What value for 84 911 turbo-look on ebay

[SC911SC]

I have been looking for my first porsche and this might be the first I bid on. What value would you put on it? Anyone had experience with this dealer? The wheels would have to be changed to Fuchs and the dash replaced. Need to get PPI of course. Thanks to all.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AME WA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220084246822&rd=1&rd=1#ebay photohosting

[onebad911]

it looks like a helluva buy---being it is low mileage and 1 of 400 some made it is probably worth a lot more than ---i just purchased one myself with 69,000 miles on it for $29,000 1984 coupe if you look at market value these cars go anywhere between 24,000 and 32,000--and from what i've read they will do nothing but go up in value-------------good luck

[trader220]

THey're not investmets, at least not good ones, so dont bet on them going up much in value. That looks like a nice car and a good deal just off the cuff. That dealer sells a lot of cars so I am sure they know how to price them correctly. Get a PPI for sure

[racer]

7 and 9 x 16 fuchs will cost at least $1000, plus tires.

Can't recall how much a dash replacement is, but the windshield has to come out to do that. Assuming they don't damage the winsheild, it could still be $1000 or more (figure you won't be DIYing this one )

So.. now thats $2k on top of $24 (makes $26), plus taxes, plus insurance/registration.. so OOP is now likely closer to $28-29K, no? Is this a $29K car??? Plus oil/filter change, new plugs, aircleaner, brake fluid, pads just to "baseline" the car. If done by a shop figure another $500-$1000 (Mobil 1 will be about $80 alone!). This assumes nothing is really "wrong" with the car.

tough car to price imho. "fancier" than a regular carerra.. but not as fast/mean as a real turbo. $25 might be a fair price assuming a PPI checks out, no accident damage, clutch is good blah blah
Some will say its only has the 915 trans, others will say it doesn't matter.

The old adage of buying the newest Porsche you can afford is usually correct. This is a 23 year old car. Even with low miles, things will need replacement (some due to LACK of use).

Do you want a turbo look? How will you use the car?

[Jay H]

Originally posted by SC911SC
...and the dash replaced.

That warping leather dash is very common. I've judged garage queen cars that have rarely seen sun that have warping leather dashes. My '84 has a brown leather dash that is all pulled to hell as well in exactly the same places as this dash (nearest the windshield and by the center vents - you can see the staples!). Leather is not a good material for a top of a dashboard...

That whole top of the dash on this car is probably brown leather. So, if you want it perfect, plan on the added expense of having custom dyed leather stiched to the dash pad. My '84 has a full leather interior. Everything is leather. If this car has a leather dash, it's probably a full leather interior as well. Therefore, you need close up pics of the upper door sills. Those are covered in leather and won't look good at all if they are worn. Check that rear deck too. That's all leather as well. The lower dash area (under glove box and switch gear panels) is also leather. That doesn't wear well either since it's so close to knees and loading stuff in the car. The rear seat area will also be completely covered in leather (jump seats and side panels). My point is, if the dash is bugging you, be prepared for more leather damage elsewhere on the car. It's obvious from the pics the car didn't have it's leather properly treated during it's lifetime, has been banged up a bit or has seen a bit of sun.

If this car has no mechanical flaws and is in decent shape, it's probably an O.K. deal at $24,500. It's got really low miles. If you drive it a lot, that premium you pay for the lower miles will go away a bit. Though, it just doesn't 'pop' like some cars do. The interior seems dirty to me in places and the exterior probably needs a good detailing (cleaning, polishing and waxing). Nothing that can't be corrected, but at this price point, you expect these cars to be pretty pristine.

I do agree 100% with racer's assessment above on what the car might need going forward. A PPI is critical at this price point to insure you don't get too underwater with the car right off the bat.

However, if it's THE car for you, then a $1000 or two here or there isn't a big deal if you have your heart set on a M491 car. If you don't really care if it's an M491 car, then I think you can find an exceptional 'regular' 1984 coupe for $24k.

Good Luck! M491 cars have a pretty strong following.

Jay
84 Carrera, 90 964

[SC911SC]

Thanks guys for the logical thinking – I was getting a bit out of touch with the real world here.

Jay H and racer - your insight has got be back on track and I will let this one pass. I am not looking for a M491 car at all – but I thought that this one might have more investment potential at this price point. But as was pointed out, there is much that will need to be done to get this too where I would be proud of it. Plus the expense of travel from SC to AZ and getting it back to my house. I guess I really do want an exceptional car and I am willing to pay for it – but getting this car to what I want would put me way outside of my budget. I will keep looking.

I really like the conduct and professionalism of this forum. It is refreshing.

Randy

[Jay H]

Originally posted by SC911SC
but I thought that this one might have more investment potential at this price point.

Randy,

I feel that the only 3.2 Carrera's that might be potential investments are the Club Sports from '88 and '89. The Club Sports have very low build numbers and that seems to help in regards to collectibility. The CS's do have some performance enhancements and that also does well for collectibilty verses just a cosmetic package. There have been some discussions on these boards (Pelican or Rennlist) and some proof that the CS's are escalating in price.

Also, any type of investment car will most likely have to have ultra low miles (sub 20k or more likely under 10k) or their age really has to be up there to compensate for higher mileage. You can't really drive these cars all too much either. They need to be completely original with no mods or have a very good race history. All documentation probably has to be in place from day 1.

The M491 cars were built in enough quantities that they may not ever reach a true collector standpoint where they are appreciating in value over what they cost to just own (time value of money in the bank and maintenance needs). They are wonderful cars, but I'd buy one to enjoy showing it or driving it. Not for investment purposes.

I think if you found an M491 car with, say, 7000 miles in absolute pristine condition, you might be able to make a bit of money on it during the long term. But, with interest rates being higher now for investments, real estate always doing well enough if you have good property and the stock market not being a complete loser right now, it really takes a rare car to overcome those other options for investment. Then it no longer becomes a car and it's more like art.

I didn't mean to 'dis' this car in the auction either (looks like it's sold or pulled anyway). If I wanted a M491 to drive or work on to concours (after many hours of prep), this would be a car I'd be very interested in checking out.

Good luck to you!

Jay