'82 SC prepurchase advice needed please

[Plecostomus]

Hi guys. This is a longshot, but there is an '82 sc for sale that the owner wants to sell me. I've been fighting him on the price of $20k for over 8 months now. He told me over the phone this weekend that he took the car out for a drive and then to get some gas. He said that after he put the gas in he noticed that there was a small amount of gasoline leaking from a rubber hose underneath where you put the gas in (crazy, but I can't remember what this opening is called!!!).
Does anyone know what this might be and if it is anything to worry about? It seems that this has motivated him to sell the car to me for less (I was asking to pay $19k).
Thanks if you can help,

Curt

Here's a couple pics:

[Plecostomus]

The owner also mentioned that "quite honestly" He'd like to sell it before something goes on it. I was surprised to hear him say this, but I have no reason to think there's something imminent coming. Cockpit:

[Cold Deck]

IMHO you are at the crossroads of lust and reason. I have never been happy when I chose reason.

The leak is probably a leak of some kind and there will be other problems later, some serious, some not. If you have been chasing this beauty for 8 months you will not be happy until it is yours.

Be happy. Money comes and goes. Good luck.

[GothingNC]

19,000 is a bit high for an SC unless it is an extremely low mileage and/or the body & mechanicals are in perfect shape.

You can get a nice Carrera for the same price.

Someone posted a really nice 78 White SC Coupe on the Porsche Parts Forum for a decent price.

John

[anthony]

My SC looks just as good and I picked it up for $12K. I figure that was a deal and it's worth like $15K. For $19K though you can get a nice Carrera.

[Plecostomus]

Thanks for your replies. Please keep in mind there's little more than crap here on the east coast!

[Steve 82SC]

Curt,

I'm not selling my 82, but if I was, it would be for a high price because absolutely everything is buttoned down, nothing is leaking, and I wouldn't be expecting "something to go on it." The engine, trans, brake system, heat and air conditioning have all been re-done and so has the interior. These are older cars now and things do go south. However, that asking price is for a low mileage, pristine SC, including no visible wear on the seat bolsters, maybe some 8 or 9 inch rear wheels, correct deck-lid, etc. I probably have at least 20 grand into my car (doing most of the work myself and with my P-car technician buddy), but it's as perfect as a 24 year old car can be. For that price, you should end up with a near-perfect SC. Good luck.

Steve

[dsmeyer]

There is a drain line from the area around the filler neck incase of
overfilling or spilling. 911s are kind of a pain to put fuel in because
of the turns in the filler neck. You have to fill them slowly.

Nice looking SC, how many miles are on it?
(BTW, it may be faster if he left some of the keys at home)

[David]

Excellence is showing pricing around $19K for an excellent '82. For that much money, I'd expect it to have a perfect PPI and be flawless.

[dsmeyer]

According to Bruce's Excellence Magazine Market Update, an '82
SC falls into the following range...
low - $13542
good - $15398
excellent - $20613
This is from August 2005 and the values continue to go
up each year.

$19k is a reasonable price for this car if the condition is as
good as the pictures look.

[rrsrsr]

I would not pay $19k for an SC where the owner is expecting 'something to go' on it.

Why does he think that? because he has has been deferring maintenance?

Personally I would prefer a higher mileage car where the owner has gone over all the major systems thoroughly than a low mileage garage queen that just gets oil changes & the occasional valve adjustment.

If you buy the car & something does 'go' soon after purchase you're pretty quickly going to have mid $20's into the car. Thats alot for an SC!

I think Excellence values are high for SC's & Carreras. I would sell my 82 today for the 'low' value, and this is a car that has had engine, clutch, brakes, and some suspension refreshed, excellent full leather interior w/ sport seats, brand new tires on near perfect Fuchs ... yadda yadda.

[Mike Feinstein]

Don't put too much stock in the purchase prices typically quoted here on Pelican. I've never seen so many $20,000 cars bought for $11k. Everyone's a genius (except you and me).

Seriously, get the car you want...don't worry about what these guys think. Me included.

[Plecostomus]

Great replies from each of you guys. I really appreciate it.
Steve- You are right. It should be perfect, but what if its in fantastic condition with no upgrades?
DSmeyer- It has 60k miles on it. Its a 2-owner. The present owner claims to have had it for 15 years. I'm going to take a look-see this weekend and will let you guys know. Thanks again.
rrs- I think its going to be expensive anyway that you look at it!

Excellence prices are currently too optimistic, no doubt, but I feel that the SCs will be increasing in price relatively soon much like their American muscle cousins. If I buy it this is how I intend to justify its price

Regards,

Curt

[Plecostomus]

Thanks Mike. I will probably end up paying for this car alot over its price, but I will love it.

I realize most everyone here has my best interest in mind. I really like the comraderie here and appreciate it very much. If, or when I should say, I am in the possession of an SC I will be a regular here and consider myself a Pelican. You guys are great.

Sincerely,
Curt

[Dan in Pasadena]

For what it is worth there is an outstanding, full records, ALL upgrades you'd want, anal-retentive owner (the best kind) white '82 SC on the Cars For Sale board right now. It is in Arizona.

Okay, so white isn't as sexy as black but that car's asking price is only $14,900. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

This black car looks good but its beuty may be skin deep at best. Just look over the white one and you'll see it is premium. My personal opinion is the black car's owner is asking too much and you're over pursuing. This will probably be clear six months after you purchase it. By the way, no affiliation whatsoever with the white SC for sale. Just thought you should know.

Good luck whatever you decide. (Scoop up that white one, man it is nice, complete and hell you could put a VERY nice black paint job (eek) on it if you MUST have black)

[Plecostomus]

Dan, That is a great car. Interestingly enough I had a dream just last night that I bought a white SC. As I was driving it, it dawned on me that it was a white SC and wondered why I didn't get a black one. White is a second choice, I am firmly on a black one for multiple reasons. Thank you again for the heads-up.

Curt

[stormmaster]

Just to let you know what is on the east coast...well southeast coast...kinda...I bought an 87 Carrera with top end done less than 500 miles ago...new steering rack...turbo tie rod ends...7s and 8s...drilled rotors...prototipo wheel...new Dunlops...cold air...every document dating back to original purchase...plus some very nice parts that will be installed upon my return home....and I got it for what your seller is asking....of course it only took me five years to talk my brother into selling it to me.... shamed him into it....but hey....there are deals out there to be had...

[Rot 911]

$19K for an 82SC???? Dude even if it is hard to find a decent 911 on the east coast, that is way overpriced.

Here I will sell you my '86 Carrera for $19K, which is in much better condition than that SC.

[Plecostomus]

Thanks for the encouragement, Don!

Kurt- Nice car, but I'm stuck on the SC for illogical reasons. Thanks!!

[Mysterytrain]

Well, you need to tell us about the mileage? records? and then have someone without an erection look at it. Bottomline is the car is worth what you are willing to pay. Almost everyone on this board will agree that these are 20 k cars..either up front or by the time you are done. You just don't want to spend 20 k and need an engine rebuild or a new tranny. I also agree with you that nice cars on the east coast are hard to find. Looks sweet. The seat sags are telling me high miles