Key Indicators of a Low Mileage S?

[tfiv]

I'd suggest there is no "tell". Interior details usually tell the story as others have suggested. That said, one of the finest all original 911s I've seen had 100k on the clock.

For a low mile tale to have value all the stars have to align. And if the paint isn't original it's moot IMHO

[sithot]

Ta-Daaa!!!

We have a winner.

[2.2Lou]

I agree. I knew a guy who had an immaculate '73 911E in light ivory / tan houndstooth with approximately 100K on the odometer. He purchased the car from the original AZ owner who never followed closely in traffic and put towels on the seats and floors to minimize wear, and rock chips, etc. Incidentally, we pulled the engine in his garage sending a floor jack ghost-riding down his driveway toward his gold '71S... which fortunately missed by a few inches...

No car can be restored better than one that has been properly preserved.

[Rick Cabell]

Jeff never dared tell me about the flying jack down the driveway.

[Jay Laifman]

I think there is a common problem with Porsches being claimed for low miles, when they are on a second go round. This is compounded by the quality of the original build and the care that Porsche owners give their cars. I bought my '73 911 with 40k on the clock. But, I can tell you, at 80K and 140k, it really isn't that different. And at 120k, I could have easily claimed it was 20k, with original paint and interior, but with a "little" wear. And, for what it's worth, my car still has a distinct 911 smell - especially when I open the glove box!

Also, I could see how a car with 20k had a paint job. First, some people like to change the color, especially after an accident - and cars have been known to be hit within the first week of ownership.

As has been said above, at 20k, I would expect virtually no wear to the seat cord, the carpet at the threshold, or the pedals. But, more importantly as said above, without receipts tracking the mileage, it's hard to know for sure.

[911T1971]

Pictures of this presumed car and detailed paper history will tell more than a thousand words.

[2.2Lou]

Definitely not a "presumed" car. It was the real deal. I know that he didn't have any trouble selling it, and I'm sure the current owner knows what they have...

Hurried and high on coffee in his usual spastic behavior. We pulled the engine off the jack to lift it onto the stand, and then the jack began it's ghost-ride at a painfully slow pace. We just stood there in awe holding the engine for what seemed like an hour. Those who know the pitch of his driveway can appreciate the eventual speed..

Louis
#555

[NorthernThrux]

Seat time is the best indicator for car usage in general. If the driver's seat (and headrest) is original and the springs stills strong, that says something. It's trivial to unhook and lift the skirt of the lower cushion. It it's horse hair and felt pads under there and the is twine still intact, slightly compressing the springs, then the mileage may well be correct.

But low miles doesn't necessarily mean well maintained as people mentioned, so service records trump low mileage in my book. It's a relatively modern car. If taken care of, it will run well for a long time and many miles.

[John Straub]

I'm amazed how many low-mileage (under 60-70K) cars have popped up in the last two years...makes ya wonder. When I found my '67, it had only been driven from '67-'73 and then parked. It had 76K on it. Makes ya wonder...

John

[fromage]

phunny no one mentions seals and oil leaks...the common mantra is that with cars that are not driven often will develop oil leaks from deteriorating seals and gaskets if driven very infrequently... I've had my car from new, over the years there has been a need to get rid of a few oil leaks... although mine has been a daily driver in its' early years and now in "retirement" watching the value meter increase, runs and looks fantastic when taken out for some air