For buyers looking to get into their first 911 the choice still comes down to the cars of the late ’70s and the ’80s: either the 911SC or the 3.2 Carrera. Even as the market for an air-cooled 911 accelerates these remain reasonable bargains, especially if your goal is to own a driver quality example, rather than a collector. With either model performance is capable and promises miles of smile-inducing motoring all within the classic 911 design. The example featured here fits these parameters well: a Meteor Grey 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera located in Michigan. The mileage is high (nearly 160K) and it’s the model year prior to Porsche’s switch to the G50 5-speed manual. For a collector those facts can be problematic, but for someone looking for a driver, they may be minor.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera on eBay
Year: 1986
Model: 911 Carrera
Engine: 3.2 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 159,585 mi
Price: Auction
This is a very nice 86′ Carrera in Meteor Grey Metallic with Beige Leather interior. The exterior is what I would call “driver condition.” The car has been repainted at some point but it does show well. It was not a glass out job so there is some paint on trim here and there. It is not a show car or an all original vehicle. It does however look very good and the car is quite presentable. The paintjob is an 8/10 and the interior is 9.9/10. The carpets are very clean, the seats are extremely clean, dash is crack free, headliner is nice as well. All of the gauges work correctly with the exception of the fuel gauge being finicky. The power moonroof works great, as do both power windows and the power driver seat. The power locks work as well. The stereo appears to be the only aftermarket component being a Kenwood cd player with USB/aux input. Also a battery tender has been added. Just plug in and keep your battery charged while in storage. The heat is in great working condition. The AC has not been tested but is believed to be in working condition, possibly just a recharge. The added factory options according to the window sticker are the Meteor grey paint, short shifter, power locks, power seat, moonroof, and the leather seats. It also has the lower front valence and original fog lights.
The mechanicals of the 911 are in great condition with only a few very minor issues. We want to be thorough however to accommodate out of state purchasers. The tires are Dunlop Direzzas that were replaced less than a year ago. They are at 95% tread. The suspension is tight with no clunks or rattles. The motor runs out very strong, does not smoke under acceleration or at idle. A puff or two at cold start as you would expect. Drips a couple drops of oil here and there but pretty clean underneath from what we have seen on other 911s. The transmission is what you would expect of a 915 trans. Shifts very good through all the gears. 1st gear does not like to be put in while rolling. Wait until you stop to put it in first. The car was equipped with a short shifter from the factory. Shifts are tight and crisp. It is a drivers car and definitely has a learning curve. I absolutely love driving it. The steering is tight and alignment is straight, goes down the road the way it should. Brakes are very good but the front rotors may have warped a little bit while in storage over winter. Small pulsation from front brakes rotors. Overall it is a very well sorted car that has been maintained religiously.
The pictures show the car very well and we have included many. Car comes with the original window sticker and temporary tag from where it was purchased in Arizona in 86′. Has 4 keys and the original books that came with the car. It also comes with a thick folder full of maintenance history from day 1. The car is very well documented throughout its life. The Autocheck report shows 4 owners and 1 accident. The underside is very straight as well as the body. This was likely minor and the reason for the repaint. Again, the car is best described as a well sorted, fully documented driver, it is what you would want in a 911 that you plan to drive and enjoy, and not let sit under a cover car in the garage!
The vehicle is for sale locally as well so auction can end at any time. Bid with confidence as I have represented the vehicle well. We are a dealer and must collect sales tax/title/plate fees so please contact me prior to the auction ending if you want to know what fees you will have to pay on top of the purchase price. Michigan residents will pay 6% sales tax, $15 title fee, $100 doc fee, and whatever your plate ends up being. Out of state is different for every state so contact me first if this is a concern. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping. We will work with your shipper to help them in any way we can. We can pick up from Detroit Metro Airport as well free of charge. Vehicle is available for local viewing just contact me to set something up! Thanks. Matt @ 313-550-3342.
This is just the sort of auction we like to see: lots of detail from the seller, ample documentation, plenty of pictures, and no reserve price. Meteor Grey is a nice shade for anyone looking for a 911 with a lot of subtlety, but without being too boring. I especially like it with this Grey Beige interior. The seller has presented the car as “driver condition” and that appears to be the case. It lacks the impact of many pristine cars, but is far from being a heap. Presuming proper maintenance the high mileage shouldn’t dissuade too many buyers as we’ve come across plenty of 3.2 Carreras with more than 200K miles. Bidding is currently at $15,600, which is a pretty good price for a 911 of this vintage. Given the condition and likely selling price this could make an excellent choice for someone looking to step into an air-cooled 911 and see what all of the fuss is about.
-Rob
