While the Panamera, Macan, and Cayenne have added diversity to the lineup of Porsche vehicles, the Porsche 911 remains one of their most popular and iconic models. It is still what people think about first when they think about Porsches and buying a used 911 is a great way to own a part of automotive history. With that being said, there are particularities to 911s that you have to know before you buy one. You also have to know what to look for so that you don’t end up with a very expensive lemon on your hands. Here are some of the things you should know before buying a used Porsche 911.
Common Issues Associated with 911s
We would first like to say that Porsche 911s are very reliable vehicles, but they’re not perfect. So, it would be a good idea to learn what the most common issues are with them and how much you can expect to pay to have them fixed. One of the issues many owners have been complaining about is oil leaks and leaks in the coolant reservoir. You should know, however, that these issues are usually limited to certain editions of the vehicle. For example, oil leaks were common in models spanning from 1999 to 2010. Coolant reservoir issues were also common with these vehicles but continued up until 2014. So, you will have to be ready for these repair jobs if you want to buy a 911 from this period.
Prepare for Expensive Repairs
Repairs on Porsches can be expensive, but this is to be expected of all luxury vehicles. It’s estimated that the average Porsche 911 owner will spend around $1,192 per year on repairs according to RepairPal. But all of this will depend on which model you get and who you have it serviced by. If you’re looking for an affordable Porsche service Tampa, the European Exotic Center is a great option. They can deal with virtually any 911 and are known for their great service and competitive prices.
Be Careful with Vintage Models
As you may have sensed already, picking the right era is extremely important when picking a Porsche. Not only will this affect how much you can expect to pay for maintenance and repairs, but it will also affect the car’s resale value. If you want to buy a 911 as an investment, then you should consider vintage 911s from 1960 to 1969. Their value has exploded as of late, and some of them can sell for as much as $100,000 depending on the condition.
911s from the 70s era, however, should be avoided. This is because they had a motor flaw that significantly shortened their lifespan. You’ll have a hard time getting more than $25,000 for a Porsche from that era.
1984 to 1989 era Porsches were known for their great powertrains and maintained their value very well. But, if you’re looking for the holy grail of vintage Porsches, you should check out type 993 911s from 1995-1998. They are not only stunning, but they were the first ones in the collection to have a dual-flow exhaust six-gear transmission. They were also 15% more powerful than the previous models.
If you want to buy a used Porsche, make sure that you follow our few tips. Also, consider speaking with a few owners so they can give you an idea of what it feels like to own one.