Yet another 'What's this SC worth?' thread

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by mickey356

I bought an 83 SC about a month ago. Assuming the one you're looking at is a coupe, mine was pretty much the same condition. I paid $16500 for it. It did have EVERY record of any work ever done to the car. Rebuilt 1st and 2nd, new oil lines, injectors, to mention a few recent repairs. No rebuild work on the engine though. It got the "thumbs up" from the place doing the PPI with good compression numbers. (that's a whole different story. Remember, a PPI is only as good as the place doing it). The only thing I've done to the car that was needed was to replace the voltage regulator and fixed the sunroof. There are a few things that still should be done but aren't essential. I don't think you're going to find a car that is 28 years old that is in perfect working order. And if you do, you sure as hell aren't gonna get it for $8K.
I found that they're are "better" cars and better prices on the west coast for the most part. I live on the east coast and they're aren't as many clean cars here, or that many cars for sale either. I guess the west coast is a more favorable environment for these cars (weather, etc...). I decided it was easier to pay more for a car that I could see, drive, schedule a PPI for and pick up rather than trying to do things long distance and transporting cross country. I think $14-15K is a reasonable price based on what I've seen, but I don't know anything.
Good luck.

And so it is. There are many people who don't understand the difference between an $8K car and a $15K car. In CA $8K buys you a parts car that is unsuitable to take your SO to dinner in. $15K buys you a car that's worth fixing, keeping, washing, waxing and driving. $18K buys you a car like mine (not many visible flaws and a true turn key car ready for trips or just a quick run to Home Depot). $20-24K buys you a car that can be shown in wash & shine competition, has proper tires, is the original color (quality paint work is OK), and presents well from all angles.

Obviously, exceptions exist. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time...

[McLovin]

The guy had it advertised forever (including on ebay and Pelican), kept lowering the price, so it wasn't like it was a barn find or anything.

I'm not saying you can get a nice Carrera for $10K, though. My point was once you get past 10K for an SC, in this current market you start to get some "push down" from Carreras. There are lots of Carreras advertised for sale in the low-mid-midupper teens, which will eventually sell in the mid to low teens.

A 140K mile SC with no upgrades, no rebuilt anything, original suspension and the cosmetic "issues" that you describe is not an easy sale.

[McLovin]

Just a 5 minute search, for some examples:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Metallic-Black-Targa_W0QQitemZ180395159559QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_C ars_Trucks?hash=item2a0063b007&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-Porsche-911SC-Sunroof-Coupe_W0QQitemZ290336704638QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_C ars_Trucks?hash=item43996a887e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-Porsche-911SC-Sunroof-Coupe_W0QQitemZ290336704638QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_C ars_Trucks?hash=item43996a887e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

Some actual very recent sales, all at under $10K:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MUST-SEE-SUPER-NICE-FACTORY-AC-CAR-BEST-BUY-HERE_W0QQitemZ150360988689QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Ca rs_Trucks?hash=item2302369c11&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-911-SC-Coupe-1982-all-orig-except-CD-player_W0QQitemZ260451917748QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_ Cars_Trucks?hash=item3ca424dfb4&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-Porsche-911-SC-Targa-red-97K-NEW-LOW-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ290335041015QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item43995125f7&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-911-Porsche-SC-Targa-Top_W0QQitemZ320405506720QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Car s_Trucks?hash=item4a99a80aa0&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

[logan2z]

Originally Posted by McLovin

A 140K mile SC with no upgrades, no rebuilt anything, original suspension and the cosmetic "issues" that you describe is not an easy sale.

Did I mention that it had the Carrera tensioner upgrade?

I would have to say that the owner falls into the 'minor enthusiast' camp. Loves the car, does the required maintenance, but doesn't spend his spare time on Pelican or Rennlist (probably hasn't even heard of them), probably isn't a PCA member, etc. So I wouldn't expect a lot of upgrades or a rebuild unless his mechanic said it was absolutely necessary. The car has been serviced at a respected Porsche indy mechanic in NorCal and I've spoken to them and they said the car was mechanically very sound. Of course I would have the car PPI'd at another excellent indy Porsche shop here in the Bay Area before I'd make an offer to purchase.

The seller is currently asking $13.5K. He seems pretty reasonable and would probably be willing to negotiate. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't take $8K, however

[ZAMIRZ]

If you show up with green and you're aggressive, $10K should get it done. IMHO it isn't worth any more than that. If the seller starts whining at you about your offer, then he either A. doesn't really want to sell it, or B. Is delusional and will be ripping his hair out when he's offered lower and lower as summer comes to an end.

I would investigate joeybscarface's car. If it is as advertised, IMHO his asking price is "right" and the sale price will probably be "right" too.

[McLovin]

The best indicator of value is current asking prices, and current actual sales prices. Did you check the links above?

If he's asking $13.5K, he'll take $10K if he has any sense and really is interested in selling. A 140,000 mile, worn out SC isn't worth more than that.

[McLovin]

(P.S. Even though I think he might be able to get $10K for it, I personally wouldn't pay that much for it. You can do better for that amount, and if not, you'd def. do better by putting a little more money in and getting a much better condition car. The "$10K 911" is in the price range of 911s that makes them the worst value over the long run. $4-5K more spent up front will get you a much better car that will save you money over the long run).

[logan2z]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Just a 5 minute search, for some examples

Thanks for posting the links, but I would say that the car I looked at is in far better condition than most of those you've linked to. First of all, most of the links are to targas which we've pretty much established don't sell for as much as coupes. A couple of them are repaints or in need of one (that white SC in particular). The first one has rust issues. None of them are California cars or have had anything rebuilt (unless I missed that somewhere). Most of them have similar or higher mileage. I think we may be comparing apples to oranges here. I'm just trying to be objective here, I have no vested interest in this '83 SC at this point, I haven't laid out a dime for it yet.

[Halm]

Ok, less than a month ago: $14.5. Complete rebuild of motor and transmission by well known/respected NE wrench. SSI's and 964 cams. Lots of replaced CIS parts. All new suspension parts including Bilstein, turbo tie rods and rebuilt brake calipers. Interior was dirty -real freaking dirty- but seats, carpet, and dash are remarkably good. But the paint is a mess. Needed a new windshield seal right away and CIS adjustments. Fuch's were fresh from Al Reid.

Car runs really, really well. And did I say $14.5???

$10K for the car you found. No more. Move on. They are out there. You have to be flexible.

[Staylo]

Logan - sent you a pm

[McLovin]

That's just a 5 minute look at some current ones and sales in the past few weeks, you can get better ideas by a closer look, including the ones that did not sell, or received no bids.

Anyways, if he's asking $13.5 you aren't really that far off from $10K. You're not talking some crazy purchaser number like mid-upper teens or anything.

I still think that isn't a great deal from the buyer's perspective even at $10K, by the time you add up the costs of doing things like the headliner, etc. you can be in fairly deep and you still are in a 140K mile fairly worn SC.

[barndoor]

why not buy a Carrera ?

heres one,he's down to $10,475

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=230365851054

[mickey356]

So Halm, $14.5K and it needs paint and a serious interior freshening, correct? What's paint cost?

My point is you're gonna pay to get a car that is "perfect", it's just depends on where you can/will put your money.

My $16.5K car is immaculate inside, not even wear on the seats, the dash is perfect, pristine. The exterior is straight and clean with the usual rock chips. It has the chain tensioners, pop off, and turbo lower valve cover upgrades. And I just dropped the $200 for turbo tie rods, didn't need them, just wanted them.

Get the car inspected by a reputable shop. Ask the tech what he thinks it's worth. Make a decision on what you want to pay and buy the car or pass.

No matter how good a deal you find a better one will come along shortly thereafter. I stopped looking at used 911's the day I wrote a check for mine. I didn't want to go through the anguish of "if I coulda, shoulda, woulda's".

[ZAMIRZ]

Originally Posted by barndoor

why not buy a Carrera ?

heres one,he's down to $10,475

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=230365851054

Yeah, buy this car...

FS: 2-owner CA 1986 Carrera Coupe, Prussian blue, sport seats

[Halm]

Originally Posted by mickey356

So Halm, $14.5K and it needs paint and a serious interior freshening, correct? What's paint cost?

To be clear, I said the interior was dirty, not worn out. I still need to remove the seats and deep clean the interior, but that's it.

The paint was known, but I am looking at this as a DE car. The 993 will be the weekend driver, so paint was no big deal.

But you are right Mickey, you have to choose where to put your money. For me, a fresh engine, transmission and suspension were more important than glossy paint.

[gtihop]

Try buy one here in Canada, where most SC's run in the $20-25K range!!

[dw1]

Note to moderators:

Doesn't this belong in "Marketplace Discussions"

I'm sorry, but I just don't see this as technical, and this forum is hard enough to search as is.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That being said, a neighbor will soon be selling his SC coupe. Fresh black paint (it needed a touch-up and he went and had the whole car done) whale-tail & carbs. Interior in need of some freshening. We were discussing what to offer it for, and this thread is timely.

[j_mancini]

Originally Posted by McLovin

... A 140,000 mile, worn out SC isn't worth more than that.

Worn out? Don't you mean, "just gettin' good"? Or maybe you were referring to a Carrera...

[logan2z]

Originally Posted by j_mancini

Worn out? Don't you mean, "just gettin' good"?

That's what I've heard. I thought an SC can go 300K miles without a rebuild. Or is that just a fallacy spread by SC owners?

[LWJ]

Logan2z,

You seem to be smitten by this car. If so, buy it.

I do however agree with the earlier post that this is an 8k car. That would be "buying it right." You could feel ok about paying 10k. I am speaking from experience. I bought my 80 sc about two months ago. It is a coupe. Very nice condition. I shopped for two years to find a good one. There is fun in the pursuit.

Do what you wish. Just my opinion.

Larry