills.

if it looks knocked about and a bit ragged/raced

look about, there are as mentioned, lots of others

[mattley]

Thanks scruffy101, that's what I was after.

@rich, I appreciate that too, thanks.

[claphamgt3]

Fully agree with the top-end overhaul & rust thing. Also, check the mundane things like tyres, brake discs, exhausts, heat-exchangers etc - they'll very quickly obliterate your budget if they need sorting anytime soon.

With a car of this age, condition is all - does it look like its been cared for (even if on a budget)or has it had the nuts ragged off it. If you can, look at the V5 and call the previous owner. Finally, for £200 odd-quid, get an independent inspection done; believe me it will save you a world of hurt if something major lets go a few weeks down the line.

[scruffy101]

Yes thats true i forgot about those things,i had pads and discs done(£650.00)expensive stuff.

[911mot]

I think I know this car. It used to be my mates. He bought it from Paul Stephens 3 years ago for 11K. Sold it about 8 months later to a trader in Tolpits Lane. Since then I dont think its been anywhere.
The garage owner doesnt know porkers and topped the oil up without the engine running so its well over filled and might smoke a bit. The windscreen leaks. Its a LHD 3.2. Cup Alloys. Very nice sports seats. SSI exhaust (loud). Slight dent behind one of the stone chip protectors. Not much more I can tell because he sold before I could give it a good look over. You never know, if he's selling it cheap because it smokes due to the overfill you might get a result....

[claphamgt3]

911mot said:

I think I know this car. It used to be my mates. He bought it from Paul Stephens 3 years ago for 11K. Sold it about 8 months later to a trader in Tolpits Lane. Since then I dont think its been anywhere.
The garage owner doesnt know porkers and topped the oil up without the engine running so its well over filled and might smoke a bit. The windscreen leaks. Its a LHD 3.2. Cup Alloys. Very nice sports seats. SSI exhaust (loud). Slight dent behind one of the stone chip protectors. Not much more I can tell because he sold before I could give it a good look over. You never know, if he's selling it cheap because it smokes due to the overfill you might get a result....

If it was retailed by Paul, it was probably at least a sound car when he sold it. 3 years is a long time for a car not to have any attention though. Paul would probably be happy to give you the low down on the call - give him a call.

[henry-f]

mattley said:

I know a great local independant so if I can spend about £500 evey six months getting it up to scratch over a couple of years I'm OK with that.

I think you`re being a little optimistic there. Never mind £500 every 6 months getting it up to scratch, you`ll need to budget £1k - £2k to keep the car on the road. If you want to move it forward condition-wise then it`s money on top I`m afraid.

Henry

[mattley]

Thanks for all your replies, espcially those who might know the car, I haven;t had a chance to have a closer look yet as work is a bit hectic but am still hopefull.

henry-f said:

I think you`re being a little optimistic there. Never mind £500 every 6 months getting it up to scratch, you`ll need to budget £1k - £2k to keep the car on the road. If you want to move it forward condition-wise then it`s money on top I`m afraid.

Henry

Hmm, that might not be a show stopper, where would all that be going? I only do about 6-7K a year, and most of that's just trundling around Watford so I'm not particularly hard on hard on brakes or anything.

[POORCARDEALER]

mattley said:

Thanks for all your replies, espcially those who might know the car, I haven;t had a chance to have a closer look yet as work is a bit hectic but am still hopefull.


[quote=henry-f]

I think you`re being a little optimistic there. Never mind £500 every 6 months getting it up to scratch, you`ll need to budget £1k - £2k to keep the car on the road. If you want to move it forward condition-wise then it`s money on top I`m afraid.

Henry

Hmm, that might not be a show stopper, where would all that be going? I only do about 6-7K a year, and most of that's just trundling around Watford so I'm not particularly hard on hard on brakes or anything.


Its sound advice, go in with your eyes wide open then you wont be dissapointed, or spend more buy a jewel and you wont have to spend improving it.

Good Luck.

[rich 36]

brilliant article in ' 911 porsche world' this month
if your still looking at this car

e-mail me

richard