Hello, I'm looking to spend around $15-20K to buy a 911 this spring. Right now I'm just doing research on the best model and year to buy. I was wondering if anyone can give their opinion on the best investment year/type to buy. I don't want to buy one and then find out that year or style was the "worst year to get". etc....
I collect other cars and always like to stay as stock as possible, and generally older the better. But what I found so far is I like the 74+ body style in the 911 coupe the best. Are the earlier models worth more? I tend to like the coupe better than the targa, are targa's worth more? A cab will probably be out of my price range. I'm also leaning towards the 74+ do to the better engine, I'd like to be able to drive comfortably in today's traffic.
Are matching numbers (engine/chassis/trans) as important in 911's as in other vintage cars? It looks like the prices on ebay, etc are higher for cars with up-graded engines rather than stock.
I did some research in the past for a car in your price range, and despite the fact that I decided not to go with one after all (just could not justify it as a family car) - here are some pointers that I have found talking to people, reading SCM and subject books:
1) 74+ cars have better rust protection. I prefer the earlier body style - but since you prefer the later style - sounds like a win-win situation to me.
2) 2.7L engine cars (74 - 77) have engine problem reputation. I am sure some will come to the defence of these cars, but this is what my research indicates - you might want to investigate this issue if you decide on a car from this era.
3) The 3.2L engine is thought to be close to bullet proof by many - so any
78 and later car (up to but not including the 964) should be good.
4) The newer transmission - G50 - came in 1987 IIRC (I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, could be 1988) - I found it to be much nicer than the earlier (915?) transmission. I have read many posts claiming that the
915 is very good if you are careful with it - I personally do not like it as much.
5) Coupes are supposed to be stiffer than the Targas and Cabrios. If you plan to do much high-speed work - it might be worth getting one - but if you just want to enjoy it as a fun car and really like the feel of open air - a Targe will be just fine. (I personally really enjoy open cars, but to each his own).
6) From what I have seen, it seems that earlier cars (pre '74) are finally becoming collector cars where newer cars are still "used cars" - so issues like matching numbers and originallity are an issue to the older cars, more than to the newer cars. If you plan on keeping the car long term - it is probably worth investing in a "number matching" example even if you get an newer car.
You might want to invest in a buyer's guide or the following:
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Final thought on the subject - if you prefer cars that are older - why not look at a B or C 356? You can get real decent ones in your price range - they will probably never depreciate, the looks are unique and they have more of a vintage feel to them. You might want to look at
I owned a 1973 "1/2" 911T Targa from 1984 til 2000. It had 2.4 litre motor with CIS fuel injection and was great to own & drive. Targas are creaky over bumps but fun with top off. $15K will buy a real nice one from that time frame.
You should get the magazine called Excellence--phone 415-382-0580--is office--they publish a model & price guide each month.
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