1985 911 with 12k miles

[ckmaggie]

Been searching for the "right" 911 for some time and have become discouraged w private sale approach. Cars never are as advertised. Can't trust seller, etc.

Went to nearby exotic car seller and found a 1985 w 12,500 miles. One owner car never been in rain, snow, etc. it hardly looks touched. truly an exceptional looking 911.

Dealership wants $34k. Told him he is crazy but still interested in car. My thought is that the car market is soft so i hope to work him down to a reasonable number. which is what i need from you all.

did i mention that the car is absolutely immacculate. it is cleaner than my wife's new volvo w 3k miles.

any thoughts on what i reasonable for such a car?

thanks
chris

[nostatic]

There isn't really much data to work with...not many examples out there. If the right buyer comes along they might get $34K for it.

What do you want to do with the car? Drive it? Show it?

And I'm of exactly the opposite opinion...I would never buy an old 911 from a dealer, but instead use a private party.

[Sonic dB]

coupe? targa?

[cowtown]

I'd be a little afraid of buying something like that. Seals and rubber lines tend to dry up if they are not used...

[96conv]

I agree w/Nostatic. Private party is the way to go to buy a classic 911. However, as you've discovered, a lot of the ads you'll run across are less than truthful. As far as what to offer the dealer, what's your budget? I doubt if he'll go below $25K. Besides, would you really want to spend that much on an '85 when you might be able to pick up a 993 for a little bit more?

[ckmaggie]

My budget is about $25k. I appreciate the feedback.

I know that private party makes sense I guess I am just annoyed w wasting my time see such crap. Any points on what to look for $25. It will be a weekend driver. It does not need to be flawless cosmetically, but i want a solid mechanical machine.

Thoughts appreciated.
Chris

[nostatic]

If you want a driver, this isn't the car for you. You will pay top dollar, then likely spend a bunch more money to get it into driving shape (some things age just sitting).

It depends on what you want out of the car. If you want more civilized, $25K could get you a pretty nice 964 that would have the grunt of a 3.6, better hvac, etc. If you want a bit rawer, I'd look around for a real well sorted SC for around $15K, or a Carrera for $20K, then keep the balance to fix and replace things.

There are good cars out there...you just have to be patient and be prepared to be dissapointed. I think the trick is to find one that has been fairly unmolested, and keep a significant budget to get it really well sorted after you get it.

[Schrup]

I am so sick of greasy used car salesmen, I don't care where they work or what their ware, call a spade a spade. Talking to a coworker today, he told me about his greasy brother-in-law screwing his dad on a "GOOD DEAL". There has to be a more honorable way to make a living, ie phone solicitor, parking lot perfume seller, off ramp charity collector, mime, fluffer,politician, ect. Ive actually got to know a few & in my experience they are all disreputable parasites that will sell off there own mothers given the chance. I would let him eat the car & move on, don't be his sucker, the odometer has probable been rolled back anyway. Had to get this off my chest.

[nostatic]

Fluffers work hard for their money, and remember: "mime is money".

[bell]

just be patient and keep looking........you'll find what you're looking for.

damn.........i'm stuck in my box again, i should've read the WHOLE book on how to mime

[Schrup]

Work hard, oh I get it. Only took me an hour.

[kenpac]

Originally posted by ckmaggie
Been searching for the "right" 911 for some time and have become discouraged w private sale approach. Cars never are as advertised. Can't trust seller, etc.

Went to nearby exotic car seller and found a 1985 w 12,500 miles. One owner car never been in rain, snow, etc. it hardly looks touched. truly an exceptional looking 911.

Dealership wants $34k.

Hi Chris,

Like you I've been frustrated in my search for the "perfect" 911, lots of big talk on the phone and in e-mails, but go take a look at the car and you have to wonder what the seller was talking about. Don't get me wrong I've seen some really nice cars, actually better than expected, but the seller usually expects a premium price, and they are willing to wait it out - probably will get it too . . . the Porsche label goes a long way with an uneducated buyer.

I think spending over $20k for the car you describe is crazy (let alone 30k+). In this soft market it really is only worth 15-20k (forget the miles - that's less than 700/year - what Porsche owner would only drive their car 700 miles a year, not one who loves the car that's for sure ).

Good luck in your search.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by bell
damn.........i'm stuck in my box again

And I just can't seem to make any headway against this wind!

[89911]

The only thing this car deserves is a "low milage" discount. Anything else even close to this asking price is crazy along with a terrible investment. If you bought that car and put some normal miles on it, you would lose close to 1/2 of this price when reselling. That aside, there are plenty of nice 87-89 that have dropped in price. I am biased to G50's and the do hold there value compared to 86 and earlier. Keep looking. It is a buyers market out there for sure. This dealer just doesnt have a clue.

[Victor]

Anone else here seen the movie "suckers"? Must see TV for anyone wanting to deal with car salesmen.