I've been researching 911's from Iraq (I'm deployed with the Navy right now) and I really like that classic lines of the 1984-1997 models. They're also the last air-cooled engines from what I've read, which a lot of folks say is better and more reliable. Can anyone advise me on what to look for when looking at used Porsches? If you have any opinions on which model is better-classic, 964, or 993 I would appreciate those as well. A lot of guys say the 3.2 from 84-89 is the best engine, but I'm open to suggestions. I think I'd prefer the coupe for the better handling aspect; I hear the cabs and targas tend to be a little squirrely.

Thanks,
Dan

 

Well, the earlier the Porsche the squirrelier the handling - didn't really have that much to do with couple versus Cabrio, etc. While the earlier cars are true classics, and in my opinion prettier and more desireable than recent models, one thing to think about is that anything prior to 1990 (i.e., anything more than 20 years old) is going to be a car that you will notice is not completely "competitive" with respect to modern machinery -- I recently drove a restored '66 911 and its breakes were noticeably inferior to those on my Lincoln!

I expect your decision will be driven by two things. First, condition - you'll probably look at lots of cars, or maybe just realize with the first one you see that "this is it," but regardless the condition will be the key more than the year or model. Second, from what I hear and see, most dealerships can care well for cars back through maybe 15-20 years ago, but their rates are expensive and at least with some of them, they really aren't that good or that keen about the older models. So don't buy, say, an '84 until you have found a shop you are confident can care for it to your expectations.