How To Buy An Air Cooled Porsche: 12 Tips For Buying Your First Air Cooled 911

Looking for tips for how to buy an air cooled Porsche (or really any vintage vehicle) without getting burned? 🔥
Look no further. Here are 12 easy-to-apply tips for safely picking up your first (or 10th) classic air cooled Porsche 911.
I've literally spent well over $100,000 buying, repairing and modifying air cooled Porsches. I've done some things right and I've also made some expensive rookie mistakes.
Learn from my experience and get air cooled Porsche buying advice to help you get the 911 that best fits your needs...and do it in a way that minimizes your risk and costs and maximizes your enjoyment of the 911 of your dreams.
I currently own a 1995 Porsche 993 911 and a 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 coupe and between these 2 cars, I've learned a lot about buying, maintaining, improving and modifying "the last of the air cooled" as well as the quintessential "cool" Porsche 911: the G body coupe.
In this video, I'll give you ideas for:
- Making sure you select the right air cooled Porsche 911 for your needs, whether it's the first or 10th example you're buying
- How to make sure you're able to keep the car on the road once you own it
- How to protect yourself in the purchase process
- What you should expect from an air cooled Porsche mechanic
- How to think about a PPI for any air cooled Porsche you're considering
- Tips for choosing the right air cooled mechanic
- Porsche 911 buying advice for acquiring a car from a distance
0:00 Start
1:27 Tip #1: Setting your Porsche 911 ownership goals
2:54 Tip #2: Research, research, research - where to find the info you need
4:07 Tip #3: The importance of a good air cooled Porsche mechanic
6:00 Tip #4: Air cooled 911 reliability
7:23 Tip #5: Be patient
8:39 Tip #6: Get comfortable with the remote car purchasing process
10:07 Tip #7: Balance patience with urgency
11:43 Tip #8: “Buy” the seller as much as you’re buying the car
13:21 Tip #9: Get a pre-purchase inspection
16:35 Tip #10: Set aside 5% - 10% of purchase amount for maintenance
18:32 Tip #11: Be ready to buy a 2nd Air Cooled Porsche
19:08 Tip #12: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice in the community
Useful Air Cooled Porsche 911 Articles:
www.pca.org/news/2018-11-27/p...
www.dmarge.com/porsche-911-bu...
www.superstreetonline.com/feat...
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About My Channel:
Rennthusiast (formerly Bavarian Enthusiast TV) is for the most part a Porsche 911 channel centering on experiencing air cooled Porsches, but will also feature other vintage, analog vehicles I add to the collection. The channel is the result of my deep passion for air cooled Porsches, my interest in the air cooled Porsche community, my obsession with modding, improving, buying and selling cars in general and my desire to put myself out there on KZbin and share these passions with other enthusiasts.
Porsches I currently own or have owned:
1995 Porsche 911 993 Coupe in polar silver
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera in guards red
2007 Porsche 911 997.1 Turbo in guards red (SOLD)
2009 Porsche 911 997.2 C4S PDK (SOLD)
Please subscribe to my channel.
My website: www.rennthusiast.com/
IG: ‪@Rennthusiast‬
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#aircooledporsche #buyingporsche911 #porsche911 #porsche911buying advice

[@briani3599]

Excellent video. These tips are spot on and wish I would have seen this years ago before buying my air cooled 911’s. Learned the hard way-follow these tips!

[@hnobody]

No. 8 is the key. Unless you're a collector or a dude with money to absolutely burn, join your local PCA, be patient and ask around within the club. The market is literally swamped with half-assed "dealers" and flippers who continue to artificially inflate the market price for cobbled-together beaters and pseudo-restos. Find someone who knows their car inside and out - the good and the bad - and be prepared to pay a fair price for the right car. Even better, look for people who have wrenched their own cars - they are most likely to have a car you can trust, they will know the real market pretty well in terms of price and value and they will attach value to a buyer who will love the car as much as they have. Every aircooled 911 has a story, the most important thing is buying your car from someone who knows as much of the entire story as possible.

[@oibal60]

I've a 1996 993 C2 iris blue metallic. Multi full-concours winner. I just completed the 60,000 mile service and it runs like a Swiss watch. 6 speed manny tranny (G50). I also changed the 0.45 Ohm ballast resistors for the oil cooler and HVAC. (What a pain.) I also changed both lower camshaft cover gaskets coz they were 'sweating' onto the heat exchangers. I've had people pull up beside me, at the lights, offering ca$h in a suitcase! Mine has an LSD and I've found that Mobil 1 75W90 LS turns the gearbox into butter no matter the season (winter/summer).

[@tu_alum5619]

Loved your 12 tips, all sound advice, especially number 11. Porsche says there is no substitute - and I would add, there is no cure.

[@danielwilliams9625]

Great advice. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrJobba1]

Great vid! I was in the same boat. I had a really nice 79 SC that I recently parted with. I really enjoyed looking at it, however, I spent way more time driving the 964. Personally I like the extra power from the 964,993. Good luck!

[@dedwardmalick]

Nice video. Spot on. I had 3 air cooled Porsche's. I had a PPI on my 80 SC by a shop recommended by the seller and it was a disaster. Live and learn. All the best.

[@walterbaransky8869]

Outstanding and informative videos with needed topics. Keep it up!!!

[@spencerkosior5672]

Great video! Totally agree with being very patient but also ready to rock. I looked for over 3years and I sent four 964s for PPI before pulling the trigger on my carrera 4! Tip #13 - Have fun!!! You’re on the hunt for your aircooled 911!!

[@aminmolavi]

This was excellent. Very useful for a newbie looking to take the plunge. Thank you!

[@nickmedina3674]

Great vid bro

[@wikster6630]

Great information in your videos. Much appreciated! Your video on your 2007 and why your selling it was in recommended list today. Subscribed after that and have watched several of your others. Great channel ! I've been a Porsche fanatic since I was 5 years old and got to ride in my uncles 63 356B. The 70's to mid 80's 911s are my favorites by far. Particularly the 930 turbos, all out of reach with what they're going for these days. I've never owned one, driven many, and hope to eventually have one in the garage. Congratulations on your cars and look forward to your future videos. Thanks again for the content and take care.

[@Rennthusiast]

Welcome to the channel, and thanks for taking the time to comment and subscribe. 🙏🏽 I have some good interviews lined up soon along with my Project 993 reveal videos and I am also working on a couple of other things that will hopefully be of interest.

[@TheLambo123254]

very helpful, thank you!

[@horologie]

This video was so needed on KZbin. Your channel is becoming one of my favourites.

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Excellent video, Will. I’ve had similar experiences with the two cars I have acquired. Equally fanatical as you are :)

[@john_dee1431]

Good tips on things like preparing to jump. Obviously spoken from experience.

[@claudiodiez55]

I bought a 993 Coupe in 2014 I sorted it out I love it . Best Car I ever owned but it's a risk on Maintanance.

[@benceccarelli5589]

Great video! I am in the market for a 996...but still great advice. I just subscribed!

[@tabblakely4987]

Very nice video!

[@brothajamessd1670]

I am currently getting my 1978 911 Targa together, and I can’t wait to get it on the road! Great video!

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@arighosal4809]

Hey Will another great vid 👍🏽. Informative and helpful. I ordered a 992 arriving in June. Owned 996, 997 and 991 before this 992. So never owned an air-cooled but would love to add one. My fave is 964. In fact a resto-modded 964 would be ideal. It helps to have a specialist where you are; for me in the DC area there are some but looks like you have a nice set up w/Dave @sonderwerks. Look forward to your insight into the air-cooled scene. Keep up the great work!

[@kofiofosu9051]

Super helpful

[@franknutt1876]

I have 2, like you a 993 and a 3.2. I’ve had 11 911’s over 25 years. They definitely get under your skin. We also have a KZbin channel. Keep you vids coming

[@ericknight9502]

I'll be honest, sometimes you drive me crazy, but this video was ABSOLUTELY spot on!

[@Rennthusiast]

😂👍🏼

[@jaygee2006]

@@Rennthusiast How about 1985 911 turbo look with 250,000 miles with a minor moderate accident with pictures very minor and California car for $35,000

[@pauldaly3589]

Yes, they get under your skin. I have a 993, a 912 (1968), a 930 (1979) and a project 911 (1977). Started out by restoring a beetle and fell in love with the simplicity of aircooled engines. I have had a few other porsches - a 1979 911 and a 928 S4, all great cars. Thanks for the tips, I broke many rules when I bought mine and I‘m still paying the price with the 930 which just has one issue after another, its not really sorted yet, should have, could have been more careful but got caught up in the excitement of possibly owning a 930.

[@shovel_head80]

Hey thanks for your valuable information because I am disabled veteran with limited resources so for me this is very valuable

[@toddadale]

Nice job!

[@ferdiford5041]

Good videos. Please make a video about the widebody porsche.

[@pecanthecat]

great video! we are learning so much about these air cooled beauties... you're making it hard to say goodbye to ours in the next few months. ummmph!

[@logicreversed18t]

I haven't begun to drink the air-cooled Porsche Kool-Aid, but I'm definitely starting to take sips, and, frankly, I'm terrified and a bit intimidated. Not just the price point, but there seems to be a shroud of mystery and a little bit of the "cool kids club," vibe. I appreciated this video, and it earned you a subscriber.

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy. Nothing to be intimidated by. I have found this community exceptionally welcoming. The shared passion for the cars has helped me connect with many people I now call my good friends.

[@nategibson6582]

Howdy man I hope you're doing well. Firstly great video but I was also curious if we could get an update on the FJ80 sometime in the near future. Great vlog once again!

[@Rennthusiast]

The 80 is great. ARB front bumper, leveling kit to get the front end up after adding a 2” OME lift. KO2’s. Great truck. I also picked up a 100 but am considering selling it and cashing in and just dailying the 80.

[@julesdoty4292]

I saw Jim Goodlett’s 930 and plenty of Targa Carolina decals! Excited to drive out to the Blue Ridge Ruckus in a few weeks. Great perspective and advice from a “real” owner. Thanks!

[@Rennthusiast]

Yeah man. It’s gonna be good. I’m excited myself. Beautiful area.

[@toddadale]

Really well done video. Like life; time and luck. Paperwork of the owner is key. Please pay the $400 for an expectation is KEY!!!! Not just drivetrain, but the 911 itself.

[@NickKlonizos-dq7ks]

I’ve used the same mechanic at the local dealership in my area for 30 years. I walk in the workshop and talk to him about my car (air cooled) all the time. So there are trustworthy dealerships. Just sayin….live your videos!

[@marklawrence6433]

Another great vid Will. Don't know about your side of the pond but over here in Blighty the price's seem to be crazy. Only air-cooled for sale always seem to be sorted, so cost a premium !

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks! Yes, it seems the same over here. I’m personally torn about buying right now. On the one hand, solid, documented, desirable drivers are at a premium and overpaying sucks... ...but do air cooled Porsches ever really depreciate? So who knows what the longer term reality will be regarding values but at the end of the day I think life is about doing what makes you happy, so I’m going shopping! 😂

[@SteveZhangRealEstate]

like the channel, i am a serious porsche fan

[@karlsinclair9514]

Great Video Will. I just got myself a great deal on a 993. Bought a LHD Porsche in the UK and then exported to Portugal. No one wants LHD sports cars in the UK. 😉. Top Tip.

[@davidmorais2394]

Yup. I’m awaiting delivery of a 86 targa SSE (turbo look) from Norfolk, England to me in Kuala Lumpur. Did PPI and virtual tour, driving video, detailed photos and videos for my local specialist mechanic to review. And pulled the trigger. In 5 days. They are shipping it out on Boxing Day. Fingers crossed!!

[@jcw9396]

My first 911 air cooled was an 89 3.2 with the G50 transmission. 170,000 miles on the cabriolet original paint , original interior and patina from the driving . No rust , new top converted to a manual up down . Car was accident free with full documentation and photos of complete power train rebuild . Lots of conversations with the actual mechanic . Car had a leak on the AC which ran about $250 for repair after a few weeks driving it in the summer . No big deal . Interesting comment from my local Independent porsche repair guy on the manual up down on the new top in which he commented it was a very smart decision as the shop can make a living on repairing the electrical up down on the cabriolets . I also own a 12 911 with automatic cabriolet and love both cars .....now looking for a turbo ......3.2 I have is driven hard and is bullet proof as suggested on this video but also by my mechanic.......by the way the shop I use for annual service all know the car and comment on how much they admire it and love it

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks for passing along your experience

[@y0057]

Good tip 👌🏿, I’d add. Do not let mileage put you off, just ensure if car is over 60k miles had its service accordingly and at 80k has had a full service on the 993 at over 100k a proper full service (likely engine out jobbie) as well should be put into consideration, per the 964’s the engine seal has been done, also ensure the suspension on them has been updated, exhaust heat shield checked etc else they emit smoke on the rear right of the car (due to oil sipping onto the shield to the exhaust leading to smoke coming out the rear right side), windscreen pillars checked for rust, horn does not bleep if braking or going over bumps( issue could be on the steering, O-rings), door hinge is looking good and no issues else can cost an absolute fortune to rectify, common issue on the 993 due to design fault. I would also suggest every owner of the 993 get the Haynes manual (Porsche Carrera service manual 1995- 1998) it’s got in-depth guide on the car even if just for information purposes. The older cars I echo every single word you mention as well. . Cheers and good luck with the next purchases. 👍🏾

[@surfside75]

In which country are you residing?

[@tallica4us]

Yay! I watched this after I just bought my 930 😆

[@johnash826]

Good video and tips. To be fair these tips could applied to any car purchase. Common sense!

[@Rennthusiast]

Common sense isn’t always common practice, though

[@emixmim]

Been watching a few vids on your channel. Very nice and informative. Subscribed!

[@Rennthusiast]

Great to hear. Welcome 🙏🏽

[@138Tuber]

Top man, excellent video. Really sound advice, clear and transparent. Every day is a school day, appreciate the information.

[@allanlai_]

Great tips. Knowing a good aircooled mechanic is really helpful. Also, it takes a lot of looking around and researching to know when a good car is worth acting upon quickly. Thanks for sharing!

[@flat6fever680]

Truth spoken my friend. And the underlying theme and operative word if you will is cash. Cash for the car, the PPI, the shipping, the deferred maintenance, the desired goodies, interior and exterior restoration, the inevitable repairs, etc. Not for the meek. But if you MUST have an air cooled 911.....🙄

[@butcherknife59knife46]

Great video. I bought my first 911 5 years ago. it was a 86 coup 80,000 miles and had no problems. I sold it a bought a 96 993 C4 cab and it been perfect too. I wanted a driver so I found a 01 996 and drove it for 2 years in the good weather months and garaged it in the winter. I sold it and found a 03 C4S and that car is fun also. But I have a love for Corvettes I now have a 08 C6 low milage one owner all receipts . I need to unload one of the Porsches. ??? which would you get rid of. Thanks Around Bend Oregon out!

[@sgttombailes3380]

OH!! How I feel SO Low selling my my 1980 911 SC!! and also selling my 1990 914 -6. However, I did buy a 996 Gen 1. Now as I live in the South. I do have great Air conditioning! With the 996!

[@raschert1355]

Good video and tips! I’d say the only one you missed would be in addition to saving money for repairs, save money for the rabbit hole you’re likely to go down once you see what others do to their cars.

[@Rennthusiast]

You got that right!

[@surfside75]

He covered that near the end bro.

[@ivanmejias6072]

AWESOME VIDEO, YES BUTT A 1995 AIRE COOL PORSCHE 27,00 MILES THIS CAR IS A CONVERTABLE WAS SITTING IN A GARAGE IN PUERTO RICO FOR 12 YEAR THE CAR WAS FROM THE STATES, LOVE YOUR INFO GOD BLESS WILL.

[@QBNTO1]

Great video. What sites do you look at for old air cooled Porsche's. .

[@Rennthusiast]

PCA classifieds, Pelican parts classifieds Rennlist classifieds

[@jong4939]

I just want to say thank you for this video. I like may others are smitten buy vintage 911's... I was fortunate to experience driving a 1977 Targa when I was a kid. It was such visceral experience it is burned into my memory. It has fueled my passion for driving ever since..

[@kevinvt4174]

First Porsche was a 67-911 S that I bought used and was a daily driver. When I traded it in on a 83-911 SC the 67 had just under 300k miles on it and the only engine failure with the engine I ever had was a rocker arm that broke and I still drove it home on 5 cylinders... The 83 also was a great car I can see why these cars are going for a fortune now engines were bullet proof. The 83 just had small stuff like sun roof stopped working one electric mirror same thing but overall great car.

[@tedjohnson64]

Great video! Suggested future topic: how hard (or easy?) is it to find parts for a 30 year old Porsche? I had a Toyota Tercel for 29 years. Toyota sold a ton of these in the USA but... after about 20 years it became impossible to find parts. Really common maintenance parts (pads, rotors, oil and air filters) were available, but... interior trim pieces and replacement rubber seals for the doors were unavailable anywhere. Is it the same for Porsches, or are there 3rd party firms who fill in the gap of making replacement parts that are no longer available from Porsche?

[@sunnohh]

Kind of, but everything costs a fortune

[@davetormey]

Great video and list! Do you happen to know the owner of the Cobalt Blue 964 in your cover image and some of the clips in this video?

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you. Yes, I do. He’s a friend of mine. Great car.

[@davetormey]

@@Rennthusiast Thanks for the response! I just saw your other video with the Cobalt 964 and Slate Grey 993 👍🏼

[@Rennthusiast]

Yep. Both are friends, great guys and have excellent 911’s.

[@victordenolf7128]

I just bought my first 1977 930 turbo carrera

[@Andy_T79]

Tip no1.... win the lotto!

[@Matt-ft2nz]

Great video BTW . Can you make a video , about having a Porsche Aircooled Collection and living in relationships with women , family ? LOL. Just teasing you I am too old . I buy any car I want and take a shit, but I guess this would be a helpful video for younger YT sooner or later. I am a water-cooled guy , needing me A/C here. Saludos desde Centro America.

[@Rennthusiast]

My buddy and I have kicked around the concept of doing a video about how to convince your wife/significant other that buying your first (or 5th) 911 is a good idea. We all know that there’s a process for doing that 😂

[@Knowledgedad]

Thanks for the info question Are all classics air cooled ? Also what is the best car to get ?

[@Rennthusiast]

1998 and before are air cooled. The “best” depends on your objectives. The 993 - made from 1995 - 1998 - is my favorite.

[@Rennthusiast]

Have more ideas for people trying to get into these cars?

[@NN-wd2vi]

I think a lot more gues into the first tip. Many first timers don`t know if they should go for SC, 3.2, 964 or 993. I excluded the F bodies as they are most often out of pricerange for curious first time aircooled 911 buyers. Also, why wont you consider SC? Its another experience than 3.2.

[@Rennthusiast]

Great point. Maybe a video in and of itself about deciding which generation to go for? 🤔

[@ZBone799]

@@Rennthusiast I’d dig that!

[@NN-wd2vi]

@@Rennthusiast Go for it. I have experience with a few G bodies and they are a different experience all of them. Most because of the fact that they are old and have had a different life. That said, I dig you channel Will. G body 911s is my dear hobby and I've been enjoying mine for some years now. I turn wrench on them myself, but I also do sporty drives and camping aswell. I identify myself with how you project these cars. I just felt the need to say this as I live on the other side of the planet and will probably not be able to say it face to face. Keep it up!

[@onlyfacts3101]

Just found ur channel I wish I can show u the rate Porsche’s that are Parker infront of this law firm Everyday

[@gideoncone6024]

There is a yellow 964 for sale by me for low price

[@royramdeen8864]

Lier.. you are becoming quite an expert on Air Cooled Porsche's. Great vlog. 🚘

[@74harleyd]

Another hot tip, check for tool kits, tire jack, gas cap and the spare immobilizer. You're gonna find out that these items are very expensive to replace...

[@shadeburst]

I was hoping for specific mechanical defects to look out for, that may be common in not well maintained cars.

[@Rennthusiast]

PCA and pelican have some good articles along those lines.

[@MIKEZG]

Tip Out of state taxs at the dmv, My 911 cost me $2600 in state vehicle tax..if you can try and buy local.

[@jekutube9]

Good tips, bought my 87 911 Targa in 91 (one mo. Before our first child - because we knew we would not do it afterwords 🙂) 28 K miles, had a Porsche dealer inspect it for $75… and widdled down the price another 3K (he wasn’t happy… but a day later he sold it to us). Still own the car, spring, summer, fall pleasure driving.. now it has 38K miles and still looking good in and out. Had to replace the Targa roof and recently got a valve job + miscellaneous things done ~ $3.5Kish. New tires, rear brakes. Some d-I-y projects (steering wheel o-ring). Past that I got to go for a drive…. Then eventually pass it down to my 30yr old kid who used to fall asleep with the sound of the engine… if he wants it.🤔. I’m one and done with air-cooled, maybe a newer model 4wd 911 daily driver.

[@williamtidmore8264]

I am new to your site and I hate to text. I an oral person and have a 911sc 1983 since 1987.I live 2 hrs drive fr Dallas

[@williamtidmore8264]

I cut myself off I do not have local help with my car. I took it to a large dealer in Dallas and 17000 dollars later and 7 months later I have a drivable, livable car but need help for future repair. Where in Dallas metroplex is good repair with reasonable prices. My car is not a sculpture but a driver I am not obsessed with car but enjoy reliability which took 7 months and. 2 tow jobs for drivable condition. I have oil leaks that were not there before recent work and a cold start problem with new part that should prevent this. Help on a good 83 911sc . In reason able9

[@williamtidmore8264]

Call

[@nunyabusiness4188]

Start saving for your second and third car. Rennthusiast - the preppy Magnus Walker.

[@davidmorais2394]

PS - I have been looking semi passively semi alert for 2 years or more. When I saw it, I knew immediately.

[@lkerh1]

All good advice, but the idea of patience, PPI and other related advice isn’t realistic in the current highly-competitive air cooled coupe market. If you want a nice car, you have to buy quickly and sight unseen to get a car. I sold my ‘87 Carrera 3.2 this past summer…in 15 minutes after the ad hit the internet. Multiple offers, no PPI, no test drive, all cash and more than asking price.

[@Rennthusiast]

I totally get it. I call this environment we’re in an “air cooled feeding frenzy.” What I shared are best practices. I think maybe negotiating a non-refundable deposit ($500?) to hold off other buyers for 3 days while you do due diligence on the car might slow the process down a bit for you as the buyer, at least.

[@lkerh1]

@@Rennthusiast yep, offering a deposit to slow down the transaction is your best bet. I agreed to a $1000 deposit while providing confirmation that I had good title, but that was the only contingency that I agreed to bc there were multiple other buyers ready to take the car sight unseen. Full disclosure, I listed my car on the PCA website so buyers had some comfort that my ad was accurate given my reputational concerns as a PCA member (as compared to the risk with other internet sellers).

[@Rennthusiast]

PCA classifieds are my favorite for the reason you mention. *Typically* reputable private sellers who have treasured their cars and who care about treating the next owner well.

[@dapperlygrungy3189]

Is an Air-Cooled Porsche a base 911 Carrera (non-S, Non-GTS, non-T, non-Turbo)? Oh wait... so air-cooled is a vintage Porsche? What type of engines are in current/recent 911's around 2017-2022? I'm also confused with 911 997 & 911-993 & 911 997.1 & 911 997.2. Why so many versions? Ugh... maybe I should just buy a new car. Do you recommend purchasing is used Porsche from a Porsche Dealership?

[@philipstarkman4945]

How did you make out with your chip you added to the 993

[@Rennthusiast]

I am quite surprised at the impact it’s had. I had low expectations and the throttle response improvement is actually quite noticeable

[@philipstarkman4945]

Was it worth it

[@Rennthusiast]

Yes

[@Whatabigyes]

If you could only own 1 air cooled, the SC or 993 ? Or something else but only 1. Thanks in advance

[@Rennthusiast]

Budget driven. The 993’s seem to be jumping up right now while the SC’s seem to be holding. They are both fun in their own right but a consideration is that the SC has the 915 gearbox which is a vintage, more antiquated-feeling transmission. I have always maintained that if I could only have one it would not be a 915 (although I do love it) So, my answer would be 993. They’re sooooo fun and gorgeous and now seem to be going up in value.

[@royramdeen8864]

I have a feeling he's going to say 993 🙃

[@gisi3392]

Very nice video and a lot of helpful tips. I would only disagree with the 5 to 10% spare money to keep in the backpocket. If you'd like to be safe, it's more like 15 to 20% of the purchase price.

[@Rennthusiast]

Haha you’re probably right, depending on what type of time period you’re talking about along with the condition of the car when you buy.

[@gisi3392]

​@@Rennthusiast If worse comes to worst you've got to spend it in one go for an engine revision. This can happen to any 30+ years old 911, independent from the overall condition of the car. Some of the aircooled 911 have gone through that already, which would be a big plus if you are looking for buying one.

[@Rennthusiast]

Exactly. The compression and leak down will reveal if it’s gonna need it. And best case it’s been done and documented and includes pics of the job.

[@kidnplaye4630]

If not the cars you buy it's the ones you didn't buy that you regret just buy it No looking back

[@eddiefalcon8316]

What is the best air cooled Porsche with respect to AC. I live in south Florida and need a good AC.

[@Rennthusiast]

993

[@eddiefalcon8316]

@@Rennthusiast which is the best 911 for backseat space (for kids)

[@Rennthusiast]

Hey Eddie. I have never put my kids in the backseat of my 911’s as I mainly use them for solo errands, rallyes and solo road trips. That said, the dimensions of the older 911’s are pretty similar to one another. Small, tight and great for a couple of bags. The newer cars are much larger all around so you may want to look in that direction. Also, go search Rennlist. I have seen conversations about this topic there. Good luck.

[@eddiefalcon8316]

@@Rennthusiast I still have plenty of time to look. Not in a rush as my kids are still quite small and I’m hoping prices will stabilize. It would only be for short runs. My daily is a mustang convertible and the kids fit just fine

[@Rennthusiast]

@@eddiefalcon8316 yes the market is nuts. I’m publishing a video next week about the 7 reasons you should buy a classic 911 in spite of the sky high prices though. 😄 Stay tuned, and thanks for watching.

[@bill2953]

I've owned two AC G-Series.. My 1986 3.2 Carrera handled better than my 1983 Euro 911SC but the SC was a rock. Today they're worth twice what they sold for.

[@dasboototto]

Don't worry about high milage.

[@jonathanyarbrough1251]

Can you define a "good PPI"?

[@Rennthusiast]

In an ideal world it’s one that first of all catches any major systems issues 🤔 In all seriousness, though, I have had really good ones done in the past with the shop providing video of the mechanic walking around and underneath the car on a lift, pointing out issues. Also, compression, leak down tests for engine health. Look for signs of an accident or rust or really anything that doesn’t line up with the story the seller has given you. At the end of the day, though, there is still obviously exposure as things can get missed like in my case.

[@jonathanyarbrough1251]

@@Rennthusiast Okay, so I haven't bought my 1st one yet but I am real close so I was thinking I wouldn't know what's considered a thorough list of items to check off and what's basic.

[@Rennthusiast]

I would say based on my experience get as much info as possible. Don’t skimp. They all need something and you really need to know what you’re getting into.

[@co3476]

made the mistake of buying a fucked up 930. Spend 60k+ in the first year. Expensive mistake!

[@Rennthusiast]

I feel your pain. I think these stories are more common than people want to admit.

[@kidnplaye4630]

Owned 4 air-cooled incl 2 930 turbos If it feels right buy it No buying with committee for me

[@Rennthusiast]

Lots of junk out there these days. Gotta be careful.

[@theadvocate1925]

There seems to be a never ending supply of a$$holes that are willing to overpay for a air cooled 911. These cars just aren't worth it but like sheep, they have more money than brains. I have the cash to buy one today and would love to own an AC 911 but refuse to jump off the bridge like every other idiot.

[@Idutchman]

I always think, besides the content, that's a nice Daytona. Money on the wrist. Enjoy :)

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you. I love these watches like I do these cars, partially bc of the value retention/appreciation.

[@Idutchman]

@@Rennthusiast Same buddy. I have the same Daytona, but with black dial. They sure keep their value :)

[@steviedee71]

Tip number one make sure you have about $600,000 in the bank 😂

[@carlosdorantes3105]

Step One: Become a multi-millionaire......... if you don't believe be, look at the prices....... :(

[@Rennthusiast]

Lol you’re not lying

[@krisztian007]

Air cooled Porsche 911 was said 113 times.

[@brianbearden3791]

Tip #13: Don’t gas up at Wal-Mart!

[@thedude579]

Inspection tip: An aircooled P will make a singing noise/sound when closing the door without your hand on the door. If the doors do not sing, do not buy.

[@realdata1378]

Here's a tip - don't buy one because the 911 is the poor man's 928. Sorry - I gotta call balls and strikes. the 928 was European "Car" of the Year 1979. No other sports car including the 911 has ever won "Car" of the year. The 928 has won 2 production car land speed record at Bonneville (1986 and 2020) - the 911 has won none. Magnus Walker has started his 928 collection - its Now or Never for the 928 still the biggest bang for the buck in Porsche's line up.

[@kidnplaye4630]

You don't hammer air-cooled 911 rides

[@Rennthusiast]

Sure you do instagram.com/tv/Cb0QhOwjksT/?

[@kidnplaye4630]

I hammer my 🐅tiger 65 347 5 spd 391 locker 4 wheel wildwood brakes 990 kilos never my porsches

[@Rennthusiast]

Different strokes for different folks