944 / 951 Market

[L Sjoberg]

One of our sons is looking for a 944, and we haven't been in the market for one since the mid-90's. Looks like a lot of guys are hoping that the 944 and 951 market is riding the coattails of the aircooled market, but still looks like mostly kids buying (and selling) beaters and barn finds. We might have to wait until some of these cars sit on the market into June or July to see what a legit price might be, but thought I might be able to test my overall sense of the landscape.

From what I can see, an N/A should run 5-7k (a great local PCA example just went for slightly north of 6k), an S maybe a little higher, an S2 might push 10k and a 951 should go somewhere between 12-15k. All of this for a driver with the typical problems (dash, seat bolsters, no A/C and probably no cruise) but otherwise with appropriate maintenance items recently addressed. And all of these private sale prices, I'm not interested in dealer lots, flippers or auctions. Color and wheels are not important, so we won't be looking to pay extra for whatever it is that kids these days think might be worth some extra money.

Curious what guys who really know these cars are seeing out there? This is mostly so I can help set expectations with our son, but also to avoid offending any of the owners we may be speaking to about price.

TIA. I did use the search, but any recent posts seem to focus on specific cars or at least specific models / years.

[Sebscst]

I’ve owned 3 944 all base models. If you scan the for sale ads you can definitely find some deals. I think your pricing is spot on. The higher priced non collector cars seam to sit for awhile. Good luck on your search.

[L Sjoberg]

Originally Posted by Sebscst

I’ve owned 3 944 all base models. If you scan the for sale ads you can definitely find some deals. I think your pricing is spot on. The higher priced non collector cars seam to sit for awhile. Good luck on your search.

thanks, this is perfect and much appreciated!

I sat with him when he test drove a base 944 recently, and I honestly forgot how incredibly cool the cars sound. and they are also just about as much fun as I have ever had running through the gears in a Porsche. which sounds like we may be looking for more than just one car : )

[Matt Monson]

I don’t watch the market but did own a 924s for a while. It’s basically a 944 power train in a lighter narrow body 924 chassis. It was a great car. They are really perfectly balanced at the limit. If $7-10k can buy a well maintained (mechanically) one I say give it a go. They aren’t cheap to bring back from a distressed state. Buy a nicer one and drive it.

[dwelle]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/1082756-1987-924s.html

[dsfnctn]

You would need about US$14-16 for an S2

[L Sjoberg]

thanks to all for the great feedback! my sons and I just drove home with an 87 951, absolutely and exactly what we were looking for (in many respects better) and also at a great (and fair) price. the owner and his story with the 951 were so similar to my own story with our 83 SC Targa that it was bordering on creepy, truly a great guy and both of our sons (and even my wife and daughter) are on cloud nine.

we may have to put together a sign-out sheet for the car, the whole family is so stoked.

[Matt Monson]

That’s awesome. Congrats. The culture and the connections are what it’s about.