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High mileage and longevity?
#1

I found the "Mileage Milestones" post while trying make a decision on whether to keep my car or sell it and move on to a 996 Cabriolet or not.



I just hit 182k miles. I commute 100 miles daily in the car. It's a 94 Cabriolet with the 6-speed. I really like the car but from what I gather, being a 94, I can't replace my ball joints. I may need to do both cams and possibly a head gasket. Heck, might as well send the head off for a good valve job if I am that far in. While it's gone, I could to the rings and bearings on the bottom end and be done with that. Oh, I need a new clutch and I'm hearing I should replace the flywheel while I'm at it. My seats show 182k miles of wear and need to be recovered. See where I am going with this? If it were a toy or second car, sure... I could keep it and play with it when I felt like it. But I need something reliable and comfortable for commuting in daily.



I know it's really the wrong place to ask questions like this since we are all here because we love our 968's but let's face it, they ain't getting no younger! I haven't driven the 996 Cab yet but I did drive a Boxster S and it made me come home and hug my 968.



So at this point I am still making a list of pros and cons and putting prices on them. Anyone else have experience with a high mileage car and can comment on those things that you can't replace, like metal fatigue and such?



--Tony
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#2

Its hard decision, Only you can make it, as you have to drive it.

You may be in a delima zone.

Its hard to sell a car that needs that many things brought up to snuff. If you still love the car do a little here and a little there and spread the cost over time.
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#3

With all of that I might consider selling the car and buying a lower mileage 968.
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#4

I'm sure someone out there might love the idea of doing a restoration on a 968. Either that or you could do it yourself an use the new car you get as the daily driver <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
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#5

[quote name='Renalicious' post='47224' date='Feb 10 2008, 07:24 PM']you could do it yourself an use the new car you get as the daily driver <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />[/quote]



There are 968s in good condition selling for about $12,000. You may just be better off keeping her. Im sure after the many 100 mile runs back and forth to work you need something enjoyable. However my advise would be to get a cheap 4 banger Japanese car. No thrills but great gas mileage and good reliability. Bring the 68 back to top condition and take it on fridays as a weekend treat.



Theres also the E36, you'll have a great feeling and looking car that can be had for under 12K. However your back in the same position as far as maintenance goes.



My .02

David
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#6

for me, it would come to time availability and bottom line numbers



if i absolutely loved that particular car, i would spend the money and go through it



if i just loved the idea of a 968, and was not wedded to that car, i would sell it and start over (that is, unless i was going to build a race car, in which case i would tear it apart and get going on it)



but then you may have to look over at "gumby" and make a choice too
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94 Midnight Metallic Blue Cab Porsche 968 w/deviating cashmere/black interior and WAY too many mods to list - thanks to eric for creating www.968forums.com



"It isn't nearly as expensive to do it right as it is to do it wrong."
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#7

I guess I am (was?) in a similar situation. My car has been my daily driver, averaging about 22k miles a year since I bought the car 4-1/2 years ago. Aside from the really routine maintenance (including belt changes), I had the rod bearings done last year (at about 150k miles), then had the top replaced and a respray this summer. Then my wife convinced me not to drive the car daily during the winter, so I picked up a 2004 PT Cruiser. That allowed me to leave the car at RS Barn for the top end redo - so now I have a rebuilt head (and, of course along with it new Variocam chain and pads, plus everything else). I have a file drawer in my office with a new clutch, DMF, and everything else needed for when that stuff goes. So, I guess it's clear how I responded to "your" dilemma. I like this car, I know this car, so my plan is to simply keep doing whatever is needed to keep it going.



Pete, I will be in touch regarding getting the car - I haven't forgotten about it!
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#8

Anchor,

Did you notice any improvement in power and in general the way the car ran after the head freshening?
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#9

I'll let you know as soon as I get the car - it is still at RS Barn.
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#10

Thanks!
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#11

I just emailed Pete as RS Barn asking a bunch of questions... I am hoping to price out his new clutch and flywheel, replacement cams, etc. That will aid in making a decision. As for the body, I have a new complete top ready to go on if my one little hole ever gets any bigger. I do need a lower front grill. I hit up David Greimann and he won't be running another batch until mid year or so. That's about the only body issue I have. I am thinking about recovering my seats myself using seat covers from LeatherSeats.com. They have a color that matches mine pretty close. If they have a matching shifter boot, my interior will be back to perfect.



Thanks for the support guys! Without this group, I would never have made it to 182k miles!



--Tony
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#12

Personally, I think your decision is easy. Don't confuse "maintenance" with "reliability". I've found the 968 to be extremely reliable - and, all things considered, quite "maintainable" - especially with RS Barn in the picture.
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#13

I have had excellent reliability with my 968.

Even my 944 with 207K is very reliable.
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#14

[quote name='TonyBray' post='47269' date='Feb 11 2008, 09:35 AM']I hit up David Greimann and he won't be running another batch until mid year or so.[/quote]



tell Dave to come back and hang out with us. *sniff* <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
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#15

[quote name='ether_joe' post='47301' date='Feb 11 2008, 02:55 PM']tell Dave to come back and hang out with us. *sniff* <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />[/quote]



I have had several Porsche's. The 930 was over 25 years old and needed some things. BUT, it only broke down once (the alternator seized, but I knew it was coming), so I would have to say that overall car was reliable. My 944S, 951 and especially my Boxster were dead on reliable. If you take care of these cars, they will take care of you.
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#16

[quote name='TonyBray' post='47269' date='Feb 11 2008, 12:35 PM']I just emailed Pete as RS Barn asking a bunch of questions... I am hoping to price out his new clutch and flywheel, replacement cams, etc. That will aid in making a decision. As for the body, I have a new complete top ready to go on if my one little hole ever gets any bigger. I do need a lower front grill. I hit up David Greimann and he won't be running another batch until mid year or so. That's about the only body issue I have. I am thinking about recovering my seats myself using seat covers from LeatherSeats.com. They have a color that matches mine pretty close. If they have a matching shifter boot, my interior will be back to perfect.



Thanks for the support guys! Without this group, I would never have made it to 182k miles!



--Tony[/quote]



I have a good intake cam if you need it.
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#17

Tony,

I'm basically facing the same dilemma as you. My car has 176,000 miles on it and I drive it each day putting about 90 miles a day on it. I had the head gasket replaced along with rod bearings at 148,000. I do almost all the work myself so maint. cost is not bad.



I've been wondering the same things, how long will I be able to do this! I really can't afford to buy something else and keep it garaged - so it's either keep it and drive it every day or sell it and buy something else.



Hmmmmmm, selling my 968 and going Porsche-less? I'm having a hard time fathoming not driving a car that has the heart and soul of Ferry Porsche. The balance of the car is simply amazing! And the way it still turns heads, even along side brand new Porsches.



I think I'll end up keeping the car and driving it till I die <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



What a dilemma....
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#18

I love Porsche's ! B4 I got my 924 I had a motorcycle and swore I would never get rid of it (the bike) then I got my 924 and seldom drove the bike so I got rid of it; and swore I would never sell the 24 until I had another Porsche (idea being if I sell it b4 the next one I would never have one again). I have another porsche now and will never sell either of them (unless I become so poor....). If you like something as much as these cars how can you get rid of it and go Porsche-less?



But that's me.
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#19

At least when and if I sell my 968 for an M3, I will still have my 951.

Lately it has been looking like at least another year of 968 ownership.

I have had some bites but nothing on the hook.
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#20

Every vehicle I ever sold lingers with regret....if you can....don’t do it!
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