Thinking the Unthinkable - Sell my Targa?

[SeaDweller]

Well, lots of life changes have come about, and I'm forced to seriously think about selling my Targa. It's an '85, Guards Red, 32K original miles, and pretty much looks like it just rolled out of the showroom. I'm not sure how the market looks for a car like this, so I thought I'd ask for some input from the local crowd.

This is a very special car, and it took me a long time to find it. Unfortunately, it has turned out to be a little too special for me. The condition of this car has paralyzed me, and I'm scared to death to drive it. I live in Florida, and I refuse to take the car in the rain. If there's a cloud on the 300 mile Doppler, the car stays covered in the garage. I'm afraid to park it anywhere, and on the rare occassion that it does leave the garage, it has to be in my direct line of sight. I know, it's ridiculous, but after owning the car for two years now, I just can't shake the paralysis. The car needs to belong to someone that has the luxury of being able to own it without it constraining their lives.

Ah well, too much said already. If you would be so kind, let me know how the market looks for a car like this. I'll likely post an ad on Pelican and PCA later this week, when I'm back home and can shoot some pictures.

Thanks!

[targa88]

Unfortunately, I don't think that you will ever get what you want for it. Assuming that it is in mint condition, all records, etc (which appears to be the case)- maybe 16-18K.
There is always a question mark (at least in my mind) about low mileage cars. They have not been driven, which is not a good thing.
Personally, I think that after the effort you put into finding the car... you should devote the same amount of effort into using/driving/enjoying the car.

[rrpjr]

Michael:

Your post struck a nerve. I understand the "pristine paralysis" syndrome. I've thought about selling mine (a low mileage 84) -- or buying another I could drive and enjoy without as much angst. But if you love the car, maybe there is a new way to view the experience. I am trying. I look to my brother for inspiration. He bought a one-owner, low-mileage (40k) 84 targa about five years ago, and drove it for all it was worth. Even though he had no garage, the car did not prove hard to keep up to nearly the same standard. These cars are tough; they do not degrade easily. Simple maintenance and good care do wonders. When he sold it last year (at only a slight depreciation) to divert some funds to his wife's business, the car had 100k miles and looked almost as nice as when he bought it. In fact, in a few respects, even nicer (polished Fuchs). Anyway, just some thoughts aimed at preserving Porsche ownership. Best wishes.

[kilodawg]

You sound a lot like me. It's a sickness that can't be cured. I live on the east coast of Florida and have an '84 but with a lot higher mileage and regular use from previous owners.

If your car was a coupe I'd be all over it because I'd love a low mileage car in that condition. I also love Guards Red. I'd still be interested to see pictures. You never know. I had a Targa before and liked it but I really prefer the looks of a coupe. I think 16K is low and to give you an idea a buddy of mine is picking up an '89 cab on Thursday (from St.Pete) he paid $27.5 but it has 22,800 miles. He still paid top dollar though and an '89 would be the more desireable car.

Call me crazy but I think close to $20K might be possible. I can't go too high because I might be interested.

[anthony]

Originally posted by targa88
Assuming that it is in mint condition, all records, etc (which appears to be the case)- maybe 16-18K.

I disagree with that evaluation assuming the car is truely showroom mint. It should sell for quite a bit more. My guess would be $25K+.

The other way to go is to change your mindset. These cars aren't museum pieces. They aren't rare. And your particular car isn't especially significant to Porsche's history. This car is worth less than 30% of the cost of a new Carrera 997S. There's no sin with you putting miles on this car and using it up. Cars can always be restored.

The only concern here, I think, would be value. So if it's a $25-30K car now, 50K miles from now it will be a $20K car. Would you care?

[kilodawg]

Hey maybe we could even work a swap!

[Steve 82SC]

Michael,

I have to agree with Anthony's logic. Just enjoy the car. I know how you feel in that I spent a long time looking for a car and ended up doing 2 years worth of extensive (and I mean extensive) work. During that time, I drove it everywhere on weekends....shopping, errands, out with my wife, etc. Last fall, the car took 2nd place at a concour event. At that point, I began not to utilize the car as I had in the past....after all, it was officially a concours car now. My wife would want to take the Porsche and I'd find some excuse not to. Finally, she realized what was going on and pointed out the fact that the car wasn't being enjoyed as it was meant to be. These cars area extremely sturdy and only require prudent maintenance and good driving judgement. I use the car now as I used to, parking it stragegically and not being abusive to it. And, of course, I don't give it to a valet.

Steve

[Plavan]

It's just a Targa.... Sell it.

[JeremyD]

Just for the record - I know the car - I have driven the car - it even smells new - best shifting 915 I have ever driven - and not many people I know are as anal as Michael is. Leather looks new, I don't think the Targa top has ever been folded.

I'd say in the current market - 21-24K - depending on how long you want to keep it advertised. I seriously doubt you could find a nicer 1985 911 anywhere.

[JeremyD]

It's the red one that glows...

taken a August 03

[74goldtarga]

Excellence 8/05 '85 Targa Low 15.5K, High 23.7K If you sell it you'll buy an old beater (911 maybe) and drive it with reckless abandon, which will be fun, for a while. Then you'll find things you want to fix up, then you'll think of how much it would cost to restore your old beater to good condition, then you'll say to yourself "screw it I'm just going to spend the money to get the car I want." Hey, you already own that car! Go key your own door, you'll relax, then you can enjoy driving it (kidding of course).

[JeremyD]

I told him I'd do a couple laps at Sebring to run the newness off - he didn't accept the offer...

[pwd72s]

Been there, done that...emotionally, I mean. Ask yourself a couple of questions...one, value aside, do you love having the car? If the answer is yes, proceed to question two. That is, do you really need the money you'd get from the sale of this car? If the answer to that question is no...keep the car, and ignore all the "drive it until it dies" vs. the "preserve it forever it's a precious object" posts here & elsewhere. Drive it when you want, IF you want. Because, it's your car....If you ever stop enjoying it, then sell it...not before.

[JR_NYC]

Very low mileage completely stock non-G50 Carrera will sell for a minimum of $20k. If it is as clean as you say then it will go for more if you hold out. Just look around at all the tired high mile Carreras with lots of mods going for $14k+ and you'll see what you've got.

If it were an unusual non standard color like one of the metallics it'd go for more. At the beginning of the summer Exclusive Motors had a nice metallic blue '85 Coupe w/40k miles listed @ $25k. I called a few days after it was listed and they already had a deposit and a list of others waiting for the deal to fall through. Given the demand it probably sold for full price.

In fact, you could probably sell it to a dealer for $20k and they'd make some margin.

Wait until March/April and you'll have lots of buyers.

If I were you I'd drive it for a while put another 20k mi. on it and sell it for about the same amount. Take the roof off, get some sunblock and enjoy the car.

[safe]

The car might lose i value, but that is nothing compared to what would happened to a brand new car in the $25 000 price range after 1-2 years and some miles.

I use mine mostly on sunny days, mostly because I enjoy it better in that weather. I park is sensibly, and never ever lock the doors, I use one of those things that you put in the steering wheel so you cant drive away (what are they called?).
I would hate that someone would slash the top or brake open a door to find there is nothing to steal.

[wholberg]

Park your daily driver and drive the Porsche for a month. Wash it once a week. You'll get over it.

[donstevens]

I agree with most here that conventional wisdom says keep it, drive it, and enjoy it.....If you do have to sell it, contact me. I have two friends locally in Clearwater who constantly tell me to keep an eye out for a sweet car. One of them actually has the money ;-) and would also be keen on guards red.

Don
727-560-8367

[Jims5543]

When I bought my 911 the owner of the car, the owner of the shop that did the PPI and I were standing around it contemplating my departure for Florida from Kansas City. The idea of placing blue painters tape on the front and the mirrors was brought up to protect this pristine car from road debri on the 1200 mile trip. The owner looked at me and said "I am of the opinion that cars are meant to be driven, just get in it and drive it to Florida". I did just that and now I daily drive it even if there is a hint of rain.

With the tropical downpours last week I parked it and drove my pickup only because it would be no fun driving in that mess.

Just drive it and dont stress over it getting dirty, it washed off. As far as parking, I park out as far away as I can to avoid door dings. So far so good.

[Type911]

Another vote for driving the car & enjoying it !
I bought my SC 6 years ago w/ only 28,000 miles, still a
garage queen now w/ 50,000 miles.

You only live once, might as well enjoy the ride....

[AFJuvat]

Originally posted by kilodawg
Hey maybe we could even work a swap!

You really need to drive the car Seadweller. You've bought the car, but are afraid to enjoy it... WHY? Just drive it. The cars were galvanized a the factory, it isn't made of sugar, it will not melt, and it will not rust.


Ask Kilodawg what happens when you let cars sit in garages too long..

speaking of which:

Hey kilodawg

Your car is ready. we just put the last of the body panels and aimed the H4s last night.


AFJ