Should I Worry About Future Resale Value If I Buy A Car With A Replacement Engine?

[coollx]

I need some input.

I'm seriously considering purchasing a 1986 Carrera with 120,000 on the chassis that has a replacement engine out of a 1985 that has miles in the 80,000 range that has been thoroughly checked out. It runs and drives very well, has no broken head studs, excellent leakdown and completely serviced including a valve adjustment. Also has a professionally rebuilt transaxle and transmission along with a new clutch.

The car has very nice interior and good paint and has not had any collision damage. Only a minor scrape on one quarter panel.

This would be my first 911 and would be a weekend and pleasure car.

Is there any reason not to consider buying it due to the replacement engine?

Will the replacement engine, assuming it runs well and is serviced well while I own the car, have any impact on future resale value? If so, how much impact?

Thanks.

[Porsche_monkey]

It's not something I personally would worry about. Bit I wouldn't expect my 20 year old car with 120,000 miles to become a collectors item.

If you want an 'investment' that might appreciate look for an original car that has been maintained from day one with service records.

I prefer to buy drivers. This car sounds like a driver, look after it and it won't depreciate much. But it won't increase in value either.

What are they asking for the car?

[JBO]

Yes, this will scare off some potential buyers. It probably won't effect the ultimate sales price too much, but just take longer to sell. I have a slant nose wide body, and it would be the same situation if I ever sell.

[coollx]

The owner is asking $14K

[Rot 911]

I don't think an engine swap in any of the SC's or Carreras will ever effect resale value.

[wolf]

If you sell it they will always rant about it to get the price down. However these are not rare cars so condition should always matter more. Good price for strong engine tranny rebuilt and new clutch.

[chrisp]

I wouldn't worry about it. However any SC/Carrera that has original studs I would factor in a rebuild in the not to distant future. Some go so far as to consider any SC/Carrera motor that hasn't been rebuilt as a core.

[DanielDudley]

Pretty good price for all that service work. Should be a good driver I would guess, ready to run.

That would make it worth it to me.

[DonDavis]

At that price, I don't think it'll matter. That car is no collector and will not likely appreciate to the point the engine will hurt it's resale. If you are buying a Porsche for resale intentions, look for another model or example.

My 72T w/3.2 is deisrable to a small group of folks. I did the swap knowing I was narrowing the potential buyer "pool". But I don't ever plan on selling. And if I do, I'll deal with the market at that time.

The car you reference, at that price, sounds like a good deal. If you buy it, enjoy the crap out out of it! Happy hunting! And keep us posted!

[JeremyD]

at $14K I wouldnt wince - fire it up and drive the shiot out of it.

[Joe Bob]

Drive it till it pukes......or you do.....

[Porsche_monkey]

No reason to hesitate. Offer him $13 and drive it into the ground. You won't regret it.

[David E. Clark]

Originally Posted by PBH

No reason to hesitate. Offer him $13 and drive it into the ground. You won't regret it.

I agree and $14,000.00 seems quite reasonable but perhaps you tell the seller you are concerned about the replacement engine as an explanation for an even lower offer.