Hey guys, I'm a potential new Porsche owner looking to learn more about the 911. I've been saving up for a couple years to get a car to learn to race with, and would love to make it a Porsche. If it's feasible. I'm hoping you can help with advice. I've read some good things about the 911, but am curious what I'd be looking at for an investment. A friend of the family has an '89 911 Carrera Coupe, which I think they're looking to unload. It sounds like it has some suspension upgrades, and around 60k miles.

Can anyone give me a ballpark?

What should I be worried about (besides the HVAC)?

Would that be a good car to start with, or would you recommend something else?

Appreciate any and all opinions. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Also, what is this "PPI" check I keep reading about?

 

An 89 is a great car. Last of the "mid years" before big change with the 964. Not sure what you mean by worries with the HVAC. A/C in 911s have never been considered excellent until the newer cars. The heater will roast marshmellows though.
An 89 with 60K miles in very good condition should be 20,000+.
A PPI is a Pre Purchase Inspection, and should be done by a Porsche shop, not a dealership.
You should not consider a Porsche as an investment unless it's a 356 Speedster or a 73 RS!

Also....Check out Pelican and Rennlist.... As great as 6speed is for newer Porsches, the 911 board is pretty quiet

 

Peter Zimmerman has posted a good PPI Checkist on the Pelican Parts BBS as a reference. Not all shops perform the same level of review/inspection, so it is best to understand what the shop is going to do.
My personal opinion is that the engine needs to be in really good shape as it seems to be the most expensive item to repair. I took the AC out of my 82SC as the cost to make it work well would have been around $2,000. I would rather spend the money on more important things like getting the brakes refurbished, rubber lines replaced, stopping rust spots and suspension updates. All of which can be done with patience and some mechanical skills and decent tools.
These cars are a blast to drive and being able to work on them is fun and rewarding as well.
Regarding value, check out Excellence Magazine's website. They run stories annually reviewing value of older cars.

 

As has been stated, these are great cars. PPI should include compression and leakdown tests, to be sure you are not buying into an engine rebuild.
Drive it, and you will immediately know whether it is the car for you.
dhc

 

Those are awesome cars. I agree with dhc3. The most important thing is the engine. Leakdown and compression are key!