Talk me in off the ledge!

sand_man · 03-17-2006, 10:19 AM

I need some advice. Or maybe a new perspective. I'll try to keep this short. Here's some background:
I went from driving a highly modified 2002 VW GTI VR6 (coil-over suspension, cams, exhaust, chip, short shift, wheels, body mods, etc.) to a 1987 930. I paid a serious premium for a pristine example. Mid thirties if you must know. My car really looks like it drove off the showroom floor. It passed PPI with flying colors. Everything works. For the first 2 months, the 930 ran like a Swiss watch...never missed a beat. Then the typical oil leaks started. Then the OEM turbo went bad. Then the OEM clutch went bad. Then the oil leaks really started! Then the engine began running horribly. I bought the car at 39,000 miles and at 42,000 miles made the decision that ENOUGH was ENOUGH. I decided to pull the engine, completely disassemble it, and sort this mess out. After investing nearly $15K in machine work, mods, parts, supplies, etc. I'm finally getting ready to begin assembly of the new engine. The engine has been brought back to specs that far exceed those of the factory! To be honest I love this car dearly and it's getting the engine that it deserves. However the experience has really left a sour feeling with me. I only got a short while with this car to enjoy it before all hell broke loose. In the process of sorting this car, I'm afraid some luv has been lost. This car is my daily driver and I've spoken to many who drive their 930s daily with no issues...so I know it can be done. I'm afraid that I'll be holding my breath the entire time that I own and drive it. Just waiting for the next disaster. I'm hoping the loving feeling returns when I finally get ready to fire it up.

My problem is that I can't possibly recoup my investment now. And just so that we're clear, I didn't purchase the car for investment potential...I bought it to drive. After spending the bucks on the engine, I've probably only added $4K to $5K to the overall value of the car. I know better than anyone how the mod game goes come resale time. So my question is this: Do I keep the car, drive it daily, enjoy this fantastic new engine, and just maintain it until I can be buried in it? Or should I take my lumps...button up the engine, and sell the car with a fresh new engine? Just get out of it. On my short list is a 2002 (maybe newer) BMW M3. I know most will say that the M3 will make a better daily driver, but I've owned many old German and British "Sports Cars" over the years and have driven them all daily...so I sort of dig the rugged hairy-chested appeal of the 930. I don't need a lot of amenities. In fact, I decided to pull the A/C out of the 930.

Anyone here ever felt this way? Help a brotha out!

Thanks,
Jeff

Paul T · 03-17-2006, 10:27 AM

Keep it - and post a pic!

mschuep · 03-17-2006, 10:35 AM

it can't rain all the time
I'd keep it and drive it like you had planned.

sand_man · 03-17-2006, 10:41 AM

PS: That's not my tag on the @ss end

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

First, it's a 19 year old car. No dig intended, but I always think it's funny when people buy a low mileage 20 year old car and thing it will be as good as a 3 year old car low mileage car. Sitting and infrequent driving takes its toll over the years - regardless.

AS for the money invested, I invested MUCH more in a 78 SC with a 3.6 conversion and sold at at least half what I had in the car just in parts! I had to sell due to smog issues in CA and the fact I'm moving to a very warm climate and the car did not have AC.

If you love the car, keep it. I personally believe BMWs are more of a headache and less DIY than P-cars, but that is just me. I would NOT remove the AC if it works for a daily driver.

Porsche virgin · 03-17-2006, 10:43 AM

Your love for the car will return as soon as the turbo kicks in!

mschuep · 03-17-2006, 10:44 AM

yes, you must keep it. IMO, '02 M3's don't look nearly as good as your 930...

Neilk · 03-17-2006, 10:44 AM

Keep it, it's a great looking car.

You are worried about losing money on your car? Whatever you spent on it plus repairs should be compared to depreciation on a new car? How much did you loose on the GTI?

sand_man · 03-17-2006, 10:46 AM

Thanx guys!!!! I feel better already. As for the GTI, I do all my own wrech work, so I was able to pull all of the mod parts off and sell them on the open market. I keep everything that i remove. Same for the 930. However, I did incure some depreciation with the GTI! HAHAHA!

sand_man · 03-17-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pbs911
First, it's a 19 year old car. No dig intended, but I always think it's funny when people buy a low mileage 20 year old car and thing it will be as good as a 3 year old car low mileage car. Sitting and infrequent driving takes its toll over the years - regardless.

AS for the money invested, I invested MUCH more in a 78 SC with a 3.6 conversion and sold at at least half what I had in the car just in parts! I had to sell due to smog issues in CA and the fact I'm moving to a very warm climate and the car did not have AC.

If you love the car, keep it. I personally believe BMWs are more of a headache and less DIY than P-cars, but that is just me. I would NOT remove the AC if it works for a daily driver.

No dig taken! I asked for your opinions. As for the low mileage thing, it's the biggest lesson I've learned with these cars. I've said it before, driving a low mileage 930 is like opening the mummy's tomb! It's been a hard lesson to learn

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Fresh engine = keep the 930. I'd consider AC mandatory for a daily driver so why remove it? BMW = yawn.

cardsrule · 03-17-2006, 10:56 AM

Jeff,

I know what you mean, i got my 79 930 about two years ago and its spend a year of that time in the shop. To tell you the truth it has been well worth all the time and $$$. It might suck now but when its finished its going to be bad a$$.

You are right if you sold it now it now you would lose money but if you hold on to it for 5-8 years you should be able to make some money. I can't see a M3 doing that. And on top of that i don't know anyother car that out preforms a modified 930 for the $$$.

Stick with it, you will be happy in the end.

Scott

Don Ro · 03-17-2006, 10:59 AM

sand_man: " '87 930 - GP White (what have I gotten myself into)"
.
I say keep that sweet rig, Jeff.
After it's sorted, you'll have gotten yourself into a (relatively-speaking) new '87 930.
Just what you wanted. Right?
Commit to keeping her and your experience of assembly of the new engine, and thereafter, will be transformed.
My $.02.
.
'Been in your boat a few times, myself.

goat · goat's Garage

keep that beast!
sounds like you sorted out the engine stuff. I could see how one might feel dissapointed in your experience once you have her back on the road and driving it you will be very happy.

tabs · 03-17-2006, 11:12 AM

U shoulda asked this question BEFORE U sank the money into the car, now its too late...you commited yourself to it. Nothing wrong with that, as with all OLD cars there is a certain amount of maintainence also read as aggravtion associatied with the beast I think you'll have a period of dialing the thing in and then its just the normal wear and tear. I'd say pick yourself up a beater, so U don't beat the Beast.

FrayAdjacent911 · 03-17-2006, 11:13 AM

Keep it, at least for a while longer. Now that you're getting it all back together, you'll have a TON more peace of mind with it. If anything fails, you will only be able to blame yourself.

I think once you get it back together, and running great, you'll enjoy driving it. I enjoy driving my busted up looking crappy 1969 911 about as much as I enjoy driving my modern car. Definitely has more character.

Dixie · Dixie's Garage

Honestly, I think you should sell it. With no malice intended, I can say you are not cut out to be an old-car owner.

As stated before, what you've discovered is a nineteen-year-old car makes a crappy daily driver. The Porsche will have more issues unless you completely restore the entire car to 100% new condition. And then you'll really have a fortune invested.

Cut your losses now. Sell it to someone who likes old cars, and understands they are finicky. Then go out and buy an '02 or newer M3. You'll be happy. The person who bought the Porsche will be happy.

pwd72s · 03-17-2006, 03:07 PM

I'm with Rob on this one. Take it from a guy who just sent in his PCA dues for the 39th time...there are toy cars, cars you play with. Then there are "appliance cars"...cars used in much the same manner as a fridge or a washing machine. Get yourself an appliance car, and the time spent with the toy car will be less of a frustration and more fun. An appliance car need not cost a mint, either. Think used luxobarge...Lincoln, Caddy, Buick. These depreciate like crazy, and the social security check set is who buys them new, so you know they weren't out there on Saturday night involved in the rice car races. Plus, they have HUGE trunks and back seats for parts & tool hauling. Good luck!

sand_man · 03-17-2006, 04:31 PM

All points well taken. I openly asked for your advice (read: not wearing flame suit) and I truly appreciate it. In fact I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to read and respond to my plight. However having owned and driven DAILY a 1955 Austin Healey 100-4, 1962 23 Window Deluxe Micro-Bus, 1964 Porsche 356C, 1969 MG-B-GT, and countless other pre 1970 vehicles (some in pathetic condition), DOES INDEED make me "cut out to be an old-car owner"!!!!!!!!!! And I think your comment, Capt. Carrera, was indeed intended to be malicious!

I don't believe in keeping a garage queen, although my car does look like one. There's not a mark on it...so "completely restore the entire car to 100% new condition" as the _____ Capt. Carrera suggested, is not really necessary. I don't think I'm being unreasonable in expecting the engine to last more than 42,000 miles before needing a complete overhaul. On second thought, now that I'm totally rebuilding the engine at 42,000 miles, I guess I was being unreasonable! HAHAAHA! I'm just frustrated and needed to vent. I was really just wondering if anyone else had gone through a similar experience. I like your idea pwd72s and once the dust settles in my checkbook, the next "upgrade" that I'll perform to my 930 will be a beater to drive around.

sand_man · 03-17-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Capt. Carrera
Honestly, I think you should sell it. With no malice intended, I can say you are not cut out to be an old-car owner.

As stated before, what you've discovered is a nineteen-year-old car makes a crappy daily driver. The Porsche will have more issues unless you completely restore the entire car to 100% new condition. And then you'll really have a fortune invested.

Cut your losses now. Sell it to someone who likes old cars, and understands they are finicky. Then go out and buy an '02 or newer M3. You'll be happy. The person who bought the Porsche will be happy.

I've read this about 100 times now, and this is the most patronizing folking post...