Help me find a 911 - under $15k

[Optical TDI]

If this is not the correct area, please let me know. I didn't want to post in the FS area and I didn't see a WTB area. So here it goes...

I recently sold my 996 to get into an air cooled. I've read Zimmerman's book a few times now, so I have a little knowledge on what to look for. My new DD is a 2012 GTI DSG.

At this point, I'm looking for 1980 - 1989 under $15k. I know it's not always best to get a cheaper one that will require more $ along the line, but that's my top line budget. In fact I would love to find one closer to $12k and have a few $k to have in case of needed repairs. I DIY most things, but not internals of motor or tranny. I would prefer not to get a 964 due to power steering and ABS - I don't want them unless a screaming deal came along.

There was a blue SC (1983 IIRC, maybe '80) that was sold on Pelican for $9k that looked pretty decent. The guy was asking $12k I believe. Anyway, I think there are some deals out there, maybe even on Craigslist.

If any of you know of any ones in your areas, please let me know.

[Ramathorn]

check craigslist in my area there are quite a few hell there i think there was a seattle guy (fellow pelican) that was almost giving his 83 targa away. I think right now alot of people are putting them away for the season or realizing that it might not be the best car for winter and just dumping them.

[88911coupe]

I really think you should not have trouble finding something for that price. However, I look at autotrader all the time to see what I could get for my '88 and the prices seem highly "optimistic". I guess it would be helpful to know if any Pelicans have sold an SC or Carrera recently and see what they actually got for their cars. You may have trouble finding a good G50 Carrera for that price.

[Jbp]

Here is one.
Think you are late for this.Asking prise was 13900$
TheSamba.com :: VW Classifieds - 1982 Porsche 911 SC- PENDING-
Keep looking and you vill find yours.

Jocke.

[Paul K]

Optical TDI:

Please add your location to your profile. You should have no trouble finding a car for that money, as I just did. I bought an '83 SC coupe with 146 on the odo, rebuilt engine, carrera chain tensioners, almost full service history, for $11,800. If you let us know where you are we can probably help you find something. Be sure to get a PPI!

Cheers,

Paul.

[vash]

OP...you in the bay area?

[steves31]

77 911s needs love 7k with 77k miles

[steves31]

1977 911s needs love $7k with only 77k miles red some rust

[McLovin]

That's kind of a "borderline" price.

For a few thousand more, you can get a G50, sub 90K miles, original paint, very nice, no stories G50 87-89 Carrera.

I don't think you can find that car for $15K, but you can for close (I've done it several times).

For $15K, you should be able to find a decent 84-86 Carrera with not too many more than 100K miles on it.
, i
For $12K you can find higher mileage 84-86 Carreras. 150K mile range. You can often get a great deal on one that has higher miles, but has a top end rebuild, trans rebuild, etc. If a Carrera has a $10K rebuilt engine, and a $4K rebuilt trans, but has 165K miles on it, it's still a $13K car.

[nesslar]

I'd be a little careful, might be getting a lot of offers soon! You'll find a decent car for your price; just be patient. Whatever strikes your fancy get it thoroughly checked. By a reputable shop, or three... Thank you.

[Optical TDI]

Originally Posted by Paul K

Optical TDI:

Please add your location to your profile. You should have no trouble finding a car for that money, as I just did. I bought an '83 SC coupe with 146 on the odo, rebuilt engine, carrera chain tensioners, almost full service history, for $11,800. If you let us know where you are we can probably help you find something. Be sure to get a PPI!

Cheers,

Paul.

Good idea...Cleveland, OH added. I don't mind flying and driving back. Prefer 1,000 miles or less drive, but...depends on the right car. I never updated my profile here since I was primarily active on Rennlist for the past 2 years. But the air cooled arena seems to be much more active over here.

Great deal you got it sounds like for $11,800.

[timchar]

Originally Posted by McLovin

That's kind of a "borderline" price.

For a few thousand more, you can get a G50, sub 90K miles, original paint, very nice, no stories G50 87-89 Carrera.

I don't think you can find that car for $15K, but you can for close (I've done it several times).

For $15K, you should be able to find a decent 84-86 Carrera with not too many more than 100K miles on it.
, i
For $12K you can find higher mileage 84-86 Carreras. 150K mile range. You can often get a great deal on one that has higher miles, but has a top end rebuild, trans rebuild, etc. If a Carrera has a $10K rebuilt engine, and a $4K rebuilt trans, but has 165K miles on it, it's still a $13K car.

I'm very curious as to why in your opinion, as you stated above can say , that a
10 k engine rebuild and a 4 k transmission rebuild, car has 150 k miles and its still a
13 k car... Please enlighten me... Thanks, Times

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by timchar

I'm very curious as to why in your opinion, as you stated above can say , that a
10 k engine rebuild and a 4 k transmission rebuild, car has 150 k miles and its still a
13 k car... Please enlighten me... Thanks, Times

The price of the car is not based on the total of the money spent on it.
When you take a car in to the insurance company for a wreck or other damage the bills you spent on repairs only support the maintained value of the car in good condition. It is not the total value of maintenance bills that determine the value of the car, it is the market.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by timchar

I'm very curious as to why in your opinion, as you stated above can say , that a
10 k engine rebuild and a 4 k transmission rebuild, car has 150 k miles and its still a
13 k car... Please enlighten me... Thanks, Times

It's a scenario that I've seen happen. It happened fairly recently on a car that was for sale here on PP. Rebuilt engine and trans, but higher miles, and the guy practically had to give the car away.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by timchar

I'm very curious as to why in your opinion, as you stated above can say , that a
10 k engine rebuild and a 4 k transmission rebuild, car has 150 k miles and its still a
13 k car... Please enlighten me... Thanks, Times

That is Porsche math. I'm pretty sure I'll be selling Ruby after the new year, and she's got $40+K into her. I'll be lucky to get $15K, IMO.

[nesslar]

i.e., Times, most would still not pay more than 13K is all. I tried to hint, most 911 owners believe in beating down the value of the very cars they own. I don't care, my car is what it is, and I ain't sellin' anyway.
Problem with a lot of cars (any brand) is they are beaten to death. If you find a nice 911 (and yes they can be driven), with reasonable mileage and good returns from the shops checking them out for you, all is (hopefully) well.
It doesn't seem to me there is a hell of a lot to these cars other than the motor and tranny. Suspension, body work, etc...just look under there! Shoot, I can do most of that! Crazy as it sounds....but it's good!
What I think is absurd is that (I believe) you can buy a motor and tranny in good condition for what, $7500? But a rebuild is $14K?!? Hmmm.... whatever....

[nesslar]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

That is Porsche math. I'm pretty sure I'll be selling Ruby after the new year, and she's got $40+K into her. I'll be lucky to get $15K, IMO.

No biggee. It's what you have loved...and still do.

[mickey356]

Quote de McLovin

That's kind of a "borderline" price.



For a few thousand more, you can get a G50, sub 90K miles, original paint, very nice, no stories G50 87-89 Carrera.



I don't think you can find that car for $15K, but you can for close (I've done it several times).



For $15K, you should be able to find a decent 84-86 Carrera with not too many more than 100K miles on it.

, i

For $12K you can find higher mileage 84-86 Carreras. 150K mile range. You can often get a great deal on one that has higher miles, but has a top end rebuild, trans rebuild, etc. If a Carrera has a $10K rebuilt engine, and a $4K rebuilt trans, but has 165K miles on it, it's still a $13K car.

I'm very curious as to why in your opinion, as you stated above can say , that a

10 k engine rebuild and a 4 k transmission rebuild, car has 150 k miles and its still a

13 k car... Please enlighten me... Thanks, Times

It's essentially what I'm going through with my car now. I've got thousands and thousands into the car and it's basically worth the same as any other decent 80-83 SC. Which brings to question - why would anyone do anything to their car that's isn't essential? Obviously if it's a track car that doesn't apply, but if it's your every other day car your wasting your money if you ever decide to sell the car.
I'll take a HUGE hit on all the work I did.
The irony is this site exists solely to supply parts and to get tech info on how to maintain and improve your car, yet when it comes time to part with it, well.......
I understand that you'll never get out what you put in but I find it funny that so many seem to put so much in yet also understand that there is very little ROI. I guess it's mostly a hobby thing?

[nesslar]

Oh, with that, what McLovin said, one more thing: find a low miles car...CH*&^, why not?!? One with a great checkup and records to boot. People say high miles on these cars is no big deal.........well.....

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by nesslar

What I think is absurd is that (I believe) you can buy a motor and tranny in good condition for what, $7500? But a rebuild is $14K?!? Hmmm.... whatever....

You can buy a used Carrera engine and 915 transmission for maybe $7500 on the low end. But you are buying a 25+ year old used engine and transmission of basically unknown condition and history. It many not be much better than what you are replacing.

See this thread, for example, of the risks of spending thousands on a "good used" engine:

Well here she is -

When you rebuild, you are getting an essentially new engine (and an SC or Carrera rebuild should not cost $14K).