Customer Reviews

Illustrated Porsche Buyer's Guide (Illustrated Buyer's Guide)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book provides good, general information about the Porsche line of cars from the first 356 up to the '97 Boxster. Information is generally more detailed about the earlier cars (pre '80) and then the author(s) seem to run out of steam, adding only brief paragraphs to describe modifications during the more recent years. This is perhaps understandable, as all Porsche cars are evolutionary, with small changes being made over the years.

The book will be useful if you are just starting to think about buying a used Porsche, and aren't even sure which model interests you. If you have already narrowed your search to a particular model, then there are other sources of information. For example, there is a great webpage of the evolution of the 911 which contains most of the information contained in this book on model changes. The Early 911 FAQ website also has a lot of detail on individual model year changes, plus some performance information and a great section on the possible trouble spots.

This book will not provide enough information for the final selection of a good used Porsche. It warns of the most obvious troublesome Porsches (ie. 2.7L 911s) but lacks the details for some other common problems that are smaller, but potentially very expensive if overlooked. Consider the book a good primer, but definitely look elsewhere for detailed pre-purchase advice.

Book was very dissapointing. The author originally wrote the book a long time ago and claims to have updated information, but it is scare. If you want a Porsche from before 1985 the book is fine otherwise forget it.

If you are a new Porsche enthusiast and are looking for a basic background on the various higher production models this is the book for you. Like the other Illustrated Buyers Guides by Motorbooks this book gives a several page overview on each model produced describing the differences between previous models, the available options during different years, and general specifications on the model. If you are a seasoned enthusiast there is probably little information within this book that is new to you.

I found this book very useful in the search and subsequent purchase of my first Porsche. The book does not go into great detail about anything but focuses on the high and low points of each model. It reviews briefly the running changes made to each production model up to the Boxster and, most importantly, mentions the less desirable qualities of certain models and some of the trade-offs each model presents. For someone that is dead set on a particular year and model this book is of little help, but for someone who has a general idea of what they are looking for, a range if you will, then this book will provide the necessary information to narrow the search. All the pictures are black and white, but they are still fun to look at. This book is a must for anyone looking for their first Porsche and could well save them much money and hours of grief and regret on an uninformed purchase.

I was looking to buy a Porsche and was searching for a book that would get down to the 'nitty gritties' of each model, but alas it really just gives a basic overview of each model. It does not feature potential problems of certain years which a reader would be looking for.I found more about models info surfing the net.The black and white pics in this modern age of colour also make it look dated. It also took too long for the book to arrive (8 weeks), by the time it arrived, I had already bought and driven one for a month. So if you're going to order a book over the web to assist you in a purchase and live outside the US order early and order wisely.

I found the book pretty helpful in detailing enough of the differences between different Porsche models/years (I was looking mainly at 911/993s and 928s). I did read the other reviews criticizing the lack of specifics, but I haven't seen anything better out there. (Please let me know if anybody does find a better guide!)

Tsuan Li

This is book is not at all sufficient as a buyer's guide, but it would serve as a great first book if you want a Porsche model overview and are not sure you want to buy other porsche books. I use it all the time just to read up on different models. But the information is VERY basic. Another negative - all photos are black and white - color photos would very much improve this book. But there are very adequate histories of many models, so this book serves as a decent, quick overview. These comments refer to the fourth edition.

... and not more. You should not use it as a reference for Porsche models in history. However, it is enough information for people who only want to know about some facts like horsepower or fuel consumption.

This book has helped me choose the right Porsche in terms of a financial investment and driving enjoyment. It's a must for anybody thinking of buying a used Porsche.

This book covers porsche 911 models up to 1995. It does however cover the newer porsche boxters. The photographs provided are small, and lack detail. The technical specifications are scant. If you are a serious porsche fan, don't buy this book.