1981 924 1 owner from new

[hcariss]

Hi
Can you guys help me, I ran across a one owner 1981 924, 51k on the odo, its been babied I have not seen it yet, but am told its in great condition. Any idea what it is worth, ballpark.
Sorry its so little info
Thanks

[John_AZ]

You will find "THE BEST" information on www.924.org
You will find Pelican member Vaughan Scott --924RACR--to be of great assistance.
http://www.vaughanscott.com/
Another example- http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=25272
You will find the forum at www.924board.org

My Opinion,
Whatever you pay for the 1981 924, you will discover the daily maintenance to be never ending. You will miss the performance of your 912E and wish you would have spent the money on a later 944 and of course my preference, the 924S-look for an '88.

GL
John_AZ
1988 924S 60K + 1987 924S 113K DD
1979 924 + 1977.5 924 + 1970 914 1.7 +++===gone, past tutors

[hcariss]

Thanks John

[924RACR]

Awww, you're so sweet...

Numbers have been climbing in the Excellence market report, been surprised by that... but the cars are starting to become appreciated, thanks to a VERY serious enthusiast base (us at 924board.org). Plus that car, being a later one, will be one of the best... especially if it has the M471 5-lug brakes... if cosmetics are nice and it truly is a runner in good mechanical shape, it could be worth up to $5k or more.

Biggest concern IMO will be if it's a current runner or not; these cars don't do preservation well, the CIS system does NOT like stagnant fuel.

[JonA]

If you are loking for a car to enjoy get a 924S or a 944. The 924 engine will break your heart, the car is seriously underpowered.

Jon

[Eturbo924]

Hmm

Weird how people always bash the 2.0L 924

I have had mine since I was 16 years old and still love the old girl. She has never let me down.

The 2.0L while not very powerful is a workhorse and will go on for ever if properly cared for.

The 924S is more powerful with standard better brakes but has a lot more issues to worry about than the 2.0L 924.

Power steering leaks
Rubber center clutch failures
Clutch slave failures
Timing belt failures... ohy boy bad bad bad.
The maint costs on the 924S will be higher or if you plan to do your own service are more complicated and time consuming... as well as many special tools needed.

I have owned 924S, 944, 928S4, many 924s (2.0) and still have my 1982 from 1986. My Father was the original owner so she is now a long time family member.

I would not trade it for the world. I recently purchased a 1987 928S4... people ask me which I like the most... I still say the 924. It just feels right. I admit the 928S4 is leagues ahead of the 924 but it is like an old friend each time I drive it and mine has been well cared for.

Anyway I have gone on long enough.

That 1981 with 50K or so miles. Go and drive it. Have a mechanic who is familiar with the 924 have a look at it. It is worth $100 to have this done. Then ... heck if it all checks out... not leaking oil, brakes good, tires ok body good with no rust. (Make sure you inspect the battery box for holes and under the carpets for floor issues)

If all that passes muster... Offer the owner $2500 cash and I bet you get it. Yes Excellence puts these cars in the $5K range but I have never.... never seen any actually sell for that. Yeah if you look on ebay right now there is some one in NY who is trying to sell a 924 turbo for $12K... never going to get it. All respects to Vaughan (known him a long time on 924 board) A realistic price for that car is $2500.

Eric
Eturbo924@yahoo.com
www.geocities.com/eturbo924