Pricing help please: '85 coupe

[Plecostomus]

Currently looking at a very cherry stock blk/blk carrera coupe with 66k miles. Interior is in nearly new condition. Outside is about an 85/100 (90/100 after the crease is massaged out from decklid). Has a whaletail too. Solid mechanically. IYO, What would be a fair price for a car of this caliber? Thanks in advance,

Kurt

PS: almost went to the darkside before findimg this car!! (hint: giallo)

[timmy2]

Before people jump all over you again Pleco, here's a link to the values as posted by excellence magazine.:
Excellence :: Buyers Guide : 911: 1974-89
If it's in that range and you want it, get it.
Make sure you click on the "behind the numbers" link to see where these numbers come from.
Good luck.

[yelcab1]

I am not in the market, but those prices are too high for my taste. Maybe that is why I am not in the market...

[Dublinoh]

Pay too much for it, you won't regret it

[NutmegCarrera]

Sounds like a beaut!
From what I've seen, it takes a LOT to get something nice for less than 15k-20k. For low miles, original and great mechanicals with records - I'd guess nothing less than low 20's private party. High end should be defined by the 'premium' retailers.
What I've seen with Truspeed seems like great stuff, but I have no basis for an opinion of actual quality. That should define the upper bound.

[SoCalSK8r]

I just bought a similar condition car, 50k miles, 2 owner, 1984 coupe with whale tail for $24k. I think I got a fair deal, no regrets at all. I'd rather over pay for a good car than get a cheaper car with more unknowns, etc. Plus the PO was a true car guy who took extremely good care of the car so that was of big importance to me.

I walked away from several cars just based on my phone conversations with the owner.

[Arne2]

Well, it wouldn't be the right car for me because a.) I won't buy another black car (ever), and b.) I don't place as much premium on low miles (over well documented maintenance) as some people do.

That said, and allowing for the fact that my preferences do not rule the market, if the car is documented and truly clean and straight, I can't see you getting into it for less than very high teens at best. More probably $20-25k. This is assuming that the paint is good enough that you can live with it as-is for a time. If you are going to need to paint it to be happy with it, deduct several k.

[Plecostomus]

Thanks very much, gentlemen! The owner is asking $25k- hoping to talk him to $22-23k.

Btw, I still am in the hunt for the proper sc, but have taken the great advice by a few of u guys to buy another type now and find my ideal later.

Thanks again brothers! K

[rattlsnak]

those prices are way too high. I just sold a 'very well sorted' 84 model for a LOT less than that.

an 85 model should sell for @ 17ish at best..

[full_garage]

Was wondering how long until he could not resist and posted a "what is this worth" thread.

Don't worry...just looking...

Let me guess... price too high..mechanic said run away....seller unreasonable...car not as good as advertised....7 years of excuses and no end in sight.

a 66K mile Carrera in really clean shape is WELL WORTH $25K. 110K cars with G50s trade for around $20K, and to buy a car with FIFTY thousand less miles is worth something. But I put NO stock in mileage on a nearly THIRTY year old car. Mechanicals are important but we focus on that far too much here- Cosmetics can also be very expensive and EVERYONE knows when your car is cosmetically bad. You can drive a car with slightly higher than normal leakdown for years and enjoy it, but faded, scratched paint, worn, dirty carpets and ripped cracked leather will affect you every time you get in the car.

Anyone looking for an 80s 911 should be able to find a car within one month in the USA. Period.

[szyzygy]

I paid $10K for a '77 8 months ago. 165K miles, cosmetically good, I get compliments all the time on the looks. I enjoy the ride though I'm sure a 3.0 or 3.2L would be more fun.

Mine's black, what's wrong with black?

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Plecostomus

Thanks very much, gentlemen! The owner is asking $25k- hoping to talk him to $22-23k.

Btw, I still am in the hunt for the proper sc, but have taken the great advice by a few of u guys to buy another type now and find my ideal later.

Thanks again brothers! K

If the mechanicals are good and the PPI checks out, deduct what a bodyshop would charge for removing the crease from his asking price, and offer that amount.

Then drive it, you silly fish!

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by szyzygy

Mine's black, what's wrong with black?

Nothing , apart from it shows the dirt & scratches more than other colours. That , and people will assume you're B.A.D. Esp if windows are blacked out too!

[Plecostomus]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

If the mechanicals are good and the PPI checks out, deduct what a bodyshop would charge for removing the crease from his asking price, and offer that amount.

Then drive it, you silly fish!

lmao, thanks

[Plecostomus]

Originally Posted by full_garage

Was wondering how long until he could not resist and posted a "what is this worth" thread.

Don't worry...just looking...

Let me guess... price too high..mechanic said run away....seller unreasonable...car not as good as advertised....7 years of excuses and no end in sight.

a 66K mile Carrera in really clean shape is WELL WORTH $25K. 110K cars with G50s trade for around $20K, and to buy a car with FIFTY thousand less miles is worth something. But I put NO stock in mileage on a nearly THIRTY year old car. Mechanicals are important but we focus on that far too much here- Cosmetics can also be very expensive and EVERYONE knows when your car is cosmetically bad. You can drive a car with slightly higher than normal leakdown for years and enjoy it, but faded, scratched paint, worn, dirty carpets and ripped cracked leather will affect you every time you get in the car.

Anyone looking for an 80s 911 should be able to find a car within one month in the USA. Period.

Thanks for your opinion on price.

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by Plecostomus

Thanks very much, gentlemen! The owner is asking $25k- hoping to talk him to $22-23k.

If I recall history of your search accurately, this meets nearly all of your criteria. For a ~30 year old car, 66K is nothing. And remember, as they get driven there will be fewer and fewer of the lower miles P-cars available that meet your specific needs. And I can't believe prices for them will decline.

My advice -- worth what you paid for it -- is pull the trigger, even if it means $24-$25K. Don't let $1K-$2K pull you away from a car that otherwise would make you incredibly happy, especially since you've been searching so long for it. It sounds like you've been searching now for what, 5+ years? $2K over that time really amounts to what, about $8.00 a week? I spend more than that on coffee, and I enjoy my Carrera infinitely more . . . .

Good luck Pleco

Pull the trigger

Holding out good thoughts for you, brother.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by Plecostomus

Btw, I still am in the hunt for the proper sc....

FWIW, the differences between an '82-83 SC and an '85 Carrera are few, and almost all in favor of the Carrera, IMO.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Arne2

FWIW, the differences between an '82-83 SC and an '85 Carrera are few, and almost all in favor of the Carrera, IMO.

Which is exactly why I bought a Carrera instead of an SC, like Mr. Zimmerman recommended in his book.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Plecostomus

lmao, thanks

You're welcome. I thought you might like that comment. :P

BTW, that SC I was going to look at for you was sold before I even called the guy.

[SoCalSK8r]

Originally Posted by full_garage

Cosmetics can also be very expensive and EVERYONE knows when your car is cosmetically bad. You can drive a car with slightly higher than normal leakdown for years and enjoy it, but faded, scratched paint, worn, dirty carpets and ripped cracked leather will affect you every time you get in the car.

I agree 100%, and that was a huge part of why I paid what I did for my car.....almost mint paint, never seen rain, all seals look brand new, leather is almost brand new, etc, etc. A new quality paint job plus new seals would put you at easily $5k. My 84 has better paint than my 2006 Lexus, and I am a detailing fanatic so that says a lot.

Plus not to mention I've never had a repaint done in my life that I was satisfied with, so I'd rather not even have to bother with a body shop.

Good luck with your purchase!