My first Porsche?

Question

I am not quite yet in the financial position to buy a porsche but will be soon. I really cannot afford a Porsche more than $7000, so i have been looking at 912's as they have the 911 shape I have to come to love (as well as no post-73 impact bumpers).
I could put up with a 914, but am not sure about any of the front engined coupes. A well sorted 3.2 Carrera would be perfect, but what kind of condition would it be in for $7000?

Right now I am planning but any advice would be great!

Answer 1

You can't buy a decent 6-cylinder 911 for $7000 so forget that.

You might find a decent 912 and that would be an okay first Porsche. However, they are rather slow, so don't expect it to feel exciting to drive. It is powered by the little Porsche 356 motor and it's not an easy engine to get much more power out of. Also, keep in mind that a rebuild of a 912 motor will cost almost as much as a 911 motor, and more than the value of the entire car. So you'd better buy a 912 will a very well tested engine or you're screwed.

Nothing wrong with a 914. They aren't really Porsches, as they have a VW engine (from the 411 model, the pancake engine). They aren't fast either, but they handle really well and have a targa top system that is very clever. The best 914 is the 2.0 model and you can find decent ones for $7000.

REMEMBER--buy the BEST Porsche you can afford. DO NOT buy a "fixer-upper". It's just a money pit for you at this price level.

Personally I'd suggest you save up your money and buy a 1988-1989 911 Carrera for around $16,000. They are good cars, fast, pretty and very civilized. Older Porsches are quite primitive in terms of heat and ventilation.

If I were you, I'd go with the 914 2.0.

Answer 2

The 912 is a nice car, but one that is likely to present a problem... about 10 years ago I recall seeing a variety of 912s available, and then within 1-2 years the market seperated, leaving a buyer with the choice of a prestine concours condition car, that would demand a premium well over your budget, or a nearly ready for the junk yard cheapie, that would probably wind up being even more expensive in the long run. This is something that tends to happen with most older cars at one point or another, you are left with those well cared for, those that have been restored, and those waiting to either be junked or be restored. While $7k is theoretically a good budget for a 912, I think the cars you will have to choose from in that range will not be good buys.

As a generalization, going after any Porsche while on budget limitations can be bad... they are well built and very reliable cars, but if you need something done, you'll find repair costs will reflect that these were very expensive cars when new. But that said:

Your budget would be a good match for a 914. Many in good condition should be available for less than this price range (with the exception of the 914-6, which has been seeing dramatic price increases in recent years).

A 3.2L Carrea would generally run about $15-22k... Targas would generally be the least expensive, and it's possible you might find one in ok condition for as low as $12k, but still well above the $7k you mention. Any 3.2L that would be even close to that is not a car you should consider. A better option in an impact bumper 911 would be the early 911S (a 911SC would also stay above your stated range). The '74-'77 911S is one of the least loved versions of the 911 due to the many documented problems with the 2.7L engine. However, the problems that have made them undesirable should all have been addressed by now. Due to the fact that many will look past these cars due to that history means they usually sell for less than other 911 models. Your budget might find a good buy here... but as stated before, it would leave nothing for possible problems (though if you look long you might find a gem for less than your budget).

A number of 944 models would fit into the budget and could be among the best options - offering great handling, but also more power than any of the other 4 cylinder models. They also have a little more utility than some of the other cars in terms of interior space. Your budget would give you a wide range to choose from - probably only excluding the later S2 or turbo models.

Lastly, whatever model you key in on, make sure to take your time in looking and to have the car inspected by a knowledgable Porsche mechanic before you buy (the money spent here could save you lots in the long run).

Answer 3

try for a 912, I have one myself the 356 engine in them is spectatular, There are only a few people out there that can really tell the 911's and 912's apart, because the only difference in them is the enigine, all prosche did was use 911 body pieces left over from the manufacture and changed the engine it's a really good car and they are all pretty much cheap.. I got mine for $1500 and only had to do a little bit of restoration to it, it was well worth it...

Answer 4

I really don't think you'll find one for $7000, unless maybe it's something you might want to restore, which is an option. Good luck though. I envy you!

Answer 5

go for the 911 u will enjoy it alot

Answer 6

invest in real estate.

the parts are much cheaper...