1985 or 1986 911 coupe purchase?

[Goldfishy]

Anything I should be aware of in terms of certain problems related to these particular year models?

Also, because I live in the warmer So. Cal. area, anyone know if one's with A/C, can they keep the car cool?

[terryinatlanta]

These years are pretty solid and reliable.
The 1986 may have bigger A/C vents in the dash, but standard A/C is not very good. If you leave the car parked in the sun, the A/C may have trouble cooling it down. Some aftermarket upgrades are available to enhance the A/C but they can run you $2,000. I wouldn't pass on one because of the A/C. They are great cars for the money and they will last forever.

[Goldfishy]

Okay, thanks on the A/C issue.

I just remember many years ago, my boss had one, but said he wished he had the 1987 model, due to Porsche changed the clutch system?

I'm going off long term memory here.

[Pavlo]

Yes, in 1987 the transmission was changed along with the introduction of the hydrolic clutch, wich was much easier on your leg.

[glenncof]

I assume you made your decision by now but for others...

I have a 1985 Cab. with 170K miles. I've had it since 17K miles. Never opened the engine but the trany (915 I believe) has had major problems. This would push me to the 1987 which I believe is a Bendix tranny.

The '85 and before use brass synco's. Brass is relatively soft. ALSO, my shop put in Redline 80W90 Synthetic.. WRONG ! Use Sweepco 901 real oil. The synthetic is too slippery for the syncro's. I have had the tranny worked on 3 times at great expense.

Don't trust me. Do you own research on this.

[Lyle Abel]

I have an 85 911 Cab. I have had the air conditioner worked on twice. I have had the refrigerant charged at least twice. My air conditioner does not keep the car cool, even when working the way it should.

The clutch in my car is very difficult to use. My wife can't drive the car. I believe it is not a hydraulic clutch, but rather strictly mechanical.