Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

356 Porsche-related discussions and questions.
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Adam Wright
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#31 Post by Adam Wright »

I did choose red once, decades ago, and have never regretted that decision!
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John Wurner
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#32 Post by John Wurner »

How else do you make it to red-white and blue?
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Tim Dawson
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#33 Post by Tim Dawson »

These cars a re a minefield as you already seem to know. Avoid anything with 'patch' repairs underneath as the internal box sections will likely have not been touched and will be rusty. My best advice is to save up a bit more and buy the best, with a documented restoration, or a definite Southern Californian history. You will save money in the long term.

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Jeffrey Vogel
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#34 Post by Jeffrey Vogel »

i concur buying a bargain car with needs is never a bargain, buy the absolute best example you can fund and enjoy it immediately ,
jeffrey vogel
driving since 1959
porsche 356 SC
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Timothy L Schabacker
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#35 Post by Timothy L Schabacker »

Aphorisms that may apply to your dilemma…

“Buy expensive: Cry once. Buy cheap: Cry many times.”

And:
“Its the stingy man who pays the most.”

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Wes Bender
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#36 Post by Wes Bender »

Also, "Cheap is not always the least expensive".
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.....

Chuck Allard
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#37 Post by Chuck Allard »

You'll remember the quality long after you've forgotten the price.

William Whited
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#38 Post by William Whited »

Your all the best !!

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Mike Smith
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#39 Post by Mike Smith »

3 - More for the Memory Bank

@@@@@@

`You cannot pay too much - You can only buy too soon`

`Sometimes it is the opportunity to buy, that is more important than the price`

You always remember `The Regrets`
Mike Smith (Essex - UK)

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John Clarke
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#40 Post by John Clarke »

I have always had to work to a budget on the many cars we have bought. But have always gone with a very strong 'Gut Feeling" , just like finding a house , You just know ! Like Adam finding 'Red' 😁 My problem is that You can't keep them all. And I let them go too soon before values have really soared. But that isn't what it's about. When You find the right car for You. You will know ! Of course finding an Expert to help You with Your find, is essential. But You will know. Good Luck Buena Suerte
Cheers Jay
 

William Whited
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase moving to a G series

#41 Post by William Whited »

Thanks Jay, Thanks to all that responded to all my questions.
Appreciate all your advice. I have had the pleasure to meet many enthusiasts and I would like to especially thank Ken, Kenny, Tom, Mickey, Chris, John, Al, Jim, Dennis and Cliff you all have been great. Expert and kind advice and love for the 356.
I have come to the realization that I’m too late to the party, my taste is a 120-150K 356 in the 2022 market but my budget is half that. I’m not a body man or mechanic so I’m at a big disadvantage. Cliff M. suggested a 912 but a good one of those seems to be also over my budget. I have owned three G body 3.2’s over the years a new 86 coupe in white no roof a new cab black in 88, our home was being renovated so I had to sell that one. I bought an 89 Coupe high mileage in black in 16 and sold that one in 2020. I’m close to making a decision on an black 87 Targa with 75k on the clock mostly original paint needs some sorting but rust free and in my budget I’ll decide most likely by Monday. I’m so glad way back when in 1976 I owned a silver with green Leather 64 356 C which I loved.
Thanks for everything,
Bill

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Adam Wright
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase moving to a G series

#42 Post by Adam Wright »

William Whited wrote: Thu Dec 08, 2022 11:52 pm Thanks Jay, Thanks to all that responded to all my questions.
Appreciate all your advice. I have had the pleasure to meet many enthusiasts and I would like to especially thank Ken, Kenny, Tom, Mickey, Chris, John, Al, Jim, Dennis and Cliff you all have been great. Expert and kind advice and love for the 356.
I have come to the realization that I’m too late to the party, my taste is a 120-150K 356 in the 2022 market but my budget is half that. I’m not a body man or mechanic so I’m at a big disadvantage. Cliff M. suggested a 912 but a good one of those seems to be also over my budget. I have owned three G body 3.2’s over the years a new 86 coupe in white no roof a new cab black in 88, our home was being renovated so I had to sell that one. I bought an 89 Coupe high mileage in black in 16 and sold that one in 2020. I’m close to making a decision on an black 87 Targa with 75k on the clock mostly original paint needs some sorting but rust free and in my budget I’ll decide most likely by Monday. I’m so glad way back when in 1976 I owned a silver with green Leather 64 356 C which I loved.
Thanks for everything,
Bill
The last great bastion of Porsche affordability awaits, the 914. $15,000-25,000 will buy a very nice example and man are they fun!
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William Whited
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#43 Post by William Whited »

Thanks, I thought about one of those. If I buy the 87 for what I’m hoping I may be able to get one of those
Ha Ha am I dreaming? I did see a nice 72 on PCA I really should go take a look, another road trip about a four hour drive for me.

Dave Erickson
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#44 Post by Dave Erickson »

+1 on the 914. Even 914-6's are to be had at reasonable prices: https://bringatrailer.com/porsche/914-6/?q=914-6

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Al Zim
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Re: Advice on a 356 Potential purchase

#45 Post by Al Zim »

914 We gave away or sold cheaply all the 914 stuff except for the steering racks and Transmission's We have a set of measuring devices to make sure the rear trailing arms are within specifications (this was a tool built for us) and some front measuring tools. Fuel injection upgrades to what we use on the 356/912 is possible, but no one wants to put big money in a 914 for obvious reasons. 912 is a vehicle that is less expensive on the initial purchase BUT extensive engine repairs ( adding an alternator and fuel injection bring it back to expensive). You have to be EXPERIENCED AND HAVE PORSCHE MEASURING FIXTURES to be successful. I would like to hire someone with 356/912 experience. Zim 800.356.2964
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