Buying my first Porsche; 968 Cabriolet
Discussion
Greetings to all,
An iminent change in career means that I'm after a second car, and what a great excuse to buy something with a little pizzaz! I've wanted a cabriolet for a while, but having a 9 year old daughter it's got to be a 2+2 or a 4 seater.
Originally I'd been searching for a Jeep Wrangler - it ticked all the boxes and was something a little different, however I then came across some 968 Cab's in Autotrader and I've not slept since.
Having done a reasonable amount of research I've decided to scrimp and save and get the best I can afford. It seems there are a few out there with c60k miles on the clock in pretty much mint condition; from what I see these tend to go for £10k to £11k. There are also a handful with higher mileage that need a little bodywork for around the £9k range.
Aside from ensuring that the book is full of stamps, is there anything I should be wary of? I've noticed some come with headlamp washers and some without - is this indicative of different trim levels? Any help would be gladly appreciated. I'm expecting to cover no more than 6k miles each year, with some wet and winter driving (bless our Scottish summers!).
Many thanks in advance,
Cleggy.
An iminent change in career means that I'm after a second car, and what a great excuse to buy something with a little pizzaz! I've wanted a cabriolet for a while, but having a 9 year old daughter it's got to be a 2+2 or a 4 seater.
Originally I'd been searching for a Jeep Wrangler - it ticked all the boxes and was something a little different, however I then came across some 968 Cab's in Autotrader and I've not slept since.
Having done a reasonable amount of research I've decided to scrimp and save and get the best I can afford. It seems there are a few out there with c60k miles on the clock in pretty much mint condition; from what I see these tend to go for £10k to £11k. There are also a handful with higher mileage that need a little bodywork for around the £9k range.
Aside from ensuring that the book is full of stamps, is there anything I should be wary of? I've noticed some come with headlamp washers and some without - is this indicative of different trim levels? Any help would be gladly appreciated. I'm expecting to cover no more than 6k miles each year, with some wet and winter driving (bless our Scottish summers!).
Many thanks in advance,
Cleggy.
I would say buy on condition (not mileage or number of owners etc.), backed by documented history, be aware of usual jobs on them (belts and camchains) so you can predict future routine costs.
I think you'll find a detailed buyer's guide on www.hartech.org
Whilst you're looking at some, for a bit of fun here's a couple of challenges for you:
1) find one with the (time) clock still working (like rocking horse doo-doo)
2) work out how to reset the trip meter without asking anyone or looking in the handbook
Don't hang about looking either - prices will rise seasonally soon.
Happy hunting
I think you'll find a detailed buyer's guide on www.hartech.org
Whilst you're looking at some, for a bit of fun here's a couple of challenges for you:
1) find one with the (time) clock still working (like rocking horse doo-doo)
2) work out how to reset the trip meter without asking anyone or looking in the handbook
Don't hang about looking either - prices will rise seasonally soon.
Happy hunting
You may be able to get a classic policy on it for a good price - try Footman James on 0121 561 4196, or others as advertised/recommended on various threads on here. Classic insurance usually gives you an agreed value in the event of a total loss, a net-premuim system (rather than gross premium less no-claim discount), but you may have to be an owner's club member to qualify (well worth joining Porsche Club GB anyway though), there will be a mileage limit (or a choice of limits) and there may be a minimum age (for the car!) of 10 or 15 years.
Ubercleggmeister said:
Many thanks Goose, I've a few to choose from within the next week or so. Time for me to start ringing round the insurers...
I can't off much more advice than is already said above but for insurance try A Manning not sure of the number off the top of my head but I'm sure a quick search will find it... They also include track day cover if that is of interest...
Get yourself over to www.porsche968uk.co.uk and ask some questions on the forum. There are a lot of cab owners on there.
I know cabs fetch a little more money and seem to be lower mileage but check the usuals. Accident damage, signs of head gasket going, any rattles from the engine (cams, etc), check for plate lift/corrosion of the brake calipers. Many Cabs will be tiptronic but if you drive a manual check that the clutch and flywheel are good, the drivetrain should be nice and tight.
Last year one of the PCGB members was selling his red 968 cab, it had around 75K on the lock, new clutch and flywheel. It was immaculate and was entered in street concours. Might be worth posting a want to buy on the PCGB forum.
I know cabs fetch a little more money and seem to be lower mileage but check the usuals. Accident damage, signs of head gasket going, any rattles from the engine (cams, etc), check for plate lift/corrosion of the brake calipers. Many Cabs will be tiptronic but if you drive a manual check that the clutch and flywheel are good, the drivetrain should be nice and tight.
Last year one of the PCGB members was selling his red 968 cab, it had around 75K on the lock, new clutch and flywheel. It was immaculate and was entered in street concours. Might be worth posting a want to buy on the PCGB forum.
I own one – a 1993 manual with 60k miles on the clock in cobalt blue. Car is absolutely mint, and I bought it from 911virgin. Paid a premium for the best one I could find. Last owner spent tonnes on it including Connolly retrim, new hood, boot spoiler, ally trim etc etc.
- hoods are expensive; if the hood is tatty, get a lot taken off the price
- check all belts have been changed at correct intervals
- pinion bearing; if it’s gone, you’ll get a whine from the transaxle. Expensive to fix. Not all cars seem to have suffered though
- Avoid tiptronic; slow, crude and worth less. Six speed manual is a joy
- Wheels bigger than 16” are not standard – check they were added at original purchase or get receipts.
I love, and I mean adore, this car. Rare, beautiful and a real head turner in a world where Boxsters and 911s are 10 a penny (I live in London). Not really that fast though, and the soft top means handling is GT rather than sports car.
I may be interested in selling mine as I am looking at going back to a TVR (am a V8 addict) – so if you’re interested, mail me.
- hoods are expensive; if the hood is tatty, get a lot taken off the price
- check all belts have been changed at correct intervals
- pinion bearing; if it’s gone, you’ll get a whine from the transaxle. Expensive to fix. Not all cars seem to have suffered though
- Avoid tiptronic; slow, crude and worth less. Six speed manual is a joy
- Wheels bigger than 16” are not standard – check they were added at original purchase or get receipts.
I love, and I mean adore, this car. Rare, beautiful and a real head turner in a world where Boxsters and 911s are 10 a penny (I live in London). Not really that fast though, and the soft top means handling is GT rather than sports car.
I may be interested in selling mine as I am looking at going back to a TVR (am a V8 addict) – so if you’re interested, mail me.
968csreading said:
Last year one of the PCGB members was selling his red 968 cab, it had around 75K on the lock, new clutch and flywheel. It was immaculate and was entered in street concours. Might be worth posting a want to buy on the PCGB forum.
This car has turned up at Henrys and looks stunning www.911virgin.com/968bol.htm
An excellent car by all accounts (was a bit cheaper when it ws for sale at the PCGB festival though)
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