What should I pay?

polizei · 11:00 AM

I've been looking for a 1987-1989 911 for a few months now, and I'm in the middle of my 2nd serious negotiation - this time for a 1987 911 Coupe with 60k miles. I'm having a PPI performed on it this weekend, and, if all goes well, I'll be having a leak down and compression test performed as well as the head studs checked out. The paint is all original with only a few acceptable stone chips in the front. The car is entirely stock with the sole exception of the rims - 17" cup. The interior is in good shape - probably an 8 out of 10. The clutch has never been replaced. The asking price is $23k, and the 60k mile service would HAVE to be done (extra $900 for me). The car is located in Michigan, which, in my analysis, is not a hot market for these cars.

So, I'm going to pose the overly relative question: What would you pay for the car and why? Let's assume all goes well with the PPI and the subsequent tests.

Your thoughts are appreciated. By the way, I'm in no hurry to buy a 911. I'm willing to wait for the right one.

JB36 · 05-18-2007, 02:07 PM

I paid 17500 last summer for my '87 which sounds to be of similar condition, but had 104k. I felt this was a fair deal. It needed a few things fixed and a valve adjustment which I would assume is part of a 60K service. Can you in fact prove the the mileage is accurate via car fax of maintenance documentation? 911 Speedos are too easy to falsify and I would be weary.

How long has it been for sale which could help the seller be more flexible in negotiating. I don't think 23K is too high for a nice 60K car that checks out well. I would try and get if for 21500 and feel pretty good about the deal.

on-ramp · 05-18-2007, 02:15 PM

I paid 15K for my excellent condition 86 Carrera Cabriolet (euro model), 100K miles and all original. Runs and drives like new, with the clutch done 10K ago.

jhubs · jhubs's Garage

I paid $22k for 87 911 coupe with 4,500 miles on a rebuilt engine ($8,200) by the PO. The PPI was excelent! It had 88,000 miles on it and I am the 8th owner. I replaced the interior for $4,500 as it was a 5 out of 10.

$23k is good if the engine is good. If it needs a rebuild or a top end, I would not pay any more than $16k. Check the clutch carefully as you are looking at $1,500-$2k to have it replaced.

J

Crachian · 05-18-2007, 09:14 PM

You need to know how many miles to the quart it gets.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I don't like the fact that it has cup wheels. What happened to the Fuchs? On the later cars, weren't 7 and 8 inch Fuchs an option? That sure would be a lot nicer!

Is it truly up to date on everything? At 20 years old, it may need a lot more than what the routine maintenance calls for. Make sure all the rubber stuff (suspension, a/c lines, weatherstripping etc.) is in excellent shape. How is the dash? The leather usually warps into a pringle, no matter how few miles the car has. I am a bit worried that an owner would not have the 60k mile service complete on a 60k mile car. This may tell you something about the general attitude towards maintenance, so pay close attention to the records.

That said, you wanted to know how much to pay. I would not pay more than 20k and I would demand the 60k service to be complete at that price. You are the buyer. You are in control. Make sure the seller knows this.

George

bmgmd · bmgmd's Garage

And here I thought my '89 3.2 was only worth $20K (as referenced in a recent Excellence- $20K Shootout).

Mine has 66K miles here in Southern California (hotter market than Michigan?), and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to get more than $23-25K for it.

Definitely budget the $1.5-2K for the clutch; less if you do it yourself.

Sounds like $23 for your prospect is a little too much.

IMO the 17" Cups lower the value even further.

Brian

widgeon13 · 05-19-2007, 05:19 AM

not worth more than 17K w/ Cup wheels. You will end up putting 3K into it in the next year.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 05-19-2007, 09:21 AM

at that price I could steer you towards a blue 964 Cabriolet in Kentucky that was unmolested. Main reason we passed it was because it was a Cab and the wife wanted a sunroof coupe. Michigan is the land of salt, get a PPI no matter what you do.

polizei · 03:41 PM

Well, the PPI came back overly positive. There are some odd end things which need to be addressed, but nothing that is a show stopper. The Porsche mechanic noted that it has one of the most beautiful bodies he's seen in a while - despite the Michigan salt

It sounds like most of the small issues noted in the PPI will be addressed in the 60k mile service.

I talked him down to $20k contingent upon a leak down test and a having the head studs checked out. I'll be taking care of the 60k mile service though. I'm happy with the price despite the non-Fuchs rims, and I've got some cash stored for the clutch replacement. Thanks for your input guys, and I'll keep you posted on how things progress.