While

[Cal44]

While I am thinking on this I would like an opinion as I am sure I can rustle up a few on this site.
Subject 1984 911 coupe. 74K verifiable miles. Just had a PPI done and outcome is it could use new syncros and a major tune, original paint and upholstery and no wrecks. One inch thick paperwork on history of car. New tires, sunroof, performance package (wing), no rust. Is it worth 18K?

[burgermeister]

Seems pricey.

Then again, if it's exactly the car you want and it's something special, a rare color, or otherwise uncommon ... I think it's better to overpay and get exactly what you wanted rather than get a good deal and get sort of what you wanted. Life is short - if you're going to go half broke on an irrational toy car hobby, it might as well be exaclty what you had in mind. When you're done, the extra few K won't matter. At least that's how I am wired ...

[911 in SC]

I'd try to get the owner to take into account the price to replace the syncros. The PO of my car (1984 RoW Carrera w/ 91k at the time) took off $1500 off her asking price for clutch replacement.

If the car is the right color combo, it speaks to you, who are we to say the price isn't fair? If it's good for you and are comfortable with it, I say go for it (especially with a PPI that was done).

Good luck!

Mike

[Cal44]

The problem is that good coupes that have not been altered are not easy to come by. This one is arena red (burgundy) with black interior. Quite stunning in the tons of pix the guy sent. So if I can live with the so-so syncros for a while then..........I am on the fence. I know a syncro job is going to run 3k so now I would be at 21k. The problem is the guy won't budge on the price and I have tried everything. There are plenty of verts and targa's for sale but those don't interest me. To find a good coupe and it takes a while and the PPI mechanic said the car was sound. I hate making decisions.

[burgermeister]

This is the fun part!! As long as you're not spending your last penny, what's the worst that can happen? You overpay by a few K. In 10 years, you won't remember and your life will be no different. A 911 isn't an investment, it's an expensive irrational (but fun) hobby. As far as unmodified, you may find yourself modifying things yourself before long

Some other questions to ask yourself:
Did the PPI check all the head studs for existence and the front suspension pan for rust?
Why would someone sell a car that needs a major tune-up? I'd tune it up before selling ...

Make sure you budget $2 or $3K for any other things that may crop up that the PPI may have missed - just in case.

[911 in SC]

Agree. If you're comfortable with the price and trust the PPI, why not? If you think the price is still a little high, then move on. Keep searching. The right one is or will be out there for you.

Performing a major tune up on a 'new' car will help you get in touch with it. Nothing better than a tune up and a good cleaning inside and out to make a new car feel more like my car.

I would strongly agree that I'd have some 'mad money' (what my wife calls it) put away for those 'what's that sound?' or 'oh crap!' times.

It's not a cheap hobby, but it's much cheaper than some!

Have fun!
Mike

[Mitch Leland]

It appears to me that there is a consensus with the board... If you like it, buy it, however be prepared to spend some extra money beyond what ever you think you know about the car. I bought a CarFax 45,000 mile car knowing some issues, but still had to spend 3k-4k more above what I thought I had to spend to get it right.

[shbop]

The problem is the guy won't budge on the price and I have tried everything. There are plenty of verts and targa's for sale but those don't interest me. To find a good coupe and it takes a while and the PPI mechanic said the car was sound. I hate making decisions.

It sounds like the problem is that you've already fallen in love. Exactly what a seller wants to see. Run Forest, run! You may be surprised when you phone rings a week from now. Worst case scenario; you don't get the Burgundy 911, best case; you find a better one next month for 5k less $$.

[tcar]

Be sure to add the price of the tuneup to the price of the car. Can you do the work or do you need to pay a mechanic?

It's already overpriced.

There ARE other cars out there, a ton of them. Even better. Even less expensive.

And, it doesn't move in a week or two, the seller may be calling you.

[gerrygug]

What is the car worth as described West Coast pricing?

[haycait911]

' it COULD use new syncros and a major tune '

sounds like almost every 911 on the road. use it as a bargaining chip but don't let it kill the deal if you like the car.

ps. NOBODY sells a perfect car, you'll always spend something to make it right. also, I find that late january when the credit card bills come rolling in a good time to buy a car. people are willing to deal.

[Macroni]

For 18k it should only need minor work. Transmission rebuild should alter the price. For 18K you should be able to get a G50 Car.

[Cal44]

Thank you all for good insight. Think I will sit back a while and take the advice of you guys. Happy Holidays. Mike.

[pozee]

Cal44 - Don't give up yet!

Seems you found exactly what you want. Is this a dealer or are you talking to the owner with those documents and history? If it's the owner, then he's obviously an enthusiast. Why don't you just be upfront with the guy and tell him you really like the car and that "from one P-Nut" to another, you were hoping he would consider the issue with the synchro's and let you have the car for a little less....Negotiate!

I agree with the other posts - Life is short. These are not investments. Get what you want. In a few years you will forget the fact that you paid a premium for a nice car.

Regardless of what you get, in the end it's going to cost the same!

[Cal44]

After looking and looking for a nice coupe I came back to the '84 I had the PPI done on in Arizona. Even with the tranny problem I thought since the good stock coupes are getting harder to find I will throw the dice.
Well the out of state mechanic was right about the transmission. Plus it howled in third and forth. I was not to upset since I am used to making poor judgements on many levels.

So, since it needed to be smogged I thought I will have the boys give it a major service and check out the tranny with assesment and change to Swepco 201.

Turns out the linkage was out of adjusment. So in summation, car shifts nice with second a little notchy but darn near perfect and no howling.

[KFC911]

Beautiful car. I just saw this thread for the first time, and reading through, I was agreeing with most everyone else. Overpriced, but if it was what you wanted, a few thou is moot in the long run imo. Now I would suggest leaving this board before we "save" another 5-10 grand out of your wallet on "stuff" . I paid a premium for my garage queen several years ago ($29K), and have sunk much more into her since...no regrets whatsoever and it's been the first car I've ever truly "learned" and wrenched on, and she's everything I dreamed of and more...enjoy!

[burgermeister]

Beautiful! Love the color. Be sure to drive it as often as possible so you get your money's worth.
I have not regretted a dime I've spent on nor a mile I've added to my car.

[911 in SC]

Sounds like you found the deal you wanted. It looks great. Congrats on the purchase, enjoy it!

[DUK]

Nice car. And I agree the few extra dollars were worth it. Especially since an adjustment to the linkage helped in prolonging the trans. rebuild.

Good Luck and watch out for the "whilst you are in there disease", it seems to be contagious around these parts.

[billybek]

I really don't think that was a bad deal..
It is straight and clean and runs well, better than spending $15k now and $5-10 K later!!!
I love the color!
Congrats!