Classic Porsche 911 Cost of Ownership: Is This 3.2 Actually the Cheapest Air Cooled Porsche To Own?

Here's exactly how much it cost me to buy and maintain my 1986 Porsche 911 over the past 2 years. 100% transparent info about repairs needed, how much they cost, what I paid for my 1986 Porsche 911 coupe in guards red and what my total, all in cost of ownership has been for this classic Porsche 911.

0:00 Start
0:20 What this video will cover
1:15 Background information on my 1986 Porsche 911 coupe
3:09 Classic Porsche 911 Cost of Ownership info
3:30 Acquisition costs (PPI, travel, lodging)
4:12 Michelin AS3+ Tires - cost to buy and install
4:40 1986 Porsche 911 Paint Correction Cost
5:00 Cost of major service #1
5:59 Cost of major service #2
6:37 Cost to buy and mount Yokohama Advans
7:09 Cost of major service #3
8:55 Total Classic Porsche 911 Cost of Ownership
10:12 Price of my 1986 Porsche 911 Coupe in guards red

[Rennthusiast]

The goal of these cost of ownership videos is to help those of you thinking about buying air cooled understand what goes into caring for these cars. I hope I’ve accomplished that goal.

[davidjaxonmusic]

Even with the cost of procurement, maintenance and mods...seems totally worth it in my opinion. It’s a beautiful Porsche.

[freedomworks]

Some of my happiest times of my adult life were in my 1971 911e and my 1977 911s . Loved those cars would love to have one again someday ….

[BBUB]

I'm the original owner of an '86 3.2. It's a three season car. Always garaged. About 18K miles. The car has cost me almost nothing outside of routine maintenance over the past 35 years. One injector, sunroof motor, and couple of other relatively cheap items. I don't think they have to be that expensive. Also had an '89 944 Turbo. Drove that one every day in all conditions. I did not have major expenses there either.

[elmandalorian]

When you work on them yourself, you can obviously save a ton and really enjoy the best part of owning a 911...great video 📹 👍!

[maccoolmac]

I do my own work and most of what you listed. Working in the garage is rewarding and a big cost savings. The forums, with great amount help, I can attack any project. The oil changes for five vehicles, that keeps me busy alone.

[victorrios]

I just got around to watching this video. Appreciate your openness on the cost of ownership. I really love my 993 but on track for $3k per year in upkeep. In comparison my 997 only needed oil changes over 3 years of ownership. For people getting into the air cooled game it is just good to get prepared for cars that are 25+ years old.

[peterjthompson]

What a great source for honest ownership advice for anyone thinking of buying a Porsche!

[jbear]

Will, clearly you are a perfectionist and your cars show that. Man, what a beautiful collection you have. You are truly an enthusiastic owner. Thanks for the sharing your journey with all your glorious examples. Envy...

[hnobody]

Love your videos and enthusiasm for the cars! Fwiw, we've had our 83 SC for just about 27 years, and it has run about 8-1200 bucks a year over that span (granted, I do everything but clutches myself). Of course, I would be embarrassed to park our car anywhere near any of your 911s ; )

[joejohnp]

Sounds about right Will. Whenever I buy a car, I always end up putting a lot into it initially to get it up to my standards, even with a solid maintenance history. On my 997 GT3, I put about $6k into it the first year I had it and then another $3500 the next year.

[TxGerman]

Another great video Will. My experience with my ‘82 is of course, different but the things you have had to do are all pretty normal and standard. Hope the PO had an engine out service included in his costs you mentioned. If not, you should expect to address more oil leaks, clutch, top end etc. Just part of the gate fee to play with these fun Pcars. My all-in costs are a bit more but I have done some much more extensive modifications and updates. I expect that, with the exception of mods, you may have a decent run of time before you have some of those maintenance costs I mentioned above, that should help lower your annual average cost of ownership. Thanks again for sharing the info!

[jonwarshawsky]

Thanks for sharing the detailed costs, really helpful. I bought a 1993 C2 coupe in September, and I expect a hefty initial bill from the Porsche dealer. But … love these cars!

[seandenny]

I think you did pretty good on your price and maintenance and updates. Maintenance just has to be done once it’s done you get the benefit of fresh rubber, fresh front end parts, fresh AC, weatherstripping upholstery. all that’s part of the age of the car no matter what if it’s a Porsche or a Peugeot. Besides we love the beautiful lines of a Porsche and you just have to decide yourself if it’s a priority and you appreciate a classic beauty and you’re willing to allocate your personal cash to maintain it. that’s how I feel.

[dre]

Thanks for all the detail. It seems as though most of these costs are startup, tuning and customizing to your preference (e.g., swapping out new tires). I expect costs will decrease dramatically going forward. I've owned and self-maintained my '85 for over 25 years now, and am certain it will outlast me and most people on the planet right now.

[looveruk]

Hi there, I do own a 3.2 in the Uk. A great car, I do believe in keeping on top of the maintenance. But the cost will always spiral when you get into the world of mods. But much respect for making these vids.

[EtonieE]

Hi cuz from 🇬🇧 As an ex-SC Sport, 930 Turbo and 964 -4,
l can totally agree with you on everything you’re saying 🙂

[oibal]

Thanks for this.
I've a 1996 993 C2 iris blue metallic, 66, 000 miles, 6-speed manny tranny, varioram, LSD. No CEL, no oil leaks. Multi-show full-concours winner. I do my own maintenance. I'm never selling it.

[rd_larry]

I've owned an '87 for around 10 years now and SC for the same. Both cars needed engine rebuilds and a host of other things during my ownership, but I've done every bit of it outside setting lash on a new LSD. I think the vast majority of repairs listed here, are ones that most owners can do without special tools, in depth manuals or previous experience. With a bit of effort (like a couple weekends) a very large percentage of the repairs listed could be done with the exception of mounting tires and possibly the paint correction. So for people struggling to find an affordable car in 2023, doing the items listed themselves can be make or break for owning an air cooled car.

[dbl]

Very informative, Will. I am still in the sorting phase of my 88 3.2 purchased in September. To date, about $1600 spent and I don’t have the bill for front sway bar bushings to cure an annoying squeak. Mileage is similar to your 86. They say you can’t put a price on happiness but sounds like $4-6k per year is a fair estimate.