26th Oct 2005, 15:54

1987 Carrera Coupe:

An absolutely awesome car! I drive it as often as I can which is not nearly enough. I've driven new 2005 sports cars from some American and Japanese manufacturers, but they all feel cheap inside, and are not anywhere near as fun and satisfying to drive as my 911. Not to mention that none look nearly as sexy as the timeless curves of a 911. It is now 19 years old, but can do 140 mph in 4th gear (it's a five speed). Super reliable, no rust even after 19 years, never any mechanical problems. I will never sell this car.

4th Jan 2007, 03:47

It's a great classic car, but saying "the best" means someone is a bit blinded. A Porsche in fact feels quite ordinary and non-exotic while driving (perhaps due to the driving position). However the engine sounds character-fully yet needs to be revved to get the right power. The steering is indeed the best I have experienced (having driven over 30 different cars). I also personally like the looks. Handling wise needs attention and does not behave as stable as some mid engined cars. All in all, a very good and well built car, but don't get lured by the badge and the legend - unless that's what you really want :)

6th Jul 2007, 21:11

So I'm getting the bug... before I get stung, can anyone tell me if at 6'5", driving a 911 is just not smart from a comfort standpoint? I've looked at a ton on line and notice that many have power seats...

Thanks much for any words of experience and wisdom.

John at ncsu1030@verizon.net.

29th Aug 2007, 03:26

To the tall guy: I'm 6'3", with a big build, and my '88 930 turbo has more than enough room. The guy I bought it from was taller than me. I can't see any comfort problems at all. Get one of these man, do yourself a favor!

1st Jan 2008, 21:42

I have an 87 911 Carerra Cabriolet "Turbo Look", and I'll tell you this is a great car. I spent a lot of money on the interior, and I changed the exhaust to SSI's with a K & N filter, Monty muffler and Steve Wong Chip. This is a great car to drive, and I just can't drive it enough. It has 96K miles and I plan on keeping it for as long as possible. I just bought it 6 months ago and I paid $27,000 for it. When I'm finished with it I plan on having $45,000 invested in the car and the aftermarket add ons. You cannot find a clean 87 911 Cabriolet "Turbo Look" with Tan interior anywhere. I decided to get this timeless 87 and use the difference in money to make this one exactly the way I want it rather than getting a newer one. It goes fast enough for what I need to do with it, and it consistently turns heads. If you are considering this car go for it. I am 6' 2", and this is a great car to drive.

If you have any questions please feel free... Dentron@aol.com.

7th Feb 2008, 08:54

Two years ago I bought a 1987 Targa with the Cassis color. It is a unique color a very light metallic color, which is attractive, but from what I'm told lowered the value of the car and that, plus 135,000 miles, let me get the car for 12,000 dollars. Since then I've put several thousand dollars into the car for a new AC compressor and hoses, a lot of brake work, a new (used) targa roof (which stopped a leak and gave me less wind noise), major maintenance and various other odds and ends such as shifter bushings, new heater fans, etc. The car is pristine, body-wise. There frankly, is no substitute when driving it. It handles and moves at high speed like a race car, which it is. If you want fun handling around town - get a Miata - which I had. But on the highway, there is no sports car substitute for a 3.2 carrera in my humble opinion. The newer 911s had their problems, I don't think I'd buy a newer one. Maybe a water-cooled one, but they have problems too. The 3.2 models were hand-made and it shows. If taken care of they can last forever.

11th Apr 2008, 15:56

I have a question. I just installed SSI heat exchangers, along with a Monty M-32 dual in/out muffler on my 1983 SC Cab. Performance is definitely enhanced but it is just too loud, primarily below 3,000 rpm. The rumble actually gives me a headache after a few minutes. Can I do anything to modify this muffler or do I have to switch?

Phil Williams

Victoria, B.C., Canada.

9th Jun 2008, 00:49

I'm 16 years old. And as my first car I recieved a 1987 porsche 911 Coupe. It's dark blue. I love it. After replacing the suspension and tires, it rides beautifully. Appearance wise, the car is very clean. And I'm 6 feet tall, and I have no problems with comfort.

3rd Nov 2008, 14:31

I love my 1987 911 targa black with beige interior! Have owned it since 1998, and for my taste is perfect as enough power for my taste without killing myself just a fun car to drive.

I did have to rebuild the engine due to cracked studs, which I replaced with raceface brand. Apparently this is a bit unusual for the 1987s; earlier 911" did have this problem.

Anyway the car is basically stock now with 148,000 miles, and I plan to own it forever. It's just so much fun to drive! I have a twin brother who owns a 1985 red 911 coupe, who feels the same about his. Oh the road feel is incredible.

26th Jan 2009, 16:14

Three years ago I purchased an '87 Guards Red Carrera Targa with 31,000 miles on it. Have since increased it to 51,000 and have enjoyed each and every mile. This is my third Porsche, and second Targa, and I remain convinced that the 3.2 represented Porsche's finest hour.

As another reviewer observed, the 3.2's were the last of the 'hand built' Carreras, and yes, it shows. If properly maintained, which granted is not an inexpensive proposition, these cars will outlive their owners. Over the past three years I have spent around $7,000 Cdn. on the car, replacing the clutch, rear shocks, struts for the hood and engine cover, together with a complete tune-up, valve adjustment and two new sets of Michelin Pilots. That said, the car is now close to its original factory condition, and runs like a top. Every Carrera edition has its ardent fans, but I will remain a 3.2 devotee to the end. So if you're even thinking about purchasing a 3.2, go find a good one, and a twisty road to match, and you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face!

6th Mar 2010, 18:29

I just bought a 1986 targa with 47,000 miles - got it for what I thought was a great price and love driving it - the car is in great shape - original paint whale tail and all original options - sold my Boxster to get this classic.

5th Sep 2010, 10:48

Just bought my 1st 1987 911 Targa, got a great price, the car has 90k on it, but you would not know this from the condition of the car. Putting Michelin Pilots on this week, new K&N air filter, and have found a Porsche mechanic in my area who has been an enthusiast and mechanic for 40 years, can't beat that, and he's honest!!! LOL.

30th Jul 2011, 18:56

1987 Carrera Targa: I have now had my car for three years, and cannot imagine ever selling it. I have owned a lot of cars, including other Porsches, over the past 40 years, and these are unique and special. These are like little race cars, and while you can commute in them, they are really intended for twisty mountain roads and tracks where you can wring them out. They love to rev; the power really comes on when it starts howling at 4,000 rpm. The non power steering and non power brakes take a little more effort than we have grown accustomed to, but you get fantastic, unfiltered road feel.

Modern Porsches are great cars, but they lost some of the magic when they started civilizing these beasts in the 90s. 1987-1989 Carrera 3.2s are the last and best of the original 911s. There is no substitute for their pure mechanical goodness. Buy one and have some fun!