Value of half completed project

I have enjoyed the input I have received from this bulletin board but I also have a wife... I have a ROW 79 SC with 143k miles, all leather black interior, 16" Fuchs, and sport suspension with factory Bilsteins. I have the front bodywork off and found only two minor rust areas. I have to admit that I am tempted to clean all the grease and oil off, reassemble it, get a quick paint job, and trade it in on a new BMW M5. What would this car, in average condition for a 21 yo car, be worth? What would it be worth in its current state of disassembly?

Thanks as always

Well without understanding where or what the rust really is... I would guess you car is worth around, oh... If rust is in important areas, $10K, unimportant rust, $12K? (I'm completely guessing here and could be off by thousands...)

Do yourself and the next owner a favor though, don't re-paint over the rust. You'll spend more money on paint than you'll get out of it. A well informed owner will wonder why fresh paint is on the car... Why don't you fix the rust and keep the car?

If the rust is too bad, do you really want to foster that off on someone else without their knowing?

If you must, at least mitigate the rust with rust-mort or naval jelly and some vigorous hand-sanding, then some rust-oleum.. Or if it's really cancerous, re-weld....

The value of your car would be about 1/10th the price of a new M5 at most. Have you priced this car. Since it is in demand and in short supply, there is tremendous dealer mark up. I am not questioning your ability to buy one, it's just the jump from a high milage older 911 is quite a change in cars. What figure did they give you for a M5? You may want to check the depreciation of that car in a few years before buying. Best of luck, Michael

The rust is in the driver's front fender (I just need a new one) and to the side of the battery. The hole is about 2" is all. If I keep it, I'll fix it to be cosmetically clear. Otherwise, I will treat it and reassemble.

I was told the street price of an M5 is about $80k. It would be nice to buy a new one but the depreciation would be a killer. My need is garage space. Basically, I am allowed one "extra" car so I am trying to decide if having a car I can autocross (the 911) would be better than one I can carry the family to the mountains in.

I know how that is! Although I love driving my 911 it is my 3rd car. I also have a 850 Turbo wagon and A Volvo S80. I think when you own a good handling car, you wish all your cars drove the same. I was very close to picking up a used 740il before the Volvo. The maintenance on BMW's was a concern, but the car drove sweet for such a big boat. You may want to check out a 740i with the sport package. It has more room that a M5 and decent performance (280 HP). If you find one used, (try autotrader.com) you can get around the depreciation cost. Michael