[cbm]

I'm new here and new to the 968. For about the past two years I have been looking on and off for a P-car, starting with 944's, then onto 951's. I have found a few of those that I really like, but I would LOVE a 968.



I have been searching around here, on rennlist, and a few other places, but I am having trouble and I was hoping that you all would be able to help me with a few questions.



I have read about the pinion bearing failure, should this scare me away from a car, or just encourage me to get a lower price?



Other than that, is there anything else to look for? I know the timing belt/rollers/water pump issues are similar to the 944 cars. Any other large items?



The 1992 models seem to be more affordable than the other years. Is there anything other than the AC that causes this? Were there any issues with these first year cars?



If there is an FAQ out there somewhere, please point me in the right direction and I will stop with my silly questions. This seems like a great site and a wonderful resource.



One last thing, I am in the Chicago area in search of a 6-speed Coupe. Would consider pretty much anything but Red on Black. If you know of anything, let me know!





Thanks in advance.

Collin

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[RPM]

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!

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[GuardsRedCoupe]

[quote name='cbm' date='May 9 2006, 09:53 AM']I have read about the pinion bearing failure, should this scare me away from a car, or just encourage me to get a lower price?[right][post="20730"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]I think the general concensus on the pinion bearing failure is not to worry about what may or may not happen. The failure has happened to every model year car with no apparent pattern. Listen for the whine when you inspect a car, but don't sweat it otherwise.[quote name='cbm' date='May 9 2006, 09:53 AM']Other than that, is there anything else to look for?  I know the timing belt/rollers/water pump issues are similar to the 944 cars.  Any other large items?[right][post="20730"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]Yes, additionally, the Variocam should be checked. I think those items should cover you if you're not going to race your car.[quote name='cbm' date='May 9 2006, 09:53 AM']The 1992 models seem to be more affordable than the other years.  Is there anything other than the AC that causes this?  Were there any issues with these first year cars?[right][post="20730"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]There were a few slight changes that were made over the four years of production, but they were all minor. (glove box in engine bay, front seat styling, back seat styling, rim style) There are slight price differences between the years, but it is usually just due to the age.[quote name='cbm' date='May 9 2006, 09:53 AM']If there is an FAQ out there somewhere, please point me in the right direction and I will stop with my silly questions.  This seems like a great site and a wonderful resource.[right][post="20730"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]There isn't a FAQ that I know of, but there probably should be. We'll have to work on that.

Welcome to the forum!

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[GuardsRedCoupe]

[quote name='RPM' date='May 9 2006, 10:55 AM']No 1992 issues other than AC that stand out.[right][post="20735"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Air Conditioning? What was the AC issue?

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[flash]

92s run on r-12 and the rest run on 134



some other differences not mentioned include:



a slightly different intake manifold



the water neck on the block, as well as a hard pipe there instead of a hose



the additional lower belly pan rear of the oil pan



the cosmetic differences (hood and emblems) are subjective differences that, if damaged, would result in a diminished value, due to inability to replace them

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[cbm]

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.

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[RPM]

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."

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[ether_joe]

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!

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[barth7]

Some great advice and thread reference here.



-Bart (1 week 2 day owner of a 968 and lovin' it!)

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[cbm]

I will definitely join the PCA. I didn't know that I could without a car.



Definitely some great advice here.

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[RPM]

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.

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[VGM911]

[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!

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