Why are there no good 87-89's around?

[umfan866]

I've been looking around for a nice 87-89 coupe. I've passed on a few cars and deals that I could have had in the winter (long story but I could have had several good values in the 13-17k range). Everyone said that in summer sorts of cars will come on the market and there will be tons of choices. But where are all the cars? Cars.com is pretty lean, as is craigslist, even this forum is looking lean lately! Its a little easier to find 84-86's and SC's but even those in good/great condition are getting rare. I recently started resuming my search ... those of you who have been looking continuosly tell me whats up?

[TerryH]

160 for sale at www.autotrader.com

[racer]

Because their owners know a good thing when they have one?

[acegx]

I see great cars on E bay all the time....it just takes a little patience but they come up regularly. The good ones are not going to go for $13-17k though so not sure how much you want to invest.

[Jay H]

Originally posted by umfan866
Its a little easier to find 84-86's and SC's but even those in good/great condition are getting rare.

Your statement above is true. These cars make such good daily drivers that many of them continue to be driven on a regular basis and therefore are getting "used up" as each day goes by. More wear and tear builds up and once very low mileage, pristine cars are now getting up there in mileage and are showing their age.

For example, a 1987 911 with 50,000 miles can only have traveled 2500 miles per year on average. 2500 miles is garage queen status, especially in warmer climates where these cars can be driven year round.

I bought a 1984 911 Carrera last year that had 90k on the clock. That's only about 4100 miles per year. 90k isn't exactly low mileage.

So, to find an exceptional, low mileage 3.2 liter car, you're going to have to find a very pampered, garage queen, and/or concours type car. Since these are rare (most people drive their cars), it'll take a while before cars like these shake loose.

Plus, the economy is relatively robust right now, so people are holding onto their toys and not liquidating stuff to make ends meet.

Just my $.02.

Jay
90 964, 84 3.2

[Macroni]

Ton of cabs...check ebay

[hytem]

There seems to be more old 911s around for sale than there are buyers. And a lot of them are well-cared for. It isn't that easy to sell one at a decent price.

[trader220]

I dont think its hard to find a good coupe at all... they're not on every corner but they're out there.

[fondeportago]

you might want to ask the mechanics who specialize on porsches for leads. i know of a couple that were very helpful when i was looking around here in the south bay. mechanics would already know about the cars they'd recommend because they would have already worked on them.

[jaXed]

http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/ms.cgi?veh=porsche%20911

I'm always trying to improve on it so let me know...

[bxtech]

Interested in a car that needs some work? I ran across this today on Craigslist. I have no affiliation. Check it out:

1987 Porsche 911 Targa (Red) - $12500 (santa clara)

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Reply to: sale-388143188@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-08-02, 8:58PM PDT


1987 Targa (120,500)that I have had for one week that is unable to pass smog. Paint, body, and targa top is in excellent condition, new tires with less than 100 miles on them. Smokes on start up, but not after its warmed up. My mechanic says that the valve guides on one of the cylinders is causing the problem. Basically, it needs a valve job. I personally have over 13K into the vehicle but am willing to take a loss as I need the money for a home remodel.
Call John @ 408-296-5409

Link to ad: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/388143188.html

[umfan866]

Thanks but I'm staying the heck away from that car. The "valve job" most likely means a top-end motor rebuild for 10-12k. I'm trying to find a car where that's already been done!

BTW ALWAYS do a carfax. there is a black 88 in belmont for 15k but I did the carfax and it was in an accident!!

[fondeportago]

amazing how the seller says he has $13k into the vehicle and claims he has only had it for a week

[trader220]

13 k into the car means his price plus sales tax plus whatever it cost him to have his mechanic check it out plus what he paid for the failed smog check. Not that big a deal. Whats the cost of a good top end job in that neck of the woods?

[snaga61]

I have an 89 on Graig's list.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/387353955.html

[umfan866]

snaga61 - Thanks - I think we exchanged some emails. I'd be all over your car if it was a coupe, but I've decided I just can't do a Targa. I love the lines of the coupe and how it looks from the rear. I even taught my wife the difference between a coupe and Targa and now she reminds me whenever I think I might be able to do a Targa.

[bxtech]

Originally Posted by umfan866

snaga61 - Thanks - I think we exchanged some emails. I'd be all over your car if it was a coupe, but I've decided I just can't do a Targa. I love the lines of the coupe and how it looks from the rear. I even taught my wife the difference between a coupe and Targa and now she reminds me whenever I think I might be able to do a Targa.

This 1987 on Craigslist sounds pretty nice! I know it's a Targa, but here's the ad anyway. The guy has some nice pictures on his ad. The link is:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/390696906.html

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1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa red/black - $10990 (concord / pleasant hill / martinez)

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Reply to: sale-390696906@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-08-06, 12:13PM PDT


1987 Porsche 911 Targa red with black leather. Car is in excellent condition. All the recipts are available. Comes with a new targa top and a new stereo with speakers. Recently had a motor out service ($5400) with a complete overhaul. Tires and brakes are at 60 percent. Runs and driver great. Needs nothing. Paint is glosssy and smooth. The interior is very fresh. Car is located in Concord. Call Tim for more information. 925-337-0003

[trader220]

Okay whats the catch on that car?

[acegx]

Jump on it fast.... you can't steal in slow motion...."the car needs nothing" it says. How many miles on this thing? Has it been in a wrecked? Do a CarFax on it. I agree with Trader 220- "what's the catch?

[umfan866]

bxtech --

Don't worry I saw that other Targa for $10,990 on CL and called the guy immediately a few days ago, the same day it was posted. He said he already sold it (I called at 6:30pm). I said what was the deal. He said he nothing was wrong with it, he was a broker and sold it for a customer. But apparently not a Porsche broker, since I asked him what else he had, and he said that getting a Porsche for him was really rare. I said you know those cars usually go for like 13k-15k (that's probably an understimate too) -- in any case he said "well that's probably why it sold so quick!" So either he didn't know the true value of the car, or didn't care, or the customer needed it sold the same day... but apparently the car was really a no-issues car. There ARE deals out there you just got to be ready to jump on them.