Help with huge buying decision!

[hanzonn]

Help ASAP! - I just found the 911 I've been searching for for 2 years ... a red/black 89 coupe, 90k miles, very nice condition for $23,500. Records are available for all work, serviced by a very reputable shop in San Diego, CA. Minor things: 1) cruise control not working 2) A cell phone was installed years ago and an antenna mount was placed on the rear window (probably drilled a hole through the window?) and some holes drilled into the right side of the center console for the phone mount, but hardly noticeable. I'm most concerned about a small rust spot at the lower right edge of the windshield, coming out from under the weatherstripping. The seller is the second owner and thinks it's always been a CA car, but the original invoice has it going to a dealer in Moline, IL (did they salt the roads there in 89?) From what I can see, there is no other rust anywhere. I intend to call the mechanic first thing Monday AM to get details on work and maintenance. Any advice is appreciated. What should I ask him? Anything else I can ask the seller? From what I've heard, this car is pretty desireable and I don't want to lose out, but don't want to make a mistake, either.
Thanks in advance!
Greg

[epbrown]

I know you say it's been 2 years, but I'd have to advise against hurrying right now. Talk to the mechanic and schedule a PPI.

And yep, we salt the roads in IL.

Emanuel

[claptrap]

Carfax might be able to help you. www.carfax.com
Possibly someone here on the board has a subscription
and can run the VIN for you. You might try running the VIN
through BAR to see the emissions check history, and therefore
how long it's been in CA.
http://165.235.17.9/activestns/pubtstqrydo.asp?LB=NO

Scott.

[Jack Olsen]

That's a pretty high price for an 89. I'd definitely get a thorough PPI before you buy anything.

[speeder]

Hanzonn, Where are you located? In CA.? A guard's red '89 coupe is not exactly a once in a lifetime find, don't mean to rain on parade, but don't panic. $23k is medium/top dollar for those and any rust should be a deal killer. I've never seen rust on a galvanized car out here, it would severely impact resale value.

FWIW, the antenae is not drilled through window, just affixed w/ a very strong adhesive, (like super glue), but this car does not sound like THE ONE for someone who has looked for 2 years. Where have you been looking? Don't know if you only want an '89, but there was an OUTSTANDING '87 red/black w/ 90k miles for sale recently that struggled to reach high $teens. And market is reportedly softer than ever at the moment.

[fastbydrmike]

I am with the guys, there are immaculate cars everywhere for less money especially in CA where every 10th car is a 911.

[Farb]

I have an 89 3.2 coupe.. A good shop for a thorough PPI is the only way to go. Awesome car. Good luck.

[GeorgeM]

I don't think that's a high price for an '89, it's high for THAT '89.

There should be NO rust on any '89, regardless of location. If the car was driven in snow/salt, I wouldn't buy it anyway.

Do your PPI and if it comes out okay, use the negatives to get him down to the $20K range.

With 90K miles, it probably needs a new windshield anyway, so the rust is a good excuse to swap it out.

You should also get a discount for the color.

[ChrisL]

Greg,

By the way, cruise control should be relatively easy fix. Does it not work at all, or does it have the 'deteriorating speed' problem? I bought a used control module for less than $100 to fix that problem.

I agree that there should be absolutely no rust for that price. And, there's probably a dozen or so other minor things that might be caught during a PPI (or that you'll learn during the first year of ownership).

Chris.

[stone43]

Cruise Control???

Is that what that thing is on my steering column? I always wondered if it worked or not.

Who knows, someday when I get really, really bored I may try it out.

[nostatic]

keep looking. With the rust, that is a $15K car. Red 3.2 cars are very easy to find in CA. When I was looking it seemed like every other car for sale was Guard's red. Getting a good one still takes some patience, but they are out there.

btw...which "reputable shop"? I've dealt with one or two down there.

[Chuck Moreland]

As above, the cell phone and cruise are trivial.

The rust is not and highly unusual on a '89. At that price I'd pass.

[weber92037]

Agree. Price is average and there is a reason for the rust. Lots of choices available in San Diego area. Check autotrader and today's SD Union Tribune. Also some advertised in the local P club newsletter.

[scottb]

Rust? I'd pass, especially at that price. Lots of cars in Southern California. Keep looking.

[Wayne 962]

Do some research - as prices have been dropping as much as 20-30% over the past few months. We have seen cars similar to that one for sale for about $14-$18K...

-Wayne

[hanzonn]

Thanks to everyone. Glad I didn't buy on a knee jerk reaction. I really haven't looked seriously for a half-year or so. I know that previously, prices were quite a bit higher. It seemed like the high 20's were the norm a year ago. Others I have looked at have not been as nice as this one. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right places. Generally, it's been ads in the Auto Trader or local paper classifieds. The car has been serviced at Dieter's in San Diego, supposedly very reputable. Does any body have any other recommendations for wrenches or places to look for "great" 87-89 coupes in San Diego?
Thanks again, Greg
PS - What colors are the most desireable (notwithstanding individual preferences)?

[dtw]

Rust in that spot is often subject to the Titanic effect- what you're seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. I'd pass.

-d

[weber92037]

Black Forest in Kearny Mesa is a very reputable. You might want to stop in and talk to the guys there. They might be able to turn you on to a good car.