Will stereo mods devalue my car?

jedalton · 03-25-2007, 05:24 AM

I have an '86 Targa, 44k mi, all original, in excellent condition. I would like to improve the stereo, but I'm afraid that doing any modifications to fit 6.5-inch speakers in the doors, or drilling new holes for amplifier wiring, will devalue the car by altering the original condition.

Please give opinions as to whether or not this will hurt the value of the car.

Thanks,
Jerad

berettafan · 03-25-2007, 08:08 AM

For me it would.

jedalton · 03-25-2007, 09:28 AM

That's too bad, but it's what I expected. I have a Pioneer CD player and Alpine speakers in the factory mounts right now, and the sound is nearly unbearable. I thought at least upgrading the headunit and putting some 6.5" speakers in the doors would help, but I won't touch it if what you say is true.

Thanks for the opinion. Does anyone else have any thoughts?

Todd Simpson · 03-25-2007, 01:03 PM

Find a decent set of extra door panels and store the originals.

jedalton · 03-25-2007, 03:05 PM

OK, sounds like I definitely should avoid modifying anything. I wonder if I could create a spacer that would flare to allow for the 6.5 and would mount to the original mounting holes. Has anyone seen something like that?

I just wish there was a quality option for those times when cruising down the interstate, which is about the only time the sound of the engine becomes monotonous.

Porsche · Porsche's Garage

I think it would depend on the buyer - some buyers would see a good stereo as a plus.

baldman · 03-26-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Porsche
I think it would depend on the buyer - some buyers would see a good stereo as a plus.

I agree... provided it is a clean upgrade. My PO added a new headunit, then an amp under the seat, subwoofer in the trunk firing through the smugglers box, and a 10 disc changer in the trunk as well. The speakers have been upgraded and look clean.
It was a big selling point to me that I can take the Targa top off and still hear the stereo at >80 on the freeway if I choose to.

Falcondrivr · 06:43 AM

As an actively looking buyer right now, I can tell you that I look with a more critical eye on cars with stereo mods. That doesn't mean that I'd pay less for one, but it raises questions. Was the owner a younger person? What other mods have been done? Who did the work on the stereo? Was it done right? If your car will stand up to these questions with good documentation, it wouldn't be a problem for me. If any question wasn't answered fully, I'd walk away. Also, stereo mods are a matter of personal preference. I like an old fashioned knob for volume and tuning. The newer button style stuff turns me off. You might do something to the car that some will love and some will hate, narrowing the potential market for the car.
Just my .02

jedalton · 03-26-2007, 01:42 PM

I would definitely try to keep it tasteful and clean (I definitely agree on the knobs). As was said, with the targa and the small factory speakers, they can be difficult to hear. I'm still wondering if I could design a spacer that would utilize the factory holes, yet allow a bigger driver.

I know a lot of people put amps and subs in the trunks. However, I thought at the most severe I would put an amp under the driver seat and a slim sub under the passenger seat, so that it would be completely stealth and original in appearance. I would attempt to not drill any new holes.

If I had a higher mileage car, I wouldn't be so concerned about keeping it in unmodified condition (or is 44k not low enough to matter?).

Jay H · 03-26-2007, 02:55 PM

At 44,000, you have a low mileage car that has quite a bit of value just from the low mileage. I agree that if you had a car with 100k on the clock AND showing lots of aging, then just hack away. It won't hurt the value much.

I've done plenty of stereo systems that don't require any cutting of materials or drilling new holes. You have to shop very carefully and have to find the best components that fit in the factory openings and screw holes.

If you do change the stereo, keep ALL of the factory components. That way, you can return everything to stock if/when you sell the car.

Also, keep in mind that a lot of these original door panel vinyl choices are no longer available. My brother has an '83 SC that the previous owner hacked in a 3 way speaker system (they drilled in a mid, tweeter AND the crossover right into the door panel...!). The vinyl is un-matchable and we tried many sources including overseas sources that are known for having factory materials available. So, his panels are permanently damaged.

I like the comment of getting a different set of door panels to hack up while keeping the originals in good condition.

Good luck!

Jay
90 964, 84 3.2

tfiv · 03-26-2007, 07:41 PM

yes

GothingNC · 03-27-2007, 03:56 AM

The PO of my targa installed the system from Audio Innovations and I am very pleased with it.

The amp is under the seat and the sub-woofers take up a little bit of leg room in the back.

All wired up very neatly and all the necessary fused were installed.

I enjoy listening to some tunes on a road trip or while stuck in traffic.

VincentVega · 03-27-2007, 10:16 AM

To each his own. I dont care a bit about stero mods as long as they can be undone. Dont butcher anything and it wont matter.

The only place I see it as a big deal is the garage queen/car show fanatic. If some one wants to buy an 'as new' 20 yr old car they are out of luck.

I saw install your cd player and drive it like you stole it.

Enjoy your car.

jedalton · 03-27-2007, 10:56 AM

OK, it sounds like I better make the best out of things without any modifications. Alpine made some decks in the recent past that had built-in V-drive amplifiers (9813, 9815, 9833, and 9835). This slight power advantage may help, but it requires a 10 guage power wire to the head unit. Is there any way to run a 10 guage wire from the battery (any holes or grommets) without drilling any new holes? Does this sound like a good option?

Thanks alot to everyone for the help so far. I'm loving the car, and the forum!

GothingNC · 03-27-2007, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Martin
To each his own. I dont care a bit about stero mods as long as they can be undone. Dont butcher anything and it wont matter.

The only place I see it as a big deal is the garage queen/car show fanatic. If some one wants to buy an 'as new' 20 yr old car they are out of luck.

I saw install your cd player and drive it like you stole it.

Enjoy your car.

Thanks Chris

The new freeway that opened up near my house sure helps me clear out the carbon

By the way, there is no need to turn on the stereo above 3000 RPM

Eric-325I · 03-27-2007, 11:04 AM

I agree with some others that upgrading the stereo will not hurt re-sale unless you are targeting the show-car guys.

I always giggle a little when I think about how many older 911 owners are afraid of devaluing their cars. Autos are generally a very poor investment and the joy of owning them is driving them. If a new stereo will increase that enjoyment and get you in the car more often, go for it... Do it properly and save the old junk in a box.

Eric

jedalton · 03-27-2007, 01:05 PM

Agreed, autos aren't great investments. While not intended as an investment, I hate to throw away money if I can get a reasonable improvement without devaluing the car. Audio is not the primary purpose of this car, as most would agree. That's why I wanted opinions as to the best approach to improving the sound. Perhaps someday I will want to trade it for a different model (930, 993, RS, etc.), and the value will come into play. I'm not sure why that would make a person giggle.

Eric-325I · 03-28-2007, 03:55 AM

Did not mean to offend, sory if I did. I realize that my opinion is not shared by many...

I would make all the upgrades you like, just keep the stock equipment in storage in the event you decide it's better to go back to original at the time of sale.

What I would do, and will be doing, would be to put in a nice deck (I prefer Alpine; high signal to noise ratio and great reception) that looks subdued, door speakers that fit without modification (5 1/4???), an amp in the trunk and a subwoofer under the passenger seat.

Enjoy.

Eric

morganb · morganb's Garage

Just do not cut anything and keep the originals. If you do this then every buyer will be satisfied.

jedalton · 03-28-2007, 11:28 AM

Does anyone know if there is an existing hole to pass a power cable into the cabin from the battery? I think the best approach seems to be avoiding any unnecessary drilling of new holes.

Eric - no problem, no offense taken. I appreciate everyone's input.