911SC for me - good deal or not?

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've been out of the P-car loop for a while, so I'll throw this out to the PPOT thinktank. Found a 1983 911SC targa for sale locally. 104k, recent alternator, plugs, wires, ignition switch, valve adjustment, gearbox seals. Momo wheel, upgraded stereo. Full records, maintained for the last 4 1/2 years by the best Porsche indie in town. Copper-ish red over cork interior, looks to be very clean. I have not test driven it yet. Per the owner, the only issues are a removed A/C belt because the A/C wasn't blowing cold and it will need new rear tires in the next 5k. Asking $10k, MUST SELL per the ad. Thoughts? What's the going rate for a really nice SC?

[rammstein]

I thought 911s didn't have A/C?

[onewhippedpuppy]

In this case, A/C = ballast. When I sell it, I can write "A/C blows warm, just needs freon!" like all the other BS ads.

[porsche4life]

See how bad he needs to sell it and lowball him. If he really needs cash he will take less.

[vash]

without a pic, from the description 10k sounds like a fair price for the buyer.

DO IT! (you know you want to)

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

See how bad he needs to sell it and lowball him. If he really needs cash he will take less.

Pretty much my plan. But I'm trying to establish what a nice '83 SC Targa with 103k is really worth.

[mikester]

I think 10k is too high for an average SC (assuming there is nothing spectacular about the condition). I say that with some trepidation but I had an 'average' SC myself that I couldn't unload for 10k no matter how hard I tried. I ended up taking low ball offer that I don't even want to discuss. By average - I do mean a car of nearly 30 years age with average wear and tear. A 30 year old car isn't going to have NEW paint and NEW interior - those things put it 'above average' in my book. Is it a targa or a coupe? A coupe would be more $$$ in my book and a Targa less unless the seals are in perfect shape.

Check the updates, turbo tie rods (big difference), clutch, is the CIS fully intact, etc. How does it run when cold? Does it pop until it warms up? If so, that is an indication of problems with the configuration of the CIS, either it is improperly tuned or tuned to get around the failure of another issue like the WUR. Do you have emissions checks in KS?

Do a PPI on it and check for exhaust leaks around the head studs.

Talk to the Indie who has been maintaining it.

[Seahawk]

Drive it, take pictures and report back

I owned an '83 SC that was B-proof.

[Gogar]

If it's in ok condition and you make sure the engine isn't an obvious grenade, then 10k is a fine price IMO. ++ for '83 (IMO again) and -- for Targa.

I DO NOT think that you will be very successful if you're trying to do the trademark 'onewhippedpuppy' flip on a car like this. Even if there's some small overlooked issue, you can spend a couplea grand in minutes.

[mikester]

I had an 80SC that I too felt was bullet proof - it was a great car but it just wasn't my favorite Porsche. It was reliable and I drove it nearly every day and when I had the chance to safely 'get on it' it never failed to respond.

SC's are fantastic and under rated (these days at least) cars. Purpose built machines without a lot of comforts (not to say they are uncomfortable though). The 3.0L is a fine engine when taken care of and the possibilities with endless finances are endless as well. Family life led to my departure from the Porsche but my 4 year old won't let me forget it.

[TerryH]

condition condition condition.... visual and mechanical. Sold my 81 sc for my asking price of 14.5k and had 3 buyers in line. I didn't ask enough.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I DO NOT think that you will be very successful if you're trying to do the trademark 'onewhippedpuppy' flip on a car like this. Even if there's some small overlooked issue, you can spend a couplea grand in minutes.

I would NEVER do that.

Hence the reason for this thread. I haven't been that involved with the 911 for quite some time. When I owned my 911T, a nice 100k-ish SC was a $12-13k car minimum. I figured if I could pick this one up for $9k I could have a little fun, then re-sell for $12k or so. Sounds like that plan is slightly flawed.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I DO NOT think that you will be very successful if you're trying to do the trademark 'onewhippedpuppy' flip on a car like this. Even if there's some small overlooked issue, you can spend a couplea grand in minutes.

+1

IMO the 911 Targa draws a smaller pool of buyers vs. the coupe. Not wanting to start a SC vs Carrera war but he '84+ Carrera with the 3.2 Motronic engine provided more power, better day to day drive ability, all the while getting substantially better MPGs. Personally I like the open roof concept of the Targa but not enough to accept the altered (destroyed) roof line of the 911.

I'd like to hear back once you have driven the car and taken some pictures. I think if you could wrangle a deal in the $6-7K range then you'll stand a better chance of successfully pulling off the 'flip'

[ramonesfreak]

sounds like the car is underpriced. proper price for an SC as you describe, assuming original paint etc...should be about $14-15K

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by srandallf

sounds like the car is underpriced. proper price for an SC as you describe, assuming original paint etc...should be about $14-15K

That's more the kind of answer I'm looking for.

[cashflyer]

Well.... it's a targa.

[mickey356]

What a coincedence, I'm looking at an 83 SC coupe (triple black w/155k ) right now. I'm having a PPI done on it tomorrow. The car is immaculate with a rebuild on the trans last year as well as other things. Flawless service records, original paint and the interior is perfect (clock even works). The AC isn't blowing cold (typical). Original owners manual, just a very clean car. It only needs rear rotors and pads. Asking price is $17K but he's willing to take it down a bit. I can do the rotors and pads so that's not a killer. Fair price is ?????

[Rick Lee]

I bought my '83 SC for $11k and it was in super condition, though with some deferred maint. I spent $9k more making it a DE car and sold it for $20k. Got every penny out of it I had into it.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by srandallf

sounds like the car is underpriced. proper price for an SC as you describe, assuming original paint etc...should be about $14-15K

Says Bruce Anderson and people selling SCs.

[onewhippedpuppy]

The XJR sold, I'm off to look at an SC.