[exploserous]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

I would talk to Bob Grigsby at RMG in Campbell.

But if seller won't even come close to $20k before you've seen it, keep shopping. There seem to be plenty of SCs around in the $25-30k range if you are patient.

I'll check out RMG. I work in Los Gatos, so it's nice to have one more shop nearby. I usually take my cars to Tony Heyer at Heyer Performance in Mountain View and he's not pointed me in the wrong direction yet, but it's always nice to have more folks to get in touch with.

Seller won't budge from $25k, so I'll keep looking. There seem to be a lot of cars for sale with sentimental value prices and a lot of ‘buyers’ interested in high prices until it gets time to pay up (but keeping sellers feeling like their prices are reasonable “I have at least two offers for $27k”).

I let him know that if he can be more realistic, I'm a motivated buyer, but can't spend over $20k on it.

Originally Posted by NYNick

Car is above 20 with broken head studs? Geez Louise. That's a $7500 job before you get into what else needs to be done and the might as wells. The might as wells will kill ya.

Yeah. And if I'm rebuilding, I might as well do a lot of might as wells, right?

Originally Posted by ficke

This is another example of buying a car done is cheaper.
Yes, this car will most likely sell for $20K maybe more.
Yes, it will cost over 7k for the engine work alone not even counting the cosmetics to make it not look like a 'drove hard and put away wet' driver.
This car as a OK driver you will be in for at least 35k and most likely more.
You will have a equal car for less money if you spend up front. And you will start enjoying the 911 game right away.
You will still have stuff to tinker with any car you buy so do not worry about being left out of the repair work fun.

For sure, it's an old car, there will surely be no shortage of things to do.

Thanks a ton everyone, I really appreciate the help!