930 quest continues/advice please

skilletshot · 09-09-2004, 03:35 PM

The car: 1985 930, 89k. Black on black leather. Car is in good shape, interior looks very good to me. Leather dash is pulling away a bit. Exterior very nice, minor chips in hood. K27, Borla exhaust. Everything else seems to be orginal. No rebuilds to mention. The sound that comes from this machine is incredible.

Asking price is $28,500. Results of PPI are as follows:

1. Cylinder leakage test

Cyl. 1, 8%
Cyl. 2, 7%
Cyl. 3, 6%
Cyl. 4, 8%
Cyl. 5, 6%
Cyl. 6, 8%

2. There were a few minor items listed, some brake work, front and rear hood shocks, two oil lines, evaporater blower. totals about $1600.00.

3. Engine makes boost around 1 bar , no rust, no notable driving issues, engine runs strong and transmission to be in good operational condition, better than average 930, overall impression of car is very good. < from tech. Tech spent about an hour with me going over vehicle which I enjoyed.

My Dad owned an 83 930, well that was a long time ago, almost 15 years. He is 70 now, would love to take him for a ride. Always wanted one of these, was not really looking but check the ads anyway and found this in my backyard. Everything here seems great, but am a novice. Earlier replies to post said this was too pricey, but seems like a good fit for the budget. Owner is willing to handle about a 1/4 of the repairs, but that is all.

Do not have the knowledge or expertise, so any input is appreciated here. One thing I would like to know, If these turn a 100k, does the value really drop? Have enjoyed this forum very much. If things work out, will have some pics up soon. Hey, even the wife want's me to buy. Lol. Skillet

Tinker · 09-09-2004, 04:07 PM

From your description, the motor seems tight/good. BUT, it is a grey market car and they generally sell at a 10% to 20% discount.

A quick look in my old Panos revealed these asking prices:
82 w/78k @ $23.5k
86 @ $44k
86 w/52k @ $36k
84 w/23k @ $32.5k
85 W/104 @ $32k
86 w/32k @ $35k
83 w/48k @ $25.9k
86 @ $24.5k

$28.5 for 89k seems like its in the range, but I would rather buy a US car to be safe.

Tinker

skilletshot · 09-09-2004, 05:19 PM

Please explain grey market. This car has mph speedo. Was also told that car could have had mileage before converted to U.S. Please broaden my horizons. Skillet

Tinker · 09-09-2004, 05:42 PM

The 930 was only sold by Porsche dealers in the USA from 1976-1979 and from 1986 - 1989 in that style.

Any 930 in the US from 1980 - 1985 is an imported car and generally Federalized to meet government/state emmision standards.

Car imported from Europe generally produce more hp due to less smog stuff and are sometimes driven harder due to the higher speed limits in Europe.

I bet you could find a nice clean 78 or 79 for less. The 930 is essentially the same car from 78-88, until the 5 speed was introduced in 89.

Tinker

WydRyd · 09-09-2004, 06:06 PM

I also read that the 78 & 79 models are actually lighter than the '86-89's.

skilletshot · 09-10-2004, 06:43 AM

Thanks Tinker

Slant930 · 09-10-2004, 01:45 PM

I would think $28.5 is on the high side. I would think low to mid $20's is what this should fetch. Any service records to speak of? That would help into giving a better idea into its life. Without, its only a crap shoot in my opinion. PPIs will only tell you so much. If you do make the plunge, I would make sure you have some cash in reserve in case something goes out on you. Things can get pricey very quickly.

Timothy

carmad · 09-10-2004, 02:41 PM

I agree with Slant930 the low to mid $20k, and see if there is any documented history. Does the wastegate have a 1 bar spring? If the PO has been running 1bar (0.8 bar stock) of boost with stock intercooler on a hot day with crappy gas, the engine has been stressed, regardless of the leakdown numbers.
These cars get very expensive quickly if you have any engine problems.

rick conrath · 09-10-2004, 04:40 PM

Honestly not to spoil the party...but I would pass on the grey market car unless you could get it for much less money. Decide on your long term objective with this car, and be honest with yourself. If youy intend on restoring and creating a concours car...the I would definitely stay away. Buy a car that will return some of the money that you will surely need to invest.

I went with a '78 personally, since I was looking for a car that was emission exempt, relatively light and at a lower cost so that I wouldn't feel so bad as I stripped away the originality on my quest for high horsepower.

If I was looking to keep the car stock...then I would look for the latest US car that was priced right. If I could find an '89 for the right price, that would be my other choice.

Rick
'78 930

gsxrken · gsxrken's Garage

Hey Skilletshot, that's too much for the car without records and as described. 22-24k due to the gray market status. At 89thou on a 930, you have a topend rebuild right around the corner. (4-7k right there)

You've asked us, and now you have to ask yourself if you're going to listen. Remember Ulysses and the sirens?

R Wilco · 09-10-2004, 07:21 PM

JFC. I've had a so called grey market car for 20 years now. Other than the fact that I've spent 65k over the initial purchase price. WTF. Tell you what skilletshot. I am going to be over in OKC in 3 weeks. If that car is still there and you are interested I'll help you check it out. I do know a slight amount about the good old 930's.

mike f · 09-10-2004, 08:21 PM

I say that if you knock a little off the price and you plan to keep the car for a long while, then go for it. Records would be a good thing to have, though, and most people keep them. Leakdown numbers are good, and although they don't tell everything, they tell a lot. Also guys, did you all miss the part where wifey wants him to get it? Take advantage of that offer before it expires and she changes her mind. Bottom line- if you like it, go for it. Enjoy the hell out of it!

creaturecat · 09-10-2004, 08:33 PM

let us not forget that the european cars were the best of the lot

rick conrath · 09-10-2004, 09:26 PM

Could you inform me as to how the European cars differed in '78 and '79...other than the exhaust? How were they better otherwise? The fuel heads did not change until after they came back to the states.
Rick
'78
930

skilletshot · 09-13-2004, 04:21 AM

Thanks all once again. Got the price reduced a bit, owner is taking care of a few items that came up in the PPI. Car is coming home today. Will post pics in a few days. Will be a weekend ride for the most part. Yes, maybe too much emotion, but feel I did a fair amount of work and research. Mechanic that did ppi was very familiar with car. Not a lot of these around our town. Anyway. I bit the bullet and if the dang thing blows up, I will NOT post it. lol. Thanks again for the input.

Schrup · Schrup's Garage

Congrats, now you must post some pics!!! Your lucky the stock dash is black, you can buy a new OEM stock vinyl dash for about $500 from Sunset imports in Oregon. My stock leather dash wasn't in great shape when I bought my car so I replaced it myself. The hardest part was getting the windshield trim back in the gasket (without bending it) before reinstalling my windshield. I hated to get in my car & seeing the crappy looking dash. Good Luck!!!

wrx paul · 09-13-2004, 05:07 AM

I have an 88 930 with 152,000 miles. It is still running great and I drive it every chance I get, even to work. These things are made to be driven. I don't want to think back one day and wonder why I let it rot in the garage when I could be driving it.