964 Value

[Ethan S.]

I found a '91 C4 with 52k miles. A two owner car, it is in pretty good shape with a couple of scratches here and there. The owner is asking $25k. Is this a good price? The car drives great, no oil leaks, idles smooth. I don't think the clutch has been replaced, and I'm not sure on the its valve job.

What would a valve job cost, a new compressor for the A/C and clutch?

Thanks,

Ethan

[Britwrench]

Location?

Coupe. targa. Convertible? Service history and all books? Spare keys?
Stock wheels or 17"s? Original mirrors or updated? Color?

You should have a PPI done buy a shop with Porsche experience.

[Ethan S.]

It is a coupe, has spare keys, after market wheels, service history from the past 4 years, origional owner's records not included, origional mirros, gray exterior, gray interiorm, located on the East coast.

[Britwrench]

What's the usual price in the area for that type of Porsche?

It's a 16 year old car with 4 years of service history........

[aigel]

I do not think this is a good price. Under 20 would be a good price. For 25k you should be able to find a fully documented (all service records) car with similar miles that has less scratches. How is the carfax?

Of course 25k is an asking price and there may be a 20% discount in there if a seller gets tired of advertising it and not selling it at a high price.

George

[Ethan S.]

The original price he was asking was 26,5. I low balled him, and he then said 25. I should be more patient, but I haven't seen any C4s around in condition like this.

The carfax looks okay, but I'm not really sure.

1991 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA2/4 .

09/14/1995 30,123 D.C.

Motor Vehicle Dept.
Washington, DC
Title #K088379 Title or registration issued

09/11/2003 42,684 Auto Auction Sold at auction
in Pennsylvania
Listed as
a dealer vehicle
09/17/2003 Dealer Inventory Vehicle sold
02/17/2004 45,375 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
09/19/2006 Porsche Cars North America No recalls open for repair


Should the auction be a concern?

[Don Plumley]

When you say a valve job - do you mean top end rebuild (big dollars) or adjust? Clutch is about $3K IIRC, AC few hundreds.

This is a 19K car before those repairs.

Don

[Ethan S.]

just adjustment

[Don Plumley]

Valve adjust is roughly between $100 to $400 depending on the shop and labor rate. You'll need to change the oil at the same time. At 54K miles, you are approaching the 30K interval for a major service (plugs, valve adjust, etc.). Low miles is nice, but IMHO, I'd rather have more documented miles than an unknown history and a car that just sat around.

If you like the car, make a deal based on what you see, then go for a professional PPI. Search for forums for the 964 cautions.

[aigel]

I would not want a car from PA. Rust belt! California is loaded with these cars that have never seen a grain of salt. While the body is galvanized and many components are aluminum, there is still things that rust on these cars, especially if you plan on keeping it for a while.

George

[Ethan S.]

There's a car in NJ with 99k miles asking 20K. Complete records, recently new a clutch. I'm cautious about a car with much more than 80k miles. I'm looking for a daily driver, and I will probably be driving around 50 miles per day 5 days a week. Is the mileage an issue?

Do you guys have any other ideas for places to check other than autotrader, ebay, rennlist, craigslist and the forums here?

Thanks

Ethan

[aigel]

The difference between 80k and 100k miles is not significant. At that level it is more a question of maintenance. That's why records are important. There really is no excuse for having no records. Someone that does not even keep records, do you think that person will keep on top of maintenance? It says something about the owner and their attitude towards the car.

20k may end up being 18, after negotiations and that certainly is reasonable.

For not too much more money, you could also look at higher mileage 993s. Have you thought about that? 100k mile stock 993s can be had for under 30.

George

[Ethan S.]

I've thought about the 993s too. I have been trying to stay around the 25k mark with price.

I've been approaching my search from the standpoint of mileage and price. But, from the sounds of it, I should be looking at if from the perspective of maintenance and care. The perfect situation would be to buy it from a real enthusiast who was meticulous with the car's maintenance and record keeping.

So 100k miles shouldn't be the real issue? If that's the case, could i get into a 993 C4 for around $25?

This forum has been a great help with the process.


Thanks,

Ethan

[aigel]

I have seen 100k mile 993s for significantly under 30. 25 will be stretching it. But in the end you have to ask yourself, if you like the 993, why not go ahead and go for it. I had the same dilemma.

No offense, but the 964 will always be the ugly duckling, just like the mid year cars or the 996. In the end ownership will cost you the same and an extra 5k in purchase price will be in the noise after a few years.

I guess I am biased ...
George

[alan911sc]

Just put my 1990 C4 up for sale, add was posted today in Pelican Classifieds

[Ethan S.]

Alan,

It looks like a nice car, but I'm looking for a daily driver. And on the East coast, there is snow, and rain, so I'm interested in a coupe. Thanks though.

Ethan

[aigel]

The 964 sure looks good in a dark color! That's a fine looking car Alan!

George

[alan911sc]

C4 supposed to be great in snow, never driven it in the winter though. I drive the tank (Expedition) around here when the winter winds blow off Lake Erie.

[Ethan S.]

George,

I've been thinking about what you said in regards to the 993. There is one in the area for around $31.5k. The car is silver, black interior, has all of the records, 80k miles, new clutch and tires at 70k. It is in really nice shape. Would this be a fair price?

Thanks,

Ethan