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There are numerous and extended threads both here and on 968.net discussing the pinion bearing problem. In a nutshell, it seems to hit somewhere between 10 and 40 percent of all 6 speeds built. No one can agree - the 10% number seems low and 40% ridiculously high. Nevertheless if you are buying a car with less than 120k that has not had the repair you should be prepared to deal with it. At this point in the 968 history I would think that the likelyhood of the problem in unrepaired cars is dropping, but no guarantee. I don't think it effects the value of the cars, though a car with the repair would be more desirable IMHO.
No 1992 issues other than AC that stand out. There are minor differences in door panels, seats, and stereo specifications that pop up in each year. None are particularly relevant to value. The only real options are tiptronic, LSD, and M030.
As for price, you can get one anywhere from $9k to $23k judging from recent reports. However, lower end cars are generally going to cost you - there is no such thing as an inexpensive Porsche.
Good Luck!
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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Join PCA if you have not already. You can join as an associate member without a car if you are looking to buy. There are several nice 968s in the "middle of the road" range that you mention advertised in "The Mart."
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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welcome cbm! Yes we are all nutty about this car <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
I think the general advice is to buy as much car as you can afford. . . you'll either pay up front for a spotless car or later for deferred maintenance on a car that's in less-good condition.
If you turn your own wrenches then doing the deferred maintenance becomes more realistic.
Anyhow welcome and good luck! If you get serious about a car give a post and somebody can go check it out. You will probably have to do some travelling yourself unless you are willing to be super patient for a local car - only 4600 were brought to the US so depending on your color/bodystyle/tranny/options preferences you'll have to look outside your immediate area - many of us got cars from afar (eg., I'm in Northern CA and bought a car from Florida).
whoohoo!
Sean - San Francisco
'92 coupe, white / tan, clutch LSD, early production car (#56)
(This post was last modified: 05-09-2006, 06:51 PM by
ether_joe.)
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Some great advice and thread reference here.
-Bart (1 week 2 day owner of a 968 and lovin' it!)
Late 94 968. 6 Spd, Black/Black, 17" Cups. Lowered & Koni[color="#FFA500"][/color]'ed. <i> 217k miles and clicking away more every day</i>
Could be for sale if you are interested in a good high mileage car - PM me.
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The PCA Quest Program provides you a 6 month subscription to Panorama Magazine, the club's monthly national magazine. You'll not only have access to hundreds of Porsches for sale by PCA members in Panorama's MART section, but you'll also gain access to valuable technical information about the cars through the many articles in Panorama. You'll also have access to the on-line Mart during your six-month subscription period.
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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[quote name='cbm' date='May 9 2006, 09:32 AM']Wow, thanks for all the quick responses. These cars seem to be becoming harder and harder to find, so I hope I can get one soon. I know all about buying a cheap car and spending more money on it than it is worth. I am looking for a middle of the road 968 as far as price range goes. I just hope I can find one in the condition I am looking for.
[right][post="20742"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]
The most significant expense resulting from the purchase of a new car is depreciation. Buying a 968 helps you lower your overall cost of Porsche ownership because the car you buy will not depreciate as much as a new (or nearly-new) Porsche either in total dollars or as a percentage of the purchase price.
That said, we who purchase used cars accept the need to expend money on repairs and maintenance....often immediately after the purchase of our car. I would budget 20-25% of the purchase price as the amount you need to be prepared to spend for "fixing-up" expenses. Despite this additional cash outlay, you'll have a relatively low cost way of experiencing the Porsche ownership experience!
1999 911
2002 Boxster
2002 Boxster (sold)
1992 968 (sold)
2003 Boxster (sold)
1976 912E (sold)
