79' 930 Opinions/Input

[mryahoo]

Hi All,

I'm considering buying a low mileage (under 30k) 79' coupe in almost mint/original condition (inside and out) and I have a few questions before doing so. First, are there any inherent problems associated with this model year? Being new to 930's, is there anything in particular I should be looking for and/or have inspected? Lastly, what would be a reasonable (high/low) price to pay for this car considering its condition?
All replies are greatly appreciated!

[David]

First, there's a ton of info to be found by searching this site.

79 was a good year for the 930. They are well suited to performance upgrades. The AC system is not very good in stock form, it got a little better in 86. A low mileage 79 with no crash damage might be worth $30,000 or so. If you start making performance changes that value will drop quickly. For that same money you could probably find a little higher mileage 86-88 930. The turbo lag on these cars make them drive very different than 911's, be sure this is something you can live with. This lag can be improved but that takes modifications that would lower the value. On the other hand if you live somewhere, like Texas, were a 79 is exempt from emmissions testing this could be a good base for a very fast 930 if you're willing to take the hit in value.

[Miguel Antonett]

Depending on what you're looking for. A 930 is a different machine, if in good shape there is no substitute; if a lemon = very expensive. Look for originality. Low milage is a plus; however, why the low milage - for real? Look for wheels alignment and height indicating wrecks or modifications. Look under the the car for wrinkles or bent pannels, gaps between pannels (i.e. doors to fenders to rocker to hood and bumpers; the gap must be pretty much the same all around. Paint color and shades of (repaint?). Have the drive train (at least) inspected by a Porsche mechanic.
Good luck!

[WERK I]

I agree with David. Modifying a stock 930 will lower its intrinsic value. However, if you keep all of its original parts(turbocharger, IC, cams, headers) during a performance upgrade, you can always return it to its orginal condition if the new buyer wants it so.

The old parts aren't worth selling off....you'll only get a few bucks for them.

[RarlyL8]

Nobody wants a stock 930.
Why pay full price for mods (and you WILL mod it) when all the tried-and-true stuff has been done to nearly all of the early 930's?

[a-dougk1]

Con:

Expensive to repair:

911 Front Brake Rotor: $49.95
79 930 Front Brake Rotor: $389.00
911 Axle with CV joints & boots: $296.55
79 930 Axle with CV joints & boots: $590.85
etc.

Pro:

ZoooooooomRRRROOOOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!!!


Doug

[David]

Originally posted by RarlyL8
Nobody wants a stock 930.
Why pay full price for mods (and you WILL mod it) when all the tried-and-true stuff has been done to nearly all of the early 930's?

This was my thought. I paid $22,500 for my 55,000 mile '79 two years ago and I think I paid too much. It had quite a few mods, but they were mods I would have done. Even though the mods lower the value, they are very expensive.

[artplumber]

How familiar are you w/P cars to start with?

Many suggestions above are valid in the general sense. like looking for evidence of prior damage. However, even with the general appearance stuff, it is easy to miss major Pcar unique stuff. Hence, most recommend a PPI (with a look at any pertinent receipts) as do I. Also, the PPI itself can be low or high quality. I think one of the most complete PPI's is done by Marque Motors in Portland, OR - they have an extensive evaluation that describes almost everything that you could want to know about the car, and might be willing to share the form with your mechanic. This was not cheap. On the other hand, some PPI's are focused solely on mechanicals and don't include things like body, interior, guage function etc.

Realize that you are looking at a car that you can easily spend double it's sale price by repairs in a very short order. Check out the price of new studs, or price for a rebuild.

Why did I buy this model year? It's an iconic car with a special power delivery. 78/79 have the IC and bigger engine without much of the "pork" of later years. Even if I don't choose to use the 917 brakes long-term, I think they will make the car more desirable for collectors. I do plan to mod, but keep the OEM parts. For instance, it's one of the considerations in my plans to add more oil cooling - probably will make me not use a center cooler with tub mod.

If you're looking at a virgin & low mile 930 you will take a hit in value, but mods won't completely remove value. Look at Craig911's extensively modded 930. That being said, you'll never recoup the mods prices if you sell, and it's better to start w/a nonvirgin car if you definitely plan an extensive mod list. Personally, if it's virgin/pristine I'd try and keep it as collectible as possible, and not mod it. Hence, I wouldn't buy that car (since I don't have an extra 30K & garage space just lying around)

[TurboBert]

I own a '79 930. It's in great shape with 22,500 miles - I'd say it's probably worth $25,000-$28,000.

I have previously owned a '78 911SC and I've found the 930 maintenance to be about the same.

[MovOvr1]

Buying a low mileage 930....you need to know why it is low mileage. If is is only driven once or twice a year (or so) you want to be careful about things like brakes seizing and hanging up. Rubber lines getting very old, very quickly and causing problems (wonder how I found out about that one).

I would definitely have a VERY thorough prepurchase done and not by someone that is easily impressed with "WOW that car is clean" factor. But someone that is going to look at the car and go "okay it has been sitting around.....here is what needs to be checked". You will pay for this inspection quite heavily but it will pay for itself many times over if things are done right out of the gate.

I would look at cars in the 50-60K mile range or a little higher that have been driven regularly. They may have mods they may not.....be patient and you will find a car that suits your needs, your budget and desires. But be patient and don't jump on the first on you look at.

good luck

brian

[stuttgart]

I am not a big fan of the low mileage cars.. they normally do not run well and have to be reworked, to make then reliable cars.. every low mileage car I have seen. has had issues.. the up side is they look GREAT!