Leak down numbes & more (79sc)

kenpac · 08-26-2003, 03:39 PM

1 - 2%
2 - 0%
3 - 0%
4 - 4%
5 - 1%
6 - 1%

Some minor leaking at valve cover gaskets and one tensioner oil line, front Bilsteins a bit soft, right rear axle going to need replacing soon, needs new rear tires, Black 79SC Targa 128k miles. Fairly clean car otherwise, SSIs, limited slip, beautiful condition polished 7 & 8 x16 Fuchs, rebuilt trans, no accidents, all (nearly) maintenance records.

I'm thinking it's worth $9-10k. Any thoughts (high/low)?

Superman · 08-26-2003, 04:29 PM

You may be right. Does it still have all 24 of its original head stud nuts? Clear title, carfax report? PPI from an experienced person who could identify crash damage repair?

kenpac · 08-26-2003, 04:55 PM

Yes, yes and done by the best around (no accidents, all serials check out).

kenpac · 08-27-2003, 01:41 PM

Any other opinions?

It's coming down to the wire between this car and another 79 sc, the main difference is distance. The car I'm asking about above is very local and my mech did the inspection (I trust him thoroughly) the other car is located over 800 miles away, appears to be in similar condition with comparable mileage and although the PPI came up clean for the most part, I've never seen the car other than some very detailed pics. The price difference is about $1,000 (more distant car is cheaper). I'd have to have the other car transported here at a cost of about $1k. So real cost difference is $1,000.

The main thing for me is style; the local car is a Targa the distance car is a Coupe. I like both, but lean toward the Coupe a bit more (not by much, since I can appreciate the advantages of the Targa in nice weather

) .

Bottom line: Is a 79sc Targa that I know real well (having driven quite a bit), well sorted mechanically, worth the $9,500 price (negotiated down from $12,500).

Guess I'm just looking for some support here

Thanks again everyone.

kenpac · 08-27-2003, 01:42 PM

Sorry that sould read: "The price difference is about $2,000 (more distant car is cheaper). I'd have to have the other car transported here at a cost of about $1k. So real cost difference is $1,000.

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

Ken

The price sounds good. Some recent ebay sales (?) from my research (I start at 1980)

1980 Coupe 131,000 $12,750 Feb 2003
1980 Coupe 114,000 $9,600 Mar 2003 White Tail
1980 Coupe 164,000 $9,601 May 2003 Black
1980 Coupe 124,000 $9,100 Jun 2003 Blue
1980 Coupe 110,878 $9,100 Jul 2003 Black Tail
1980 Targa 121,500 $8,750 Mar 2003 Gold
1980 Targa 139,000 $10,800 Jun 2003 Silver
1980 Targa 126,018 $11,300 Jul 2003 White
1980 Targa 112,000 $8,500 Aug 2003 Seat ripped White

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I like seeing the car myself, and having a mechanic I know and trust do the PPI. If the other car came back "clean" and has over 100K miles, I would venture a guess that the PPI wasn't as thorough as I'd like. ANY car is going to have some issues that should show up. Sounds like the PPI on the local car was pretty good.

I think it comes down to coupe v. targa. I originally wanted a targa when I first started looking, but swung over to the coupe camp and never really looked back. If it is a toss up for you, I'd go with the car you know (if you like the color, etc). The other alternative is to travel the 800 miles to actually see the other one before putting down the money. Then drive it back.

Rot 911 · 08-27-2003, 02:27 PM

The targa is the better all around deal, but you really have to want the targa and be happy with it. I started out with a targa, but actually wanted a coupe. The targa lasted a year.

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

I looked at a couple of Targa's too but had to have the killer rear side glass of a Coupe.

UTKarmann_Ghia · 08-27-2003, 06:50 PM

Love my targa, especially in nice weather. Today was the first day in 2 months that I put the top on

kenpac · 08-28-2003, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
I like seeing the car myself, and having a mechanic I know and trust do the PPI.

Yep this is a big plus.

I've talked with a number of sellers over the last few months located all over the place, apparently some good deals are out there. For me though, distance is an issue. I don't have the flexibility in my schedule to travel over say 200 miles to look at cars and honestly for a sub $10k car I'm not sure it's worth it anyway, all are bound to have issues so why not stick with the one you know best (i.e. local) even if it’s a grand more.

adamred · adamred's Garage

Hey Ken:
Stay local! While I had a fun time with my brother driving my car back what a PITA to handle the whole process, my next 911 will definitely be a local purchase.

Adam