944- What would you pay?

[tstark]

Would like to hear your thoughts on the value of a 944 I am looking at.

It's a 1986 944, original owner with less than 85,000 miles. Paint and interior are immaculate. Clutch, master & slave replaced at 70,000 and timing belt, water pump done at 60,000. Owner has all records.

The car had not been driven for a couple months. Owner tried to start the car, noticed no oil pressure. He had the car towed to the shop and the issue was corrected. No issue now.

I talked to the mechanic and he told the following: small coolant leak around water pump, small coolant leak at oil cooler. Rollers are a little noisy. Timing belt in good shape. Of course, while taking care of the water pump leak and rollers, the timing belt might as well be done. Other than that the car is in excellent condition.

What would you pay for a one owner, low mileage 86 with these issues?

I've never worked on a 944 before so I'd probably hire the work out. I've got a number in mind for the price. Curious to hear what you'd pay.

[944tothefloor]

Originally Posted by tstark

What would you pay for a one owner, low mileage 86 with these issues?

I've never worked on a 944 before so I'd probably hire the work out. I've got a number in mind for the price. Curious to hear what you'd pay.

Immaculate interior and paint? All records? Knowing he had the car towed to a mechanic is a good sign that he's a responsible owner. $4000-$4500 sounds decent. Pics? Good luck!

[John_AZ]

Sounds great!

This is what Hagerty Insurance says--category 2:



You will need to improve your mechanic skills. Shop rate starts at $100+- an hour.

NOW, if you can get it for about the price around $6000 (or less)--buy it!

GL
J_AZ

[flash968]

first off 85k is NOT low miles. that's high mid miles. high starts at 90-100k.

given the age, i would expect that most of the suspension bushings are shot.

just as a reference, it doesn't matter as much about mileage as it does age on the belts, and anything else rubber.

regardless, failing proof of new rubber stuff, i'm thinking maybe as much as $2500, as you can expect to spend $3k changing it out.

[John_AZ]

Adding to what flash968 posted.

Just a few more comments to consider or negotiate with.

Be prepared to replace the HG head gasket on the car if not done previously.
The HG is deteriorating. My '88 with 69K miles, uses a sip of coolant on a hard run and I am preparing to replace it this winter.

Shocks, struts, and motor mounts if not done will need to be replaced. $1000 for parts.

Does the PS power steering leak? $300 for parts and labor $500.

Tire age? Check for date of MFG. $500 and up with alignment.

But how can you pass up this car!! Maybe offer a little less?

GL
J_AZ

[tstark]

Originally Posted by flash968

first off 85k is NOT low miles. that's high mid miles. high starts at 90-100k.

given the age, i would expect that most of the suspension bushings are shot.

just as a reference, it doesn't matter as much about mileage as it does age on the belts, and anything else rubber.

regardless, failing proof of new rubber stuff, i'm thinking maybe as much as $2500, as you can expect to spend $3k changing it out.

You're correct, I should put mileage in proper context. I've only seen a few 944's with less than 90K. I suspect you're right about bushings, but after speaking to the owner he seems to have kept up on recommended maintenance schedules. Although, I haven't had the chance to go through the maintenance records yet (car is about 200 miles from me).

Buying decision would be dependent upon a PPI and full disclosure.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by tstark

I've never worked on a 944 before so I'd probably hire the work out.

I've got a number in mind for the price.

Curious to hear what you'd pay.

OK, good to hear.

Now, what price does the owner want?

J-AZ

[Gawernator]

Around $4k, I sold my 83 for 4.3k that was in decent cosmetic shape and a nice interior, with solid mechanicals. This sounds like it needs some mechanical work but as you say immaculate cosmetics. A lot of interior parts and especially paint can get expensive so definitely worth it if you can get a good price and wrench a bit.

[Jrboulder]

first off 85k is NOT low miles. that's high mid miles. high starts at 90-100k.



given the age, i would expect that most of the suspension bushings are shot.



just as a reference, it doesn't matter as much about mileage as it does age on the belts, and anything else rubber.



regardless, failing proof of new rubber stuff, i'm thinking maybe as much as $2500, as you can expect to spend $3k changing it out.

This

[tstark]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

Adding to what flash968 posted.

Just a few more comments to consider or negotiate with.

Be prepared to replace the HG head gasket on the car if not done previously.
The HG is deteriorating. My '88 with 69K miles, uses a sip of coolant on a hard run and I am preparing to replace it this winter.

Shocks, struts, and motor mounts if not done will need to be replaced. $1000 for parts.

Does the PS power steering leak? $300 for parts and labor $500.

Tire age? Check for date of MFG. $500 and up with alignment.

But how can you pass up this car!! Maybe offer a little less?

GL
J_AZ

Good info, thanks. I will check into the items you mentioned. Owner says power steering is sound, rack has been rebuilt.

For the right price I'd love to own it. Have to see the maintenance records to see what I am up against. Luckily, the mechanic is very reputable and he's been very open with me so far.

We'll see how it goes...

[racer]

While the mileage notations are nice (service "x" at 80K miles), how many YEARS has it been since mileage "X". If its been 4-5 years since a service, it may be "time" for it to be done again. I hardly put 2500 miles a year on my car, so I tend to fight against time, vs miles, since a previous item needs replacement.

Not often taughted, but know that the fuel lines run right along the top of the engine. How old do you want your lines to be?

Pics would really help too.. Color combination.. Fuchs vs phone dials (or cookies), paint condition, how's the dash? seats? is the hatch delaminted (delaminating) ? Does the odometer and trip odometer actually work? all the electrical work? Any options of note?

[tstark]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

OK, good to hear.

Now, what price does the owner want?

J-AZ

Too much...lol.

Asking $8k. I'm thinking more like $4-4.5k.

[tamathumper]

$8K?! Wait six months and buy it at under $4K...

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

This

Jr, we are talking about a California car--maybe the Fresno area.

This car has no rust, it has not been in snow or flooded by rain in the east coast-N or S. Or baked in the AZ sun. Hand washed and garaged. Paint, upholstery and carpets are pristine.

Why buy a $2000 low mileage car and put $3 to $4K in appearance?

What does a paint job cost on a 912E?

John

[mytrplseven]

Rubber stuff is the key to probable near future maintenance costs: Tire Age, engine front seals, belts, throttle body little seals (vacuum), suspension boots and bushings, rubber clutch, brake lines & fluid flush, water pump, and by the way, since you're in California, what's the status of a current smog test? Still ...$4.5k is about right. Good luck with the negotiations.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by tstark

Too much...lol.

Asking $8k. I'm thinking more like $4-4.5k.

Originally Posted by tamathumper

$8K?! Wait six months and buy it at under $4K...

~$4K never gonna happen!!

The recession is over and housing prices are up 20-25% ....

J_AZ

[944tothefloor]

Yeah, the demand for these cars is really going up, so are prices.

[tstark]

Originally Posted by racer

While the mileage notations are nice (service "x" at 80K miles), how many YEARS has it been since mileage "X". If its been 4-5 years since a service, it may be "time" for it to be done again. I hardly put 2500 miles a year on my car, so I tend to fight against time, vs miles, since a previous item needs replacement.

Not often taughted, but know that the fuel lines run right along the top of the engine. How old do you want your lines to be?

Pics would really help too.. Color combination.. Fuchs vs phone dials (or cookies), paint condition, how's the dash? seats? is the hatch delaminted (delaminating) ? Does the odometer and trip odometer actually work? all the electrical work? Any options of note?

Car has just over 20k miles since 1998. So, not driven much which probably means a lot of replacement parts.

3/98- 68,000
1/00- 72,888
2/02- 74,121
5/05- 76,312
3/07- 77,111
3/09- 78,809
4/11- 80,083

[tstark]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

Jr, we are talking about a California car--maybe the Fresno area.

This car has no rust, it has not been in snow or flooded by rain in the east coast-N or S. Or baked in the AZ sun. Hand washed and garaged. Paint, upholstery and carpets are pristine.

Why buy a $2000 low mileage car and put $3 to $4K in appearance?

What does a paint job cost on a 912E?

John

California car. I have only seen pictures. Mechanic told me the car is extra clean, one of the best he's seen in years. Same guy was extremely honest about the work it needs. He's highly recommended by several PCA members in the area, so I trust him and his opinion.

[PorscheNut924]

I'd agree that 4.5 to 5k is fair. I paid $3900 for my 924S with 68k original miles and in almost perfect condition five and a half years ago, and the values have evidently gone up a bit since then. Plus later 944's tend to go for a bit more than the 924S or early 944's.