Porsche 911 Review (1965 to 1994)

Quick Summary

A classic sports car that is safe to buy by the non-expert as long as you pay the extra and get one from an official Porsche Centre. If you can afford it, don't hesitate.

Overall:

Models Covered:911 - 1965-1994(1986-1994 - 3.2 6cy Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet [Carrera, Super Sport] / 3.3 Turbo 6cy Coupe / 3.6 Turbo 6cy Coupe / 3.6 6cy Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet [Carrera 2, Carrera 2S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S])

A QUESTION OF SPORT

"The only automobile that you could use to compete in the East African Safari or at Le Mans, drive to the theatre or thread through New York city traffic." The theory, by Ferry Porsche. The fact: Porsche's classic 911 is still one of the world's great driving experiences.Not many of us can afford a new one; not many can afford a used example either – they're that sought-after. However, should you be in that happy position, you'll need to buy carefully.
Used Porsche 911 for sale

History of the 911

The 911 is well over 30 years old now, yet even with the announcement of an all-new car for the 1998 model year, the design was simply a thorough update that kept the car's classic styling. Porsche dared not replace a legend with something radical.The first-generation range was improved in 1974 with wider wheels and wheel arches and more driver-friendly suspension. In addition, the famous Carrera name was reborn for the 2.7-litre version. In 1975, the 156mph 3.0-litre 911 Turbo was announced, then and now, one of the world's fastest cars.Many used customers will probably be considering the Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 series of cars, announced in 1989. Shortly after launch, these received the option of Porsche's clever Tiptronic semi-automatic gearbox. Coupe and Cabriolet models were offered, as well as the Targa, with its removable roof panels. A new-shape 911 range was introduced in 1994, initially as a Carrera 2 Coupe, then as a Carrera 2 Cabriolet. The Carrera 4 models followed at the end of the year, whilst a clever electric sliding glass roof Targa option was added for Carrera 2 customers in 1995. The Turbo flagship, with its flared wheelarches, was also introduced in 1995, in Coupe form only. Don't be confused though; Carrera 4S and Carrera 2S models were also introduced in this period with 'wide body' Turbo looks.
Used Porsche 911 for sale

Porsche 911 Road Test

Early 911s had a fearsome reputation for swapping ends on the unwary press-on driver, particularly in the wet. The post-1989 cars were a great deal better in this respect. The handling is more direct and leaves the driver feeling very much more in control. Play with the throttle during mid-corner lift-off for example, or apply the power with too heavy a touch and there's no punishment, no need for steering correction, no need for beads of sweat to form on your brow.One experienced Porsche owner remarked to me that he hadn't been very impressed with the car until he took it to a racetrack. Only there did he discover that he simply hadn't been driving it fast enough...I can identify with that. In normal point to point driving, you'll use little of the Carrera's astonishing abilities. Indeed, it's dubious whether a public road could demonstrate much more than half of this car's ultimate potential. That's no doubt why Porsche owners club track days are so popular.
Used Porsche 911 for sale

Buying a Porsche 911

You must have a good alarm – the 911 is much sought-after by car thieves, who steal to order. From 1993 every 911 has a Thatcham Category 1 system. Alloy wheels are expensive to replace, so check for parking scrapes. The same goes for tyres, so haggle away if they're looking close to replacement. Steer clear of cars that have non-approved extras.Insist on a full service history, ideally by official Porsche dealers or, at the very least, recognised specialists. If it's 'unavailable', 'lost' or 'being stamped up', walk away.
Used Porsche 911 for sale

Porsche 911 Typical Pricing

There are lots of ropey old 911s around dating back to the Seventies and early to mid-Eighties. Though you might be lucky and find a good one, you'll be taking quite a risk, particularly if you're not an expert.I would suggest therefore that you restrict your search to post-1988 cars. The Carrera 2 with its facelifted shape arrived in 1989. Prices start at close to £12,000 or £13,000 for Cabriolets. Models from 92J tend to retail at closer to £14,000 and above, while the rare Turbo starts at around £16,000.The up-dated 911 was announced in 1994, but you'll be lucky to find one for much less than £20,000 and you can go all the way up to over £45,000 for a 98S Turbo.
Used Porsche 911 for sale

Porsche 911 Parts

(approx. based on a 1994 911 Carrera 4) As you might expect, parts aren't cheap – though they're not as pricey as you might expect. However, they do last. A clutch assembly will be around £400, brake pads will be about £40 for the front and £50 for the rear, whilst a full exhaust system can be up to £450. A starter motor should be close to £250, a radiator is about £250, an alternator around £390 and a headlamp around £215.
Used Porsche 911 for sale