pricing out a 911

[mgatlag]

Hey there- I have a 77 924 and it's been in the family since 77 but I've always wanted a 911, for obvious reasons. I'm looking for a mid 80's car but don't know what I should be looking to spend as I've seen prices all across the board. I've seen them anywhere from 7 g's to 25 g's. Anyone have any advice on things I should be looking for to tell good from bad? I know my 924 in and out but that's a much different animal (a much slower one too). Any help would be appreciated!!

[cubby911T]

Hey there Michael,

I started out with a 77 1/2 924 as well! It was actually a decent car - underpowered like you said, but good 50/50 weight distribution and fun to drive. Mine was black with a gold pin stripe and had a 944 spoiler added on. You should post a pic of yours if you have one handy.

Anyway, regarding the 911 shopping. I'm not sure what your budget is right now, but I would recommend doing what I did (and what a lot of Pelicans have done) which is look at the 911SC series (1978-1983). There are plenty of solid ones out there and they have the so called "bulletproof" 3.0 liter engine. A decent SC can be had for 10-12K these days.

In fact, a good example of a nice SC in your area is currently for sale by one of our Pelican brothers (Doug&Julie) near Cincinnati:

http://www.lumpocole.com/doug/1978911sc/For%20Sale.html

[bkreigsr]

If it's any help, I helped a friend score a black/black 85 Targa, 103,000, perfect in and out for $12,000 last month. I 've seen the equivalent car go for as much as $25,000

No, really, the car was so good I would have bought it myself if I was a Targa type.

Bill K

[mgatlag]

Cubby- thanks for the info, too bad to see the ND under your name. You guys are going down like a gay waiter in the BIG HOUSE this year!!!(I'm from Ann Arbor) I really like my 924, my dad finally gave it to me last xmas and I pretty much rebuilt the car and it is very fun to drive. Mine is gaurds red with gold pin stripes and I added a 944 spoiler and the 944 spoke wheels. I'm a little tech retarded but I'll try to download some pics. I do like the Targas but would I be asking too much to find a Carrera coupe in that same price point? I don't mind finding something that needs some work. I have seen some that have a body kit with the ground effects and whale tail and I really like those, but again, am i asking too much for too little? Thanks again!!

[KFC911]

Welcome Michael, you came to the right place for your 911 quest! Take your time, and you can find a great 911 '80s driver in the mid-teens. They all can be GREAT cars if you pick the right one...from an SC in the low teens to a G50 Carrera ('87-89) in the high teens. A specific car's condition, mileage, etc. will determine the exact price, and those can be all over the range. Get a PPI, and don't be in too much of a hurry...the search is part of the fun. Good luck!

[yelcab1]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

If it's any help, I helped a friend score a black/black 85 Targa, 103,000, perfect in and out for $12,000 last month. I 've seen the equivalent car go for as much as $25,000

No, really, the car was so good I would have bought it myself if I was a Targa type.

Bill K

12K for a super clean Carrera Targa is a lucky find. There will always be those, but one should not count on it.

80-83SC, clean coupe, decent miles (120-160K) will require 10-15K$
84-86Carrera, clean coupe, decent miles (100-150K) will require 13-18K$
87-88G50 Coupe, decent miles (100K-120K) will require 15-20K$.

clean: no bashed in fenders, very few dings, good unfaded paint, no torn up interior, running engine without smoke, no broken headstuds, no worn valve guides, no salvaged titles, no frankensteins (SC with carbs, 3.6L carreras).

I am no Bruce Andersen, and I pay real money for my cars.

[jhubs]

I would suggest you look for an 87, 88 or 89. IMO, you will love the features that these years have and there is a good selection out there. Try and find one that has less than 100K miles and a rebuilt engine or one that has excellent leak down numbers on a compression test. Also, one that has been taken care of and has complete repair records. I would say that a 1989 in "excellent" condition should go for a max. of $25-26K and an 1987 for a max. of $22-23K. Any upgrades from stock, you should expect to pay a little more for. Have an Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a reputable P-Car shop, and get a friend that has experience with P-cars to help you look for rust and unusual repairs.
I was lucky and found a 1987 coupe with 88K and a rebuilt engine (4K on engine) for $22K and I put $4.5K into a new interior because I wanted to, not because I had to. Good luck and let us see what you find!!

[azasadny]

My buddy just bought a very nice (not perfect) '79 SC Targa for $10k. I would think that you can find a very clean, well sorted '79-'83 911 for $10-$16k.

[jpc1818]

130136675665

ebay item #

[mgatlag]

Thanks for all the help guys, it gives me a much better idea where I stand. I'm getting married in a month and selling my house this month also. I'd be real cool to be able to buy myself a 911 wedding present in a month or so. Good thing is that the soon to be understands my obsession with Porsches and doesn't really care what I do. She could have just opened a can that can't be closed though!! Is there such a thing as a Targa or Carrera convertible? I saw some on ebay (Cabriolet). Are those any good?