I owned an '82 911SC.  The tranny in anything before '84 sucks.  The 1-2 shift is super slow.  I never got past hating that.  Oh yeah, did Adam say they were EXPENSIVE to maintain/repair?  I don't think he even sold it hard enough - they are RIDICULOUSLY expensive to repair, so much so that you will quickly figure out that you are spending WAY more money than you'll ever get out of it in resell.  I know that's true of all cars, but until you see the Porsche parts or repair bills, you can't believe the difference.  If you're married, save yourself the arguments, because your wife ain't going to be happy with that first big repair bill that hits... and it probably won't be the last. But hey, if you're filthy rich, go for it.  Other than cost, the fact that the cheaper ones from the 80's aren't very fast compared to modern standards and the bad tranny design before '84, they look fantastic and handle (at least the 911s) like a slot car, ahnd have an overall tightness you just won't get with a Vette, even a C6.    And, when you want to bring the rear end around, you can do so with ease.  A lot of fun to drive on the twisty roads.  So, don't take me as a Porsche hater.  They are very neat cars.  It's just too easy to get drawn in by a fairly cheap selling price and not realize that the selling price will probably be less than your repair costs, if you keep it a few years.

p.s. If you ever consider a 911 turbo, you need to know that the owners I've talked to say the turbo required rebuilding about every 12,000 miles.  No kidding!  And, of course, not cheap.

One plus of owning the Porsche was that, by comparison, I now feel like a small-block Vette is the cheapest, and easiest to work on and get parts for of anything I could have bought.   If you think stock Porsche parts are expensive, just price high performance parts, they are through the stratosphere.

Love my Vette!!!

Amen Brother, Chesh has got it nailed. I had an 82 911 and doubled

Ok, time to think im nuts..  I bought it..  The only thing my wrench (who is a certified Porsche wrench) saw that needed attention was a bad speaker in the radio..  It didnt even need an oil change or a coat of wax.  Pix as soon as the rain stops..

Congratulations,enjoy they are a blast, take your time learning how to drive the 911 they behave differently than any car you have ever owned. Can't wait to see pics.

Todd, I was told these things are really easy to bring the hind quarters around..  BTW, R U a pilot (767rep)

As 767rep mentions above, beware of the trailing throttle rear-end swap.  By this I mean that, it's a little opposite or just more intense from what you're likely used to - if you let off the gas in a turn, the rear-end will come around REAL fast.  The solution, gas it.  If you're going too fast to allow that option, you've got a situation on your hands.  I was once heading down a highway entrance ramp at a high rate of speed, got a little cautious and let off the gas and suddenly was sliding it around at about 80 mph.  Didn't wreck, but it was a valuable scare/lesson that, of you're going to push that car, the accelerator is your friend.  Just gas it and it straightens right back up.  As hairy as it sounds, driving that car hard is a blast, for that same reason  

Have fun with the new ride! 

Chesh - The Porsche club out here has a driving clinic aimed for new owners.  Trust me, Im going..  This will primarily be a Friday to work/Sat to the beach in nice weather car..  BTW, I also have an 81, Howd ya get 400hp outta that thing?

Wish you many miles of enjoyment and by all means get some driving

Hey Kevin, when I had my 911's I went to many track days and also spent a lot of time with their instructors,really knowledgeable drivers, have a blast. Not a pilot, maintenance supervisor.

Kevin,
Congratulations on the purchase. You are in for a lot of fun. Once you really start pushing it, it really is like learning to fly...lots of nervous moments but quite the feeling of accomplishment when you get it mastered. They are a different animal in the rear end. Many things are indeed opposite of what you expect. Throttle control is everything while cornering. You are in for a great treat. Most of all have fun!

Scott