Porsche Buyer's Guides can be Very Useful
If you're thinking about purchasing a Porsche you want to do as much research as possible. One of the best ways to get intimately familiar with your potential new Porsche is to read through one of the many Porsche Buying Guides available online. These guides will not only provide you a history on the model you are reviewing for potential purchase, they will also provide a wealth of knowledge on possible problems and pitfalls to avoid when screening your Porsche for purchase. These books are not intended to take the place of a thorough Pre Purchase Inspection by a certified Porsche mechanic or independent shop, but they will provide you with a list of items and ideas specific to the Porsche model you may want included in your PPI.
I've listed below, in order, what I consider to be the best Porsche Buyer Guides available today. Each one is a little different, but should provide you with a comprehensive list of information. The series from Adrian Crawford is available as an "e-book" for immediate download, while all others can be purchased from Amazon (I've provided a link) or through your local bookseller. Click on anyone of the headings below to get more information about that particular Porsche Buyer's Guide or to purchase directly from the seller.
Porsche Buyer's Guides
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Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Buyer's Guide by Adrian Crawford
This guide is for 1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989 models. Inc the 911 3.2 Carrera and 3.3 Turbo, Targa, Coupe, convertibles both left hand and right hand drive. (This guide is useful to help asses post '74 2.7 and 3.0SC too).
"The Carrera 3.2 and 3.3 Turbo make excellent classic 911 motoring. With this guide you will be able recognize the merely 'pretty' from the great."
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Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide for 911 964 by Adrian Crawford
This guide is for 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 & 1994. Inc Carrera 4, 2, Coupe, Convertible, Targa, Speedster, Tiptronic, Turbo 3.3, both left hand and right hand drive.
"The 964 series was a big leap forward for Porsche, the result a more refined and sophisticated 911 than previous. Good cars if you find the right one, it's very important that you know what you are looking at."
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Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide for 993 by Adrian Crawford
This guide is for 1995 to '98. Including the Carrera 2, 4, Coupe, Targa and convertible, C4S, C2S.
"The 993 is the last of the air cool Porsche and is fast becoming a modern classic. 993 are generally very strong cars but its important to know what you are really buying and make sure it is genuine. The effort is worth it, a good 993 is superb."
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Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide for 996 by Adrian Crawford
This guide is for 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. Covering both 2 and 4 wheel drive, coupe, Targa and convertible, plus C4S and Turbo models.
"The 911 996 is an expensive car, therefore the detail condition will make a big difference to the value and desirability of individual cars. Generally strong, the 996 does have its weaknesses that you should check for. Irrespective whether you are buying privately or from an Official Porsche Centre it pays to know what you should look for and know the car is genuine. Its a lot of money to invest."
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Porsche Boxster Buyer's Guide by Adrian Crawford
"The Porsche Boxster is a great car, really good chassis, brakes and motor. Because they often appeal to young drivers they can get a hard life and suffer accordingly. I buy and inspect Boxsters week in week out. Irrespective whether you are buying from a Dealer or privately this guide will give you a 'head start'."
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The Used 911 Story, 8th Edition by Peter Zimmermann
"The eighth edition of this perennial favorite on the Porsche 911 is now expanded to 200 pages with over 200 photos. All air and water-cooled 911 models are covered in detail, from the first in 1965 to the 2005 997. The Boxster from 1997-2005 is also covered, along with the 914/6 and the new Porsche Cayman.
Peter Zimmermann spent 25 years as a Porsche mechanic and owner of Red Line Service in Santa Monica, California. A seasoned engine and transmission builder, he also has driven his Porsches in competition. He writes with authority about every aspect of every 911, plus the Boxsters and 914/6. His book has now been in print for 25 years and continues to be the "buyer's bible" for 911s." -
Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide by Randy Leffingwell
"From the seminal 356 launched in 1947 through the entire range of 911s, is examined for the benefit of current Porsche owners, prospective buyers, and enthusiasts who simply admire the craftsmanship and performance associated with the marque. An invaluable resource for anyone interested in purchasing one of Porsches classic sportscars.
Randy Leffingwell is an MBI best-selling author whose most recent works are Corvette fifty Years, Mustang Forty Years, and John Deere: A History of the Tractor. He resides in Santa Barbara, California."
