12 replies to this topic

[penelope]

I'm looking at 2 different coupes now. One has 113K miles, is with the 3rd owner, and has extensive service records back to about 5K! The car looks almost perfect inside and out, and includes the manuals, both keys, spare tire, tool kits, compressor, original stereo, and has the air box mod done. Says it needs the timing belt done, but he has receipts for about $5k worth of recent work including a lot of the important things mentioned on the forum.

The other has 70K miles and has no service records. A lot of the big things have been done recently like belts, rollers, water pump, etc. It is missing the spare, the tools, the jack, and has some interior wear and exterior dents. This one has the LSD though.

I have PPIs scheduled for both cars, both are priced the SAME, but the one with more miles got a better initial review from the shop where it was serviced when I mentioned the car and that owner seems pretty meticulous and attached to the car. He's had a lot of Porsches over the years.

Assuming both PPIs come back with about the same dollar amt of stuff that needs to be addressed (which I suspect based on the phone conversations) which one is the better car? I really like the idea of the LSD, but I hate it that the original spare and tools are missing. I also like the sound of 70K better than 113K, but the higher mileage one seems better cared for. What is more important here?

[Darryl]

I vote for 113K with records. 40K difference isn't that much and these engines are good for the long haul with regular scheduled maintenance.

- Darryl

[1GR8_968]

The 113 has my vote too. There is much to be said about preventive and scheduled maintenance on this vehicle.

[Mark]

Well, I'd see what the PPIs bring back and if they come back the same, buy the one you like best. I've had cars with great records that sucked my wallet dry and ones that did not have any records that were great. Also had the opposite, buying a used car is always a bit of a gamble.

[flash]

first off - i thought you were done looking - what happened to the other car?

second - i would lean toward the 70k car - metal fatigue being the primary reason - it's not so much the engine for me, though certainly more miles are more miles - every flex of a chassis is one step closer to it being tired, bolts loosening up, and every mile is one step closer to components wearing out

i would, however, have to base the decision largely on the service records and see what they did to each car - just because it had complete records, does not mean they did everything needed, did them right, or did those things before they did damage

also, at 113k, variocam is due if not done - further, the compression is potentially lower - i would absolutely have a leakdown done

if you are still looking at tips, the trans could be nearly due for major service if not already done

if it is a 6spd, the DMF is probably near failure potential

every piece of rubber will be more suspect on a 113k car than a 70k car

at 113k, you really need to look closely at the car - was it stored warm and dry? was it driven in the rain or snow on salty roads? did they use only synthetic oil?

at 70k, many of these factors are less of an issue, but it still needs to be looked at

assuming that all other factors are equal (condition of leather the same, etc), i would compare service records and PPI reports to make sure the things are done that need be, and then go with the one that speaks to you

[RPM]

I think the final answer is up to you - if you can see and drive both cars. I tend to think that "complete service records" can be a bit of a mirage. What has been done lately, and was it done by a reputable shop, is more important than the receipt for a 1996 oil change.

Assuming both are six-speeds, has either had the pinion bearing replaced?

Sounds like the 114k is the better car. A test drive might however show the 70k car to be tighter. LSD is a nice option - and often comes with 17" wheels.

Also - check, or have the PPI specifically check, the rear hatch seal (top of the glass) carefully.

[doster]

Lisa
Just go with your gutt !!!!! both sound like great cars
And don't ever sell your squareback , I have a dark blue 66 that was my first car and I'll never part with it.

[penelope]

Flash -- The other car was incredible, but i decided against the Tip. Therefore, still looking.
Is a leakdown standard in a PPI? Explain what that is. And while you're at it, what is the DMF? (I'd search for that but no searches under 4 characters!) Some of your questions I have answers to and others i need to ask so thanks for the suggestions.

Ralph -- Yep the one with LSD also has the 17" wheels. I'll have to ask about pinion bearing and hatch seal. Can't drive both cars. Well I suppose I could but that would mean a pretty elaborate vacation!

I'll have both PPIs by Friday and I'm sure I'll have more questions then. Thanks for the advice. I'm leaning towards the 113K one but I suspect that owner will be less flexible with the price and I can't see paying what he's asking ($14,750) for that many miles. You think that's high?

[Stephenwz968]

The DMF = Dual mass flywheel

The pricing is really determined (for me) by condition, not miles...a well maintained higher mileage car is a better deal than a lower mileage car that hasn't been maintained, and can cost more in the long run.

Steve

The DMF = Dual mass flywheel

The pricing is really determined (for me) by condition, not miles...a well maintained higher mileage car is a better deal than a lower mileage car that hasn't been maintained, and can cost more in the long run.

Steve

[flash]

got it - i understand that one

a leakdown is not standard in a PPI - it is a test that wil tell you exactly what the condition of the engine is - far more informative than a compressions test (also not standard on a PPI)

the DMF is the Dual Mass Flywheel

at 113k, $14750 is high for an average condition 16" non-lsd 6spd car (should be more like 11-12), but good for an excellent condition car - at that price, the interior would have to be perfect, the body nearly flawless, and the paint in very good condition - there could be no mechanical issues

the 17s and the lsd are a good $2k advantage over a 16" non-lsd car

i would not worry about the pinion bearing much - it happens or it doesn't, with no regard to mileage - if it has already been repaired, then you probably won't ever have to worry about it again, but if neither car has had it done, and neither car shows signs, they are on equal footing, and the mileage does not factor in on that point

are both cars the same year? seat patterns changed midstream - 92s had R-12 ac (more expensive to deal with) - other trim bits were different along the way - these things may swing you one way or the other

[Anchorman]

If you intend to keep the car for some time, I wouldn't get overly worked up about whether you're paying the "right" price or not. Get the car you like - because, no matter what, you'll add enough dollars to the pot that the initial price is not likely to have that much impact. Buy the car you like - and you can like it for your own reasons.

[flash]

lol - that's for sure

[968Z]

I was in your position a few years ago, so I did what any normal person would do...I bought both! I drove them both for a few years, and ended up keeping the 6 speed with 134,000, and selling the tip with 89,000.