Is this a 'good' deal?

phatning · 06-03-2003, 06:06 PM

Hello. Newbie here. I have been lurking around here and Rennlist for the past year, quietly learning all I can about Porsche and its cars.

I'm now shopping for my very first Porsche. I'm a bit confused with my recent find and would like to have some of your expert feedback.

I found a '80 911 SC (white with black interior) for sale in the local newspaper ad. It's got 70k miles and the seller (3rd owner) is only asking $8,000 obo for it!! After speaking with the seller over the phone, I discovered why he is only asking $8,000 for it. Apparently the car needs new headstuds, a set of tires, and possibly some 'minor' leaks around the windshield that need to be fixed. Other than those 'disclosed' problems, the car is in great shape as according to the seller.

The seller mentioned he had spent over $4,000 in his 3 years of ownership for main't and repair on air intake, heater box, line to front oil cooler, turbo exhaust, oxygen sensor, and valve job. But when I asked him whether he kept all the receipts or not, his answer was a disappointing 'no, not all'. He also mentioned that there's no rip in dash, minor seat wear, and has pop-off valve update.

Let's be honest here. That $8,000 asking price is very attractive. At the same time I also know that I probably will end up spending another $2,500 to $3,500 to get the car into the right shape again. My first question is should I even bother with this car? I figure it doesn't make much sense for me to go ahead with a PPI if I'm not even interested to look at the car in person.

Second, how much will it cost me to fix headstuds problem? Given that I don't have any specific details on the problem, could someone give me a ballpark figure?

Alright, I think I have rambled on enough. Thanks in advance.

Tony

pwd72s · 06-03-2003, 06:09 PM

$2-$4K is a low estimate, to make everything right. Still, if you wanna jump in, may as well be somewhere.

jazzbass · 06-03-2003, 06:14 PM

Here's what I learned - for your first Porsche, its better to pay more for a car w/o problems than buy a fixer upper. My car runs great and has no mechanical problems, but I wish I'd have waited and spend a little more and got EXACTLY what I wanted.

If this is what has been disclosed, who knows what else may be wrong. If this was THE car you'd wanted all your life (its the same as your favorite uncles, etc) then maybe. If you're just looking for a nice 911 to drive, I'd pass on this one. Just my opinion, though. YMMV.

911novice · 06-03-2003, 06:17 PM

If this is your first p-car I wouldn't advise buying one that has head stud issues. Unless you do everything yourself, you are looking at much more than 2500k to 3000K to have everything fixed. And that's just what you know about now, there is always more. Spend a few grand more and find a car that has been well cared for and has records. Then bring it to a good porsche mechanic (people here can tell you where to go) and get a PPI (porsche pre-inspection) and get a leak-down test done. That is your best indicator of what is going on with the engine and how much you can plan on spending to fix everything. Buying the right car is important and patience is everything.

b

diy83sc · 06-03-2003, 06:19 PM

You'll spend more than 2500, for sure. I had a broken stud and had all of them replaced. While the engine was apart, I had the rings replaced, valve guides and seals @ just over 5K. I know there will be others who will chime in and tell you to do it yourself. You can certaintly save some money but it will cost you in terms of time and tools. Do a search on "while I'm in there" and see what else you can count on spending money on. I would look to spend the money up front with a 10% reserve rather than getting a deal. I would be cautious of the seal as well. You know what the roads look like around here in the winter. I would pass this deal up and keep looking...

Tony

06-03-2003, 06:44 PM

no

jmohn · jmohn's Garage

This is not any "deal", this is a guy trying to bail out of his bad deal. Don't make the same mistake he made. On cars this old milage means very little, condition is everything, and this car has had, and probably still has major issues beyond the pulled head studs. Personally, I'd pass. Or you could look at it, do a PPI, and if everything else checks out OK, offer $5K, but my bet is you'd have another $10-12K in this one before long; and for that money you could buy a really nice one.

Jerry M
'78 SC

Schrup · Schrup's Garage

I plan to spend $2500 on the interior restore for my 80 SC, and that's without a headliner. I looked for a car around $15k then tried to talk them down. My car is well documented and that was the clincher.

rcwaldo · 06-03-2003, 07:14 PM

This may be a good deal for around $6k, maybe $6500. I say this because if you find another car without headstud problems, for around $10-12k, you may only have it a month or two and a broken head stud may show up. Then you have to spend the same money you would have already spent on the lower priced car. This is provided the rest of the car is really nice.

A super bonus if you do the work yourself and have another car to drive in the mean time.

But like others have said, be careful. Also, be patient!

Chris

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

leaks around the window? I'd worry about rust (despite the galvanizing).

As Chris said, any SC (or Carrera for that matter) could have a head stud go, so there is an argument for getting one that has the problem on the cheap and getting it fixed yourself.

Really depends on the rest of the car...

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Nope. The owner sounds like a cheapskate. Factor in your personal time for your efforts. With cars of this age, there's less emphasis on the car itself and more on who owned it. $5k or pass.

Adding up what that car is gonna need you can buy a nice maintained one from a caring owner for that money. Money better spent.

rjp

phatning · 06-04-2003, 05:08 AM

Thanks for all the replies!

I guess I will keep on looking.

Tony

banjomike · banjomike's Garage

good call phatning! The number one skill needed to buy good p-car is the ability to walk away from a deal. It is also a good skill to help you get a better price when you do find the 'right' one. Remember always get a PPI! It's the best investment you can make

Elombard · 06-04-2003, 09:05 AM

I would try to go for it at $6500 and have the work done. That way you know the condition of the engine from the start. But you need to be prepared to spend $5 or $6K. I would have a PPI and make sure there is no other "hot gas damage" and get an estimate from the shop doing the PPI.