'79 911 SC - Advice Needed

FrankF · 07-01-2008, 04:26 AM

Hi folks,

It's been awhile since I've visited. I would like to get some input on a situation I'm facing. I have a '79 SC Targa with approx. 135,000 miles. I've owned the car for three years. I've mostly used it to commute back and forth to work - primarily highway miles. However, it looks like I'm going to have to sell it due to a pending divorce. Problem is, it's developed a few issues. I've taken it to a shop and was given an estimate of roughly $1900 to fix a number of oil leaks. I'm told that the engine isn't in bad shape, but seals and gaskets need to be replaced. Since the engine will have to come out, a big part of this cost is labor. The second issue is the speedometer. I made the mistake of trying to clear the tripmeter while rolling and now it and the odometer do not work. I've downloaded the tech article on fixing this problem, but I haven't started the work yet.

So, the dilema is, should I put this much money into a car that I intend to sell? Given my circumstance, I'm thinking about placing an ad that notes its mechanical condition and knocking some $$ off of the price. But I'm not sure what would be a fair price. Any advice? Thanks.

Frank

TechnoViking · TechnoViking's Garage

How much is it leaking? Enough to ward off potential buyers?

If you have the time, you can drop the engine and fix all of these leaks, I imagine. Wayne's book has a section on fixing common oil leaks.

Generally speaking you don't get out what you put in to these old cars, money-wise. So I'd say either fix it yourself or sell it as-is.

FrankF · 07-01-2008, 04:44 AM

I've spoken with a good friend who has two older 911s and he agreed with what you're saying. I have no problem doing the work myself, but right now the issue is time. This divorce is putting alot of pressure on me. I'm in need of cash fairly quickly.

911quest · 07-01-2008, 04:48 AM

Sell it to a "friend" as is for cheap then once the storm clouds pass buy it back

Superman · 07-01-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankF

This divorce is putting alot of pressure on me. I'm in need of cash fairly quickly.

Don't add the stress of a car project to your life right now. Especially a car you will sell. Speedo repair is delicate work that can be frustrating. Engine R&R is dirty work. And...there is little financial gain. Discount the car a bit and sell. Simplify. Good luck.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankf

hi Folks,

It's Been Awhile Since I've Visited. I Would Like To Get Some Input On A Situation I'm Facing. I Have A '79 Sc Targa With Approx. 135,000 Miles. I've Taken It To A Shop And Was Given An Estimate Of Roughly $1900 To Fix A Number Of Oil Leaks. I'm Told That The Engine Isn't In Bad Shape, But Seals And Gaskets Need To Be Replaced. Since The Engine Will Have To Come Out, A Big Part Of This Cost Is Labor.

$1900 Is Not Excessive To Take The Engine Out To Fix Oil Leaks But Expect More Cost Because There Is Always Something Else Showing Up.
The Second Issue Is The Speedometer. I Made The Mistake Of Trying To Clear The Tripmeter While Rolling And Now It And The Odometer Do Not Work. I've Downloaded The Tech Article On Fixing This Problem, But I Haven't Started The Work Yet.

This Myth Just Doesn't Die.
Re-setting The Odometer While Moving Doesn't Do Any Damage.
Sent An E-mail To NHS If You Don't Believe Me.
The Soft Plastic Gear Breaks Down Over Time.
If You're Pressed For Time, Diy May Not Work; NHS Does It For ~$150.-

So, The Dilema Is, Should I Put This Much Money Into A Car That I Intend To Sell? Given My Circumstance, I'm Thinking About Placing An Ad That Notes Its Mechanical Condition And Knocking Some $$ Off Of The Price. But I'm Not Sure What Would Be A Fair Price. Any Advice? Thanks.
Frank

Selling As Is Sounds Like The Best Option Since You're Pressed For Time And Money.
Divorce Is Alway Unpleasant And Costly, Put It Behind You.

FrankF · 07-01-2008, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the practical advice guys. At this point, a quick sell would be my best option. I haven't been following the market recently, but I've been hoping to get $10K for the car locally. My plan is to advertise on craigslist and the local paper. I also plan to put the car in my front yard with a for sale sign. We get a good bit of traffic, so I'm thinking that it'll likely sell just from the road exposure. Do you think I'm way off on the price? I bought the car for $12.5K three years ago. Thanks again for the feedback.

Frank

Kemo · 09:01 AM

I agree with the guys above...just sell it an get this divorce over and done with. Once the smoke clears, perhaps you'll have the opportunity to buy another one.

10K is not off the mark I dont think. If all you have is an oil leak and a hokey spedo...thats a small list for a 30yr old car. Should sell kinda quick.

On a personal note: It sucks that you have to sacrifice your car for divorce costs. Good luck with both the car sale and your situation.

FrankF · 07-01-2008, 09:08 AM

Kemo,

Thanks for your comment. It surely does suck to have to sell. I do hope to own another Porsche one day, though I don't know when I'll be back in a position to buy one. It's been a fun car. I've really enjoyed driving and working on it. Now I guess it's time to pass it on to someone else.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

When you advertise, feel out any potential buyer for "Know-how"
Meaning: It's a lot easier to explain issues like leaks, speedo etc. to someone who knows about 911s.
Anyone else will be scared about stuff like that.
And weed out the tire-kickers coming to the door when you put a FS sign outside on the car.
Beware the test pilots who want to burn the clutch.
Best wishes.

FrankF · 07-01-2008, 10:08 AM

Thanks for the advice Doc. There are at least two Porsche owners who travel the road in front of my home each day. I'm hoping that one of them might be interested or know someone who's in the market.

Frank

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

Frank,

Try taking your car to Auto-Quest in Tifton. They buy old sports cars, muscle cars, etc. I don't know what kind of price you might get from them but it might be a way to go. Auto Quest is located on Hwy 82 just east of I75. Good luck!

FrankF · 07-02-2008, 07:11 AM

Thanks Fred. I didn't know about Auto-Quest. I spoke with Bob this morning. Problem is, they want to pay bottom dollar for the car. I need to sell, but I don't want to give it away. I'll keep it advertised locally. I'm actually starting to think that selling my daily driver Volvo S60 might be a better idea. I'll go back to driving the SC everyday and fix it up myself. Worse case scenario, I may have to drive an old truck back and forth while the SC is down for repair. Either way, I'll have a vehicle, so maybe the Volvo should go....