78 SC Fair Price in Chicagoland

Fritter · 08-11-2005, 09:39 AM

I know this is an annoying question, but I'll ask anyways. What is a fair price for a '78 mostly original SC? Here is some info on it:

* Original CA car
* 180K miles
* Original engine, no rebuild
* Rebuilt trans 3k miles ago, has receipt
* Original chipped, faded white paint
* Original Black interior, seats are split in places but it's all complete and there
* Sunroof
* Stainless muffler
* Catalytic is not on the car
* Air pump doesn't work
* AC is all there but not charged

Overall the car has a nice "patina" of originality to it, although I haven't driven it yet. Guy said $10K.

What do you all think?

Mike F
Chicago

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

I would say $7K tops, more realistic $5-6K. Start pricing out what it will take to bring it back to a "90% condition".. $5K (IF you DIY) bottom up rebuild, $2K interior, $3-6K paint, $1K (min) for A/C conversion to R134a, etc. etc.. Keep looking, there are a LOT of nice SC's out there in much better shape for around $10K...

Just MHO of course.

petrolblue83911 · 08-11-2005, 10:01 AM

That's a tough one, I would place it at 6-7k tops, and still realize that you're looking at 5k + in work to make it worth in the 10k range...
once you price out all the costs associated in getting it up to solid ground, you're going to be pushing way over what it's actually worth.. you should be able to get a very solid driver that is cosmetically very good in the 10k range.

yelcab1 · 08-11-2005, 10:03 AM

In California, that is a $6-$7K max, or pass and find another one. You can spend $5K more to fix it, and still end up with a 10K car. I would pass.

Border911Dude · 08-11-2005, 10:18 AM

'Ya see that nice '79SC over there...

it's worth about $11k.... of course I've got $50k in it

Fritter · 08-11-2005, 05:52 PM

Thanks for the opinions. I think I will take it for a spin anyways just for the experience since it's right down the street from me a few miles. Of course I would have PPI done if I was to seriously consider it. I am not scared of a few things that need fixing since I am a do it yourselfer and could redo the seats, etc. But I definitely don't want a pile either. I will keep everyone updated.

Todd Simpson · 08-11-2005, 06:31 PM

Great idea...the more cars you drive the more you'll know when the right one comes along.

Fritter · 08-11-2005, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Todsimpson
Great idea...the more cars you drive the more you'll know when the right one comes along.

Thanks, that's what I figure...I've only driven early 911's so the SC experience should be just that.

I noticed you have a A2 GLI. I have an A3 GTIVR6. I just saw a brand new red A5 GLI Jetta at the dealer when having the 5K service on our Touareg done. It looks sweet.

Sunroof · 08-12-2005, 05:07 AM

Fritter.
If this is your first Porsche (911), assuming you will purchase it, do yourself a major favor and arm yourself with the right reference material to help you with your projects. An older 911 as discussed by many here can be a heavy money sink, so get Wayne's 101 Project Book, Haynes Repair Manual, and/or the 911SC repair book. If your really handy you will save a bundle on your own repairs. The GTI is a totally different beast.

An SC 3.0 liter will go the distance (200k+) so at 180K your getting into that potential zone of tear down and discovery. Everyone is right is saying that 5-7K is a good purchase price with another 10k to follow. A rebuild can be as high as 8k depending on whats being done. Fresh 911 engines are not ripe for the pickin on the floor of Pep Boys or Auto Zone.
That PPI should have compression tests and look carefully for any rust as Chicago loves its salt in the winter.

Best to luck

Bob

island911 · 08-12-2005, 08:05 AM

I'll go agains the grain here a bit to say, not everyone wants a $20k SC . . some people are fine driving a $10k SC.

If the only goal is a pristine SC, then just buy one in the high teens/low 20's. If you want the experience of restoring a 10k SC then go for it. (there are quite a few in this camp) Tho'' you may find a better deal. (we can't tell from here) Try to fairly judge on condition (not milage . . .too many owners mess with the odometer on these cars. ) PPI, and gut assessment.

THe SC 3.0 lower-end seems to last upwards of a half a million miles. On the upper end; look at oil consumption as one way to assess valve-guide wear; they seem to need replacement ~200-250. (earlier if a puff a smoke on start-up embarasses you)

Another non-milage based thing, is corrosion and breakage of head studs. A PPI should find any prob's there.

And, i'll second what Bob wisely says, look carefully for any rust. They are fully gavanized, but can still get rust spots . .. that can be another big expense. (if it bothers you)

If you post pictures here, I'm sure you'll get people finding stuff for you. . ...or maybe even finding you a better deal.