[Steelspine]

Folks,

Looking for some advice. I found this car for sale and got the info from the owner explained what "engine needs work" means. I would appreciate any thoughts, comments suggestions or donations.

Thanks,

Pete

http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/s...=&cid=null

Thanks for inquiring about my ’89 911. The photos of the car are very recent; it is in great shape for its age and mileage. The engine has been burning oil for several months. It doesn’t leak. Midwest Eurosport in Bensenville (near O’Hare Airport), IL recommends rebuilding the engine. The cost will depend on what they find inside - they think between $5,000 and $9,000. The car is currently at Midwest Eurosport and you can call Brian there (630-595-5577) to get more detail. Other tha! n the engine, the car has few issues: heater fan needs replacement, electronic door lock switch needs replacement. The car has never had a major accident, but I’ve had the hood, driver’s side door, and rear bumper repainted due to parking lot damage. This car has been a very reliable, everyday car for me – and it looks GREAT! I bought a ’98 C4S in the fall and have to replace my ’89 with a “family car” as my wife is expecting.

[type954]

valve guides or rings? dorki here could probably help you with those if you were interested in diving in. look at what Doug E did! greg, mackpipes, charlie, richard, marc, all the others i forget... attractive price for the car.

[Jim Richards]

If you're into DiY, then maybe it's worthwhile. If you're going to ask a shop to rebuild it and fix the other issues, you have to ask yourself if the purchase price + maybe $12k for rebuilding and repairs is appropriate for this car. No sense being upside down on the deal from the get go.

[BW911]

I have an '88 and had my engine rebuilt and enhanced by a local shop last fall. You can count on the high side of that estimate, or more. As everyone knows, once you're in there you find things that can be improved with more money.


That said, the car looks really nice from the photos. Those are terrific cars, and if the body is good and the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one for street or DE, or both.

Bill

[Marc A]

This is my take on it. A 3.2 burning oil is most likely guides. A leak down and compression test would help determine if the rings are involved. Could help narrow the repairs needed. Count on a full top end job at least. If rings are bad minor cost to replace, unless there is cyl. damage.

Another issue is the tranny and clutch 127k is a buch of miles. G50 is not cheap to rebuild if it has issues.

8500 is top dollar for this car with a rebuild in the works.

[Rick Lee]

Who is the seller? Does he have a post history on Pelican or Rennlist? That may be a way to research this car. If you want to really get to know the car and dive in with a DIY rebuild, then go for it. Min. DIY cost will be $2000 and there is no maximum (believe me!). If you want to get in the car and drive it right away, then spend the time and money to find a perfect one. All of these cars will cost you $30k eventually. Pay now or pay later, but you will be paying. If I had the time and garage space, I'd love to have a car like this to tinker with. My 993 is the polar opposite of my Carrera - the former never needs anything and the latter always needed something. If you don't DIY, an ailing Carrera will nickel and dime you into divorce and alcoholism.

[BW911]

Or buy a Carrera engine listed in Charlie's post and host a Dorki engine party.

[Steelspine]

No 911 for me, I will concentrate my efforts to get the one I have on the road.

[chapstic951]

Let's ask the real decision maker...what does the Mrs. have to say!!!!

You still game to work this weekend? My decision maker says I can come out and play.