What shold I do now? (lots of pics)

[chrispizza]

Hi all. It has been over 2 years since I have been back here to these forums. Here is my first porsche:



It met an early demise after only about six months, and I stayed away for quite a while.

Recently I was planning on buying a (dont flame me) a new beetle. I called the dealership I purchased my first Porsche from and asked them if they knew anyone selling, as they are in a much bigger city. They said that they would check around.

Last week they called back and said that they weren't interested in looking for a beetle, but they did have a metallic blue 1986 911 cab that they would sell for $10,000. I mentioned that I only had 10k to spend on a car when I asked about the beetle.

Over the phone they mentioned that it has transmission problems. Specifically, that it would not go into 3rd gear at all. The price for overhauling the transmission was quoted at about $2,000. Does that sound right?

Here are some of the pictures they emailed me.

[chrispizza]

I had a pizza to make there and got called away, but here are some more pics





The paint is bubbled here a bit, and they mentioned that this was the only place with a 'bubble' like that.



The odometer is stuck at 79,999 Km as well, but the dealer assured me that it hadn't driven much over that.




Just a few questions for all the vetrans out there.

1. I am going to look at the car next week. What should I look for?

2. Should I be interested in this car? (the price sure seems right)

3. Would you buy it if you were in my position?

That is about it. Thanks in advance - Chris

[ischmitz]

Well, I don't know the market in Japan (even though I spend a fair amount of time there). In general sports cars in Japan are in pristine condition and are babied even more so than in the U.S. This example looks like it has seen a fair amount of wear and tear. That would make me suspicius.

First, you need to find someone who is familiar with aircooled Porsches and have it examined. It's called a pre-purchase inspection. US$ 10k seems "cheap" for this car more so given that it is Japan and might indicate that it has severe issues. It's a gamble at best IMHO.

In general dropping the engine/transmission and changing some bad parts in the tranny is easily US$ 2k here in the U.S so I would expect more in Japan. Then you could face issues with the engine and that can get expensive really fast. What's up with that funky dent in the rear decklid?

Things to check:

- Accident evidence (bend frame, repairs)
- headstuds
- suspension (anything loose, worn)
- general engine (leakdown, compression, etc)


Good luck,
Ingo

[chrispizza]

It hasn't been in an accident or anything like that. It was purchased from the same shop I bought mine at years ago, and the owner hasn't put many miles on it at all.

The sales man knew I was looking for a car, and when the current owner mentioned he wanted to sell it he gave me a call. They are actually asking $14,000 for it, but told me 10k would be fine.

I guess I will need to scout out for a guy to do a PPI.

[ischmitz]

Chris,

I am very surprised about the visible cosmetic issues on the blue car. This to me means the owner didn't much care for the car. If there is one country in the world where every car regardless of age looks like it just came out of the showroom it is Japan. So this does not jive. Do you or the shop have any service records of work done? That would be a first good sign and help to shed some light on its history.

Definitely, have an independent guy go over it with a fine toothed comb and report all potential issues together with estimates on fixes. Make sure he understands the trouble spots on these cars. This is the only way to make sure you won't kill yourself financially in the long run on an apparent smoking deal. Do you have the space and the means to work on the car yourself in Japan. This is another factor to consider when buying a used car of this vintage.

Cheers,
Ingo

[unclebilly]

My guess is that this car was imported from the US and that the trunk damage took place in the container on the way over.

If this car was on the other side of the pacific, I would buy it. If it is rust and oil leak free, go ahead.

[euro911sc]

New Beetles rock (see signature) Get a 1.8T or 2.0T(new model). The 2.0 non-turbo is a real dog unless you super charge it... The TDIs are really quick off the line w/ the diesel torque, but it ends there.

$10k for a car in Japan?? seems REALLY low and I'm not even talking Porsches. Though I guess my valuation meter could be off. That seems like a low price even for the states and in general, pricing in Japan is higher, no?

For sure, take it somewhere and have it really looked over. There may be something else wrong with it that they are not disclosing.

$2k for a tranny rebuild is high, but I'm assuming they padded it as they do not know whats wrong with it. I had a 3rd gear problem where I could not get into gear and everything else worked great. I had jammed the accelerator block for 3rd gear in between the hub of the dog ring and the synchro. This prevented the synchro from snapping into the slider. If you have ever been in a tranny you will understand the above. If not, don't worry about it

This part is about the size of a dime and only a few $... but to get to it you have to take the whole thing apart Root cause was shifting too fast... 'they' say.

Best regards,

Michael

[chrispizza]

Originally posted by ischmitz

I am very surprised about the visible cosmetic issues on the blue car. This to me means the owner didn't much care for the car. If there is one country in the world where every car regardless of age looks like it just came out of the showroom it is Japan. So this does not jive. Do you or the shop have any service records of work done? That would be a first good sign and help to shed some light on its history.

Do you have the space and the means to work on the car yourself in Japan.

I really have to ask about that deal on the trunk. From the looks of it something hit it. The rest of the car is very nice though.

I have a buddy with a car ship in my neighborhood who I have imposed on for the last 6 years. He (and his 2 kids) also like pizza so we have a pretty mutually benefitial relationship there.

Originally posted by euro911sc
$10k for a car in Japan?? seems REALLY low and I'm not even talking Porsches. Though I guess my valuation meter could be off. That seems like a low price even for the states and in general, pricing in Japan is higher, no?

The 14k they were initially asking is pretty in line price wise. Old cars do not hold their value at all, especially old porsches because of the cost of parts and repair. The emissions and inspection fees are also much higher on older cars. That is one of the reasons all cars look new here, because they are.

Before all the Nigerians got into it, selling used cars to Korea and Russia was a huge business. You could pick up a decent clean car for $200, drive it onto the ferry to Korea and sell it there paying for your a week long vacation in the process.

Originally posted by euro911sc
$2k for a tranny rebuild is high, but I'm assuming they padded it as they do not know whats wrong with it.

Yep, this is what I though as well. They haven't opened it at all so who knows what the exact problem is.

Thanks for the input guys.

[cab83_750]

My tranny would not go in 1st gear without grinding, unless from a dead stop. The 2nd gear did not grind but was notchy. When I scouted for quotes, I was quoted in California between $1,800 and $2,500.00. I rebuilt it myself for less than $600.00.

I could relate to all of the mechanics: " the full scope of the work could not be final unless after teardown."


BTW, nice looking car and beautiful color.

[Oracle]

The trunk looks funny (aside of the poor paint prep. and/or bondo) cause it sits after the reflector and this is the oposite from a regular car.
Seems like it had a bad hit from the rear. Get a PPI prior to buying this car.