81 911 SC worth $8K? Was my offer fair?

[twilightcall]

I am currently looking at an 81 911 SC. I was wondering if I could get some opinions on the price of it. Here is some info on the car:

115K miles, service records going back to 1990, pop off valve, chain tensioner upgrade, turbo valve covers all done, short throw shift kit installed, recent service including new clutch, valve adjustment and AAV replaced. It drives good and engine runs smooth.

Here are the main problems I found with the car. Dash has a 3 inch crack in it. The leather was removed off of the dash. Passenger door will open too far because the metal piece that keeps it from opening too far is broken. Right rear caliper is dragging, wheels need to be repainted, rear shelf where speakers are is cracked and seperated, leather straps to hold rear seats up are gone, steering wheel leather cracked. The worst part is the paint. It is faded and has 1 large dent/crease in the rear trunk and the paint chipped and was touched up with the wrong color. It also through something up in the rear wheel well and it dented the wheel arch over the rear wheel and broke off a piece of paint about 2 inches in diameter and dented the fender. It has been touched up with the wrong color as well and looks terrible. Front hood/bumper is filled with stone chips. The color isn't the best. It is wine metallic but is faded to where it can look pink under certain lighting conditions.

Fog lights don't work and the blower for the a/c doesn't work.

I offered him $7500 for the car. The best he will do is $8K. I think that is a little high. Was my offer of $7500 too low or too high? Is $8K fair or ?. Thanks.

[billybek]

It is easy for me to say that it is only $500 difference. Is that enough to be a deal breaker?

[kgs365]

$500 is not enough to walk...ask him to split the difference or fix a few of the items ..based on the mileage and with the items fixed the car is probably worth $10-$12K...

[robert walsh]

Just my opinion here, I feel with everything you have observed that is wrong with the car, and there has to be more lurking that you have not seen, that said your offer seem's very fiar to me. To paint the car correctly along with the body work required, your into a very substantial investment, that's without any new issues that will be found. Easy for me to say, but I feel you could find a true daily driver in good condition for 10k. If your limit is $7500 and you are capable of doing all the work yourself and enjoy it, as I do, (hobby/passion) then get a PPI and go for it.

[81white911]

I have a 1981 911 that is fundementally in better shape. needs interior. been having trouble starting it lately. Id be happy to take $8,000 but youd have to trailer it. Once i get it running and redo the carpet and targa top Ill want 10-12k

[Porsche_monkey]

I think it's difficult to enough to even get a feel for the value of a car based on a description, no pictures, and not seeing/driving the car in person.

I will say the range seems right, as to the last $500 of negotiation? That's up to you.

[robert walsh]

I re-read your post, I would look for another, way too much work. Sorry but honest.

[Rot 911]

I'm not even sure I would pay $7.5K for that car. Even assuming the engine is in good running condition, the rest of the work to get it looking decent is going to run you at least $5K. For $12K you can get a very nice looking SC.

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I'm not even sure I would pay $7.5K for that car. Even assuming the engine is in good running condition, the rest of the work to get it looking decent is going to run you at least $5K. For $12K you can get a very nice looking SC.

I agree, and with no leakdown/compression test you really have no idea of the engines condition. "Running smooth" doesn't mean a heck of a lot. Transmission shifts perfectly? Clutch is good?

[ja78911sc]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I'm not even sure I would pay $7.5K for that car. Even assuming the engine is in good running condition, the rest of the work to get it looking decent is going to run you at least $5K. For $12K you can get a very nice looking SC.

Agree. There are SC's available that are mechanically sound & good cosmetically for 12k + -- why spend the time/money on a project car (5k would be conservative on this car) when you can buy a car ready to shine & drive.

You may be aware of this -- have a PPI performed. Broken head studs, low compression, oil leaks (depending where they are located) can really add up.

[byfdinky]

I would spend alittle more and find one that has been taken care of!
We all know how much money these cars can cost us! Avoid having to do everything to this thing and go enjoy a taken care of 911.
When I get ready to sell my 1979 SC Targa, the buyer is going to be sooo lucky because I have done soo much to this thing and still not done, I do not see the end

[schoward]

Pass. The car sounds like it wasnt taken care of.

Also - you know how much good porsche-caliber body work costs? Take a pass.

[dtw]

You're both too high. Sounds like a parts car. I'd pay $5k max.

[Macroni]

I would also pass unless you don't mind owning a beater quality car. If you are going to fix it start w/ a better foundation.

[c019740]

I agree, car not taken car of so pay a little more and get a nicer one... you'll end up fixing everything and it will cost you a lot more.

[Superman]

Lots of varying opinions of the values of these cars. In some markets, I hear, they are dime-a-dozen.

I am just now moving the nice, fresh, new, clean parts from my totaled '83 onto my newly purchased '79 Euro. It is massively irritating to me. The insurance company paid me under $10K for the totalled '83 SC, including sales tax of nearly 10%. I am fully, 100% convinced this was a major ripoff, but you have to deal with their car value "experts," I guess. I had rebuilt the engine and tranny, clutch, suspension (shocks, bushings, everything). Brakes were great. Everything.....everything worked perfectly on this car. It had 270K miles, and the paint showed that (they say the car was "not dealer ready," and this is a basis for lowballing).

EVERY SINGLE PART FROM THE '83 IS VASTLY SUPERIOR TO ITS COUNTERPART FROM THE '79. I could hold up any two matching parts, and you could EASILY tell which car it came from. The interior of the '83 had a couple of small seam openings, but was in amazing shape for this many miles. The car was a desirable color (smoky quartz metallic) and handsome interior (burgundy). It was mechanically superior to a brand new '83 SC (head studs were changed, 20/21 cams, Turbo rear torsion bars, etc).

I just had to vent. Again. I care little for the cosmetics of a car. I am only focused on the mechanicals. There is a WHALE of a difference between a lovingly restored/upgraded SC......and the rest. HUGE difference. But the insurance company and its car valuation drones don't see this. Very convenient. I am still considering handing all this over to an attorney.

[chrisf]

twilightcall:

pm sent. shoot one back to me.

~Chris

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Only if you want a project car. Ask me how I know...better yet, buy my book.