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    A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I'm thinking about possibly getting into a Porsche. I've driven a lot of high performance cars over the last few years and I feel that Porsches are right at the top of the list.

    My only problem is that a couple weeks ago I drove a Ferrari 328 and was absolutely blown away. So now my head is telling me to go for the Porsche, but my heart is craving a Ferrari.

    I don't just want to leave the world of Porsche though, and I see that there are a lot of older cars in good condition that can be had for a very reasonable amount. Ferraris are a different story, and the cost of purchase and proper maintenance will be out of my price range for at least the next 7 years.

    My question to you is what do you think would be a good starter Porsche that can be purchased for a small amount of money, say, around 30,000CAD that will be enjoyable to own and drive, but won't end up costing me a fortune in maintenance (I am aware that it will be quite a bit more expensive than a 'regular' car).

    Any Porsche model can be included, from 914 to 911s from any year. I wanted to see what you guys had to say before I even started to look. I'm in no rush to buy now, as I still need to wait a couple years for my insurance to be a little more reasonable, but I don't want to start looking at the last minute and get something that I'll regret.

    Thanks.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I think you should be able to get a good Boxster S for 30k CAD. If you look at older Porsches be aware that they started zinc coating the chassis in 1976. Later models should be substantially rust free. Models prior to '76 should be checked carefully.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Probably I'll get a 964turbo, in good condition, and all black!! with low miles of course!!

    But of course a boxster S is also a good choice, may be as well a 996carrera of 300bhp!!

    I would not go for a ferrari 328 or any "low" price and historic ferrari, just my opinion....If you where looking for modern ferraris, well may be the situation changes, but again I think I'll go with porsche too!!

    good luck!!

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I'd get a 1993 964.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    #30,000 CAD... '87-'89 Carerra. They have stayed around the $30,000 mark (in Ontario anyways) but if you are quick and patient, you can get some in the mid 20's. It will probably be the cheapest car you ever own. PERIOD. You can drive that car and in a few years sell it for exactly what you paid for it. Maintanance is dirt cheap, just oil and brakes really. You can easily average around $500 a year in maintanance which is nothing for a sports car. The engines are bulletproof, they're great in the winter and snow...

    How can you go wrong?

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Boxster S

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I also vote for the 87-89 carrera...

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Thanks for the suggestions and info guys!

    All of the cars listed would be great.

    If the '87-'89 964 only costs around $500 per year to maintain it wouldn't end up costing me more than my Mercedes W202.

    The Boxster S is a great car and has great value, so I'll also take it into strong consideration.

    I would absolutely love a 964 Turbo, but unfortunately here in Canada, they are still out of my price range.

    Please, keep the suggestions coming. It really helps me.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    The 87-89 is not a 964, it's the last of the 911 Carrera 3.2 with G50 transmission. The 964 started in 1989 also (Carrera 4 only) and went to 1994. In 1989 you could buy either a 911 3.2 (RWD only) or a 964 Carrera 4 (AWD only).

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I'd start with a Carrera GT and work my way up from there

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Hey Dr. Phil, you must be talking about a 924 Carrera GT, right?

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    Wild-Speed said:
    Hey Dr. Phil, you must be talking about a 924 Carrera GT, right?






    I thought the same

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Nope, I'm talking about a Carrera GT.
    I believe it's a pretty nice starter Porsche

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    Dr. Phil said:
    I'd start with a Carrera GT and work my way up from there



    A CGT scaled model?

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    Grant said:
    The 87-89 is not a 964, it's the last of the 911 Carrera 3.2 with G50 transmission. The 964 started in 1989 also (Carrera 4 only) and went to 1994. In 1989 you could buy either a 911 3.2 (RWD only) or a 964 Carrera 4 (AWD only).



    Thanks for the correction Grant.
    What was the model designation for the '87-'89 911? Was it the 930?
    Too bad I can't study Porsche model designations and options at university. That would be a fun course.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    Dr. Phil said:
    I'd start with a Carrera GT and work my way up from there



    I like the way you think.
    Now I just need someone to lend me a few hundred thousand dollars and I'll be all set.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I believe the 930 designation was the original Turbo. While I agree that the 87-89 911s are the best of the example, it's really essential to obtain a thoroughpre-purchase inspection from someone who is expert so you don't buy into a lot of very costly headaches. Five hundred a year, IMHO, is a best case scenario. These cars are the very essence of the traditional Porsche experience without the well known gremlins.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    DamienL said:
    Thanks for the correction Grant.
    What was the model designation for the '87-'89 911? Was it the 930?


    It was still just "911" back then. 930 was the 911 Turbo from 1976 to 1989.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    DaveC - Yes, a pre-purchase inspection is a must for me no matter what Porsche I decide to get into. I think this is one of the most important things to be done before buying a car.

    Grant - Thanks!

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Don't overlook the 964 series (1989-1994)...3.6L 247HP, better AC, better suspension, power steering, etc....
    I am a little biased...notice my ID

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    I like 964's too, but the only one I would buy would be without power steering (RS America). I think the manual steering rack of the early 911 is one of its best features! My 993 misses alot of the feel and feedback in comparison.

    The 964 is also the beginning of the era of computer and other costly things that can break. I would budget a higher repair fund with a 964 or newer car.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    911 (either 993, 996, 997 Carrera models).

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    Turbo 911 said:
    911 (either 993, 996, 997 Carrera models).


    $30k Canadian will not buy a decent example of any of those...

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Thanks once again for all of the responses!

    I have no experience with pre-996 911s, but they interest me very much. A 964 would be great, but it might be difficult to find a good example in my price range.

    Does anyone know the average maintenance costs for a 986S?

    Also, what sort of things have a reputation for breaking, wearing out, etc. on a 986S and '87-'89 911?

    Sorry for all of the questions, but I want to ask those with first hand experience with the cars.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    986S out of warranty would be dangerous, since an RMS leak would be out-of-pocket and any serious problem with the engine or tranny would require a replacement (can't be rebuilt). Realistically, that's not a high liklihood, but the RMS is something to consider.

    87-89 911 would not need much but gas and oil, if you get a nice one...

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    Quote:
    DaveC said:
    I believe the 930 designation was the original Turbo. While I agree that the 87-89 911s are the best of the example, it's really essential to obtain a thoroughpre-purchase inspection from someone who is expert so you don't buy into a lot of very costly headaches. Five hundred a year, IMHO, is a best case scenario. These cars are the very essence of the traditional Porsche experience without the well known gremlins.



    I agree remember these cars are now getting close to 20 years old! However there are plenty of good ones around (the Autotrader has over 300 porsches for sale in the Toronto region right now!!!). If you get a truly good one, mechanically you are looking at oil and brake pads as normal maintanance. Aftermarket brake rotors are something like $40 each. Unless you're using pagids or something, pads are equally cheap. These cars really are the last "Volkswagen on steriods" 911. they are simple, direct, visceral and very fun.

    Re: A Good 'Starter' Porsche

    The more I think about it and read these posts, the more I think I would be inclined to go with an '87-'89 911. The maintenance is very important to me and I also like the idea of having a more visceral driving experience.

     
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