1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 review from North America

Fuel pump failure.

Mass airflow unit failure.

Window switch failure.

Electric window motor failure.

Heater has unresolved issues (perhaps control unit failure).

Rear spoiler linkage failure.

A few easily fixed oil leaks.

Also, one small rust bubble has appeared near windscreen base.

Seats have worn, and the convertible top replaced after normal wear, tear and age.

The best car I have ever owned. Vault solid, even as a convertible. Zero interior squeaks, rattles, or annoyances. Still on its first clutch, and no suspension wear, clunks, or looseness... with zero replacements! Disc brakes last roughly 80,000 miles, pads 40,000-50,000.

The convertible top detracts somewhat from the classic 911 shape, but it's still among the best looking cars on the road. Thanks to the dark color on my car, the front and rear bumper caps also appear much better integrated with the body, and modernize the shape just enough. Compared to Nissans, Subaru’s, most modern BMWs, etc the 911 is simply in another league. Beautiful, desirable and perfectly proportioned, almost any other sports car looks juvenile, especially with recent air-vent-madness striking down otherwise decent designs.

Handling is very nimble and predictable, with fantastic grip out of corners. Car feels light, yet solid and very German. Just rockets down straights, but is still interesting dawdling around. A replacement aftermarket mass airflow unit from Vitesse Racing added (by seat of the pants AND dyno readings) about 30 BHP across rev range and improved throttle response, although the car never lacked in either regard. Even mileage appears improved, with never less than 23 mpg per fillup.

Engine loves to rev and feels perfectly broken in at nearly 170,000 miles. Oil consumption is slight: one quart every 5,000 miles. (This is in part from regular oil changes, Mobil One and sympathetic driving - flogging the engine only after warm, not overheating, etc)

I'm constantly amazed at how space efficient the design is... Two people plus luggage for a week in a car with a wheelbase less than a MGB. And this, with a 3.6 litre engine, spare tire and a 20 gallon tank. Incredible.

Gripes: Road noise surprisingly bad on rough surfaces, and especially as tires become worn. Front end gives up grip early in slick conditions. Windshield washers from a different era. Rear suspension noticeably more stiff than front, and can really thwack over sharp bumps or ridges.