Porsche 912 interest - Page 2

Ah, ok...misunderstood you. That makes more sense.

I want this one...it looks l like that rack is substantial enough to strap a windsurfer on top of which is the only thing I really can't figure out how to deal with through trains/buses/rentals/zipcar (conditions in IL seem to show their face with short notice and if I were to up and go on a weekend morning its too last minute and expensive to get enough time in a zip car and too early for the per-day car rental place)

The 912s are nice, but prices for nice ones are being dragged up by the surge in early 911 prices and the Europeans exporting them. Minters are going for $20k or more now. They use the same engine as the last 356s so there's no real savings in running cost, but some people swap in a tuned VW engine for more power and easier maintenance. Because the body and interior is the same as the early 911, any rust repair or restoration work is going to run the same as a 911. The typical 912 has 3 gauges and 4 speeds, the most desirable have the 911 5-gauge setup and 5-speed transmission. The 912 handles well but they were slow back in the 60s; nowadays there are faster riding mowers.

As far as running one: the engine is good for 120k-150k miles well-maintained, and a rebuild is $12k-$15k depending on your market and who's doing the work. the transmissions last about 100k and run about $1200 to rebuild. These are old technology engines, so plan on much more frequent oil changes using dino oil instead of synthetic, doing actual tune-ups, fiddling with carbs. Some small bits are getting hard to find, so prices are going up - the correct engine grills, front signal lenses, hubcaps, interior door pockets, certain types of seats.

I like the early 912 and have come close to buying one a few times over the years. What stops me is the persistent dread that the second I shell out for a nice 912, I'll find a nice early 911 for close to the same money. In the end, my dream car is a swb 911 coupe, black with red or tan interior.

I almost bought a 912 with no engine. I figured if I get a 912 I'd have to replace the engine anyways so why not start fresh? Didn't go through with it since the interior was a mess and that was another thing to add on the list. I was also close to buying an '82 911SC. However after some research the 86 or 87+ was a better buy for slightly more money [more powerful engine, better gearbox, etc]. The 912 will cost you though. Unless parts have been changed, definitely plan on an engine rebuild, suspension, and other miscellaneous electrical work. If you are comfortable with the cost, find one with a straight body and go from there. Good luck.

If I had a shorter commute to work, I would seriously be looking into a 912. A 993 turbo if i were a big timer.

One of the coolest cars ever.

Wow, a topic I actually know something about . . .

I've owned a 912 for about 8 or 9 years now. Paid $3,000 to a lady who was moving to the East Coast. It was my daily car for about 4 years without any headaches (other than having to shift all the time in bumper to bumper traffic, which is lame).

You're coming from VWs, so you already figured out - No AC, no auto transmissions, no power options, heating system sucks, less horsepower and speed than today's weakest Honda Civic. Having said that, it is still a nice looking and enjoyable car.

Prices have increased quite a bit in the interim and I'd guess that a "driver" quality car would probably cost at least $7,500. Show car quality probably starts around $15,000 and goes up quickly from there. Even in this crummy economy, I've heard of $30,000 being paid for a well-prepared 912. These costs are nothing compared to the same years' 911s of course (probably because the 912 outsold the 911 by 4 to 1 in the first four or five years and also because it is a 912 and not a 911). To the earlier poster, I don't think you can find a comparable early year 911 for the price of even the nicest 912.

If you have any basic mechanical skills, you can handle much of the maintenance on this car yourself (with the help of the guidebooks). Big ticket items (engine repairs, new shocks, body work, etc.) are always going to be pricey, but they don't pop up often as with most cars.

Unless you want an absolute piece of shit, avoid the 924 and 928. I can't think of anyone who seriously likes the 924 in any regard who has actually driven one. They are Audis disguised with a Porsche crest. 928s are notoriously horrible in terms of reliability and it is a universal that you walk away from any 928 without a complete service record history. Both of these cars are a little less "Porsche" because of the front engine and water-cooling, if that makes a difference to you.

You definitely need to pay for an inspection before you buy unless you are getting a super steal. Any significant rust is a killer no matter what the price. You want to make sure you have the correct engine, although many owners swap out the carbs and this is easily remedied.

superficial side note: I think the stock plain rims are much cooler than the "mag" style. Also think the off-beat colors are great on these (vs. red or black):

I love Porsche... The 912 is better balanced car that the 911 of the time. Don't buy sight unseen. These cars have rust issues. Here is a good forum dedicated to the 912. They make a great classic yet everyday diver car.