Value of an '89 944 S2 coupe w very low miles

jjflash · jjflash's Garage

Hi,

I have a chance to buy an '89 944S2 coupe with about 28K miles on it. Black on black. Stock S2--no LSD, no M030, no sport seats. Very nice condition except for some scratches on a rear quarter panel caused by someone trying to rub out a minor imperfection with some gross rubbing compound. Probably needs to be resprayed. No dents, just scratches and damage to the paint.

I like these cars as drivers, but I'm not sure what the market for them is these days. There seem to be a lot of well-maintained higher-mileage cars in the $8-10K range. Does anyone here know or think that a very low mileage example would bring a significant premium?

TIA for any inputs.

Steve Schubert · 12-23-2006, 09:03 AM

I looked at a 1989 S2 with 67,000 miles the other night. The guy wanted $8,500. for it. Black car with linin interior. Car had a small crease on the right front fender and the front of the car looked like a two year old tuched up the chips on the paint, which turned me off. Car was tight when I drove it and it shifted well. My opinion the car needed to be repainted.

VinnyC · 02:00 PM

That seems like a very good price. I've seen high mileage cars sell for low to mid-teens. Under 10K is a bargin in my opinion.

The low mileage is worth a premium and will hold its value much better in the future. How much exactly is the low mileage worth, I don't know.

jjflash · jjflash's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve Schubert
I looked at a 1989 S2 with 67,000 miles the other night. The guy wanted $8,500. for it. Black car with linin interior. Car had a small crease on the right front fender and the front of the car looked like a two year old tuched up the chips on the paint, which turned me off. Car was tight when I drove it and it shifted well. My opinion the car needed to be repainted.

Is that the car on Cars.com? In Hartford, CT? That would be a great price for a no-problems S2. But I'm in L.A. and have to add $1,200-1,500 shipping for any East Coast car.

Steve Schubert · 12-24-2006, 05:23 AM

I'm not sure if it's was in Cars.com. I saw it in the Hartford Courant. Let me add to the list of what was wrong with the car. First the paint chips were done badly. If you could repaint the front end it would be O.K. The right door saged when you opened it. I think it's an easy fix to get the door to hang right. I tried the sun roof and it did not work. Motor ran but I think the cable was not connected, easy fix. There was a crease in the right front fender no paint scrapes. Hard to see the crease. Here's the guys cell # 860-212-2321. The guy had the car for 4 years and put about 7,000 miles on the car.

Steve Schubert · 12-24-2006, 05:30 AM

looked at Cars.com it's the same car.

Steve Schubert · 12-24-2006, 05:34 AM

I forgot the dash has 3 cracks.

racer · 12-26-2006, 02:11 PM

Since you already have a LOW mileage 951, then you should be aware of

1) Maintenance performed more by TIME than by mileage

2) DRY ROT. I would be concerned that a relative lack of use may be detrimental to rubber items (lines, seals, bushings etc) which may be annoying or difficult to replace. I saw a "local" 951S. under 20K miles. Wiring harness was completely "dry rotted".. So. Be wary, but then again, it could be a great find.

3) If you are planning to "use" the car though, I would stay away from low mileage as there is no intrinsic benefit vs a well maintained 60-80K mile car that would be in the 6-7K range.

jjflash · jjflash's Garage

Racer--did you personally see the dark maroon '89 with 19K miles? I was interested in that car but it was sold by the time I inquired. (Apparently it took some time to close the deal, but it eventually did.) It was on the East Coast which adds $$ for shipping and complications for inspections, etc. The owner of that did disclose that his mechanic warned of possible future electric problems due to dry rot in the wiring harness. So far my car looks very good. I did have to replace one A/C hose but all others still seem pliable....knock on wood! Next car is going to be one I *use*. I'd love to find an '88 924 S SE in good condition and use it as a driver and an autocross "trainer"!

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

Why are these wiring harnesses dry rotting ? The rubber seals & hoses I can understand, but the wiring I wouldn't think would be affected from just sitting ?

nota · 01-01-2007, 03:27 PM

depends on the chemicals used in the plastic covers on the wires
volvos are well known for rotting wiring in the mid 80's cars
add the extra heat of hi rev's and turbo's and they go bad much faster then normal cars wiring , that fewer are still on the road anyway at 20+ years of age nore do normal cars retain the value to be worth fixing at that age

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

That's what my guess was... some kind of reaction between coatings on the wires.

Boy I hope mfg's have that figured out by now. That could be a nightmare for alot of cars.