A woman scorned...please help!

[ascarswell]

I came across a recent ad for an '84 Porsche Carrera. There were no pics included in the ad. Here is the verbiage in its entirety:

I'm having to sell this car because of divorce. There are just some things ******* husbands shouldn't be able to take away from you. Don't even consider contacting me if you aren't willing to take very special care of this car. The price is ridiculously low but I have to sell her quickly.

Really. I'm not kidding. No mention of any details about the car - just a price of $9,850. No phone number - just email. So I bite. I send an email asking if this is a real ad. Here's the reply, again in its entirety:

This absolutely is a real posting.

Hmmm. So today I get a phone call and go see the car. Here's the good:

- it is indeed an '84 guards red cab with black interior and top
- seats and dash look good under all the dust & dirt, and the carpet and top I learn were replaced in '05 and look great
- the 16" fuchs were black and have recently been polished (see pics)
- the tires are new but seemingly huge Firestones...looked wrong for the car, I think
- the engine pulled tremendously strong and idled smoothly; quick start up with minimal smoke, and seamless shifting throughout the gears
- didn't find any rust; even under the battery looked okay
- same woman's owned it since '99, and the battery had a trickle charger on it because it spent most of its time in the garage

Here's the bad:
- minimal service records; they've been misplaced or the "*******" husband took 'em
- the mileage is 83,960. That's good you're thinking. The bad is that after my 25 minute test drive, the mileage was still 83,960! The odometer is broken and there are no records to substantiate the mileage.
- also not working: driver's side lock and window, 4-way power seat, cruise, a/c (blew but not cold), and who knows what else.
- paint is bad. I'd say it's a 4 out of 10...sun-faded plus some significant dents (paint not broken) and a bunch of rock chips on the front end.
- there is a significant gap between the window and the roof on the driver's side at the top rear corner.
- brakes seemed like I really needed to stand on them a bit...maybe it's just because I've been Porsche-less for 3 years and forget what they're like to drive

Anyhow - I've got a PPI tentatively booked this Thursday with a very reputable P-car specialized shop (they've been written about in Excellence magazine). To me, this seems like it might be a good deal. Thoughts? What's paint going to run? I've never had to repaint a car. I wouldn't think it's worth doing top-end paint, but maybe a mid-priced job. I think that might be a priority if I get the car assuming there are no major mechanical issues to deal with first.

Thanks for reading...I know this is a long one...and for your ever insightful advice and opinions! I've attached a couple pics below...

Cheers,
Adam

[racer]

Lots of drama here.

Unknown miles - must get a PPI done.. 911 rebuilds are $10K
Crappy paint - Maaco - $250.. Something better? - $2-3K low end, maybe 6-8K high end

Its a cab.. do you want a cab?

I would look for body damage and make sure body panels line up properly.
I'd also ask to see title to see if its really "salvage" or "rebuilt".

Brakes are powerboosted.. Could be in need of a rebuilt caliper/master cylinder or at least, a good fluid flush and pad change.. Check rotors too.

I would never expect AC to be good in an Aircooled 911. Its a cab.. who uses AC?

To paraphrase 2 great 911 sayings
1) The cheapest Porsche you find is never the cheapest Porsche to own!
2) They are all $20K cars.. spend it upfront or spend it fixing it up.. your choice.

[SandyI]

Why bother painting it? Just drive it like you stole it! Good luck with the PPI.

[ascarswell]

PPI is scheduled for Thursday - not sure if I'll go through with it or not...gotta think it through some more. But if I do go forward, PPI is a certainty.

Saw the title with my own eyes and it's not salvage. I'll still be sure to have tech go over body for signs of collisions, but the gaps actually looked quite good. Definitely needs paint, though...it's pretty rough...faded and quite a few stone chips, particularly on the front end, of course. I was thinking $2-3k for paint, another $1k fixing misc issues as identified, and assuming a purchase price of $9k I've got a pretty good '84 cab with fresh paint, interior, and top for $13k. Of course...it's never really 'done'. I get that...but it'd be a good start, for sure.

[Poor-sche Lover]

I'd say, if your budget is that low, and the PPI works out, go for it. I got my '88 for a similar price simply because the dude had a baby the same week he lost his job. I've always contended that I'd rather drive a not-so-nice 911 while I save up for the upgrades than wait until I can afford a really nice 911.

[MikeD930]

If PPI checks good and there were no major body repair then this would be a great buy. I would not worry about paint yet. You'll be surprise what polishing and waxing will do to bring out the paint. Every 911 that's driven will have paint chips. So don't worry about that unless you want a garage queen.

[WERK I]

Make sure you view the title. Could be a salvage car.

[NineOhOne]

Originally Posted by WERK-I

Make sure you view the title. Could be a salvage car.

ascarswell wrote: Saw the title with my own eyes and it's not salvage.

[WERK I]

Originally Posted by NineOhOne

ascarswell wrote: Saw the title with my own eyes and it's not salvage.

Oops! Didn't see that. Thanks

[911 Cab]

I would verify the divorce is the reason why she is selling the car.

[SandyI]

Originally Posted by 911 Cab

I would verify the divorce is the reason why she is selling the car.

The last thing I'd get into is the "why" of the sale. If the car is mechanically sound, this is a good deal.

As for paint, my advice is to drive it for a few months and get it mechanically where you want it first. Your budget is kind of tight and optimistic. I'd have at least $18,000 avail to spend over the next 12 months on the car and $4K for paint. Remember, you are purchasing a sports car that is 25 years old. There will be many things to replace, upgrade and modernize and none of it can be found at your local Kragen.

Personally, I'd rather drive a well-tuned Porsche that looks worn versus a great looking Porsche that drives like crap. Of course, I wish I only had $18,000 invested in my 911E.

[johndglynn]

Originally Posted by SandyI

The last thing I'd get into is the "why" of the sale. If the car is mechanically sound, this is a good deal.

The only way to look at it. I don't think you'll need that big a contingency though.

I would spring for that car at $9K if the PPI checks out with no major spend mech imminent, no doubt about it.

[bxtech]

I agree with the others here..............If the PPI checks out, it will be a good buy. I think for the condition that it's in, and the issues you have pointed out, the car is definitely priced right! If every single record was available and this car had a complete history, I think the price wouldn't be what it is. Those "iffy" and unknown things (including the mileage) is what is promoting the appealing price!

Looks decent in the pics though! Let us know how it turns out!

[SCWDP911]

hope it works to your liking... if it does, email me and I will let you know when the next MTFR is and you can come eat breakfast or lunch with us. Are you taking it to Pat's

[FenderGuy]

I dont know where you guys are geting your paint figures but I was quoted $5k and above to start on mine, your est is way to low, figure at least $4k to $6k for paint and then $2k to 3K for repairs, dont ask me how I know

[Brother]

I think that price checks for the description you have given. Enjoy it.

[Sunroof]

I would go through the PPI and ask the mechanic lots of questions regarding the mechanicals. Compression and leak-down test preferred. The paint and misc. stuff comes later! If it checks out, you got a pretty good deal starting out.

Looking forward to hearing the results.

Good luck

Bob
73.5T

[mdu968]

If the PPI checks out, I would fix the mechanical issues and drive the @#$% out of it. Sometimes its fun to have a Porsche you can just drive and not worry about every paint chip etc. Get it to the point that its reliable and fun to drive.

A 1984 cab with a TMU title and no history will not command a big price on resale even if nicely painted; so I wouldn't throw the money at it.
I get a lot more use and fun out of my beater/driver 968 coupe than I do my nice 911sc.

[ascarswell]

Based on a brief phone conversation with the shop here, they'll remove the odometer and send it off to be repaired. Does that, then, result in a TMU title (True Mileage Unknown)? I've never been in this situation before...as usual, any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Adam

PS - I drove an '00 BMW M5 today with 100k miles - asking $10,500 but will take $9,800. A friend of mine drives an '04 M5 - it's his tech who's selling the '00. Drove really nicely, but cosmetically not perfect (but not horrible!). Had a couple little rust bubbles on the rear-left quarter and the wheels were pitting and beginning to peel. Don't think I'm going to bit - gonna hold out for the right P-car, but might be a nice buy for someone else.

[onboost]

I think a friend of mine may ave looked at that same M5, he passed also!

If you think a 911 is expensive, wait until a late model M5 gets the wants.. or the electrical gremlins decide to come out and play! Everytime the dash lights up or a fault is set, you're of to the tech to get diagnosed or lights reset.

Let's say your service lights come on.. you do the oil service yourself, in this area most shops will charge you .5 or 1.0 to reset the light just becuase they had to hook up their machine!

As far as the Porsche.. it's a little sticky in that if you purchase and register.. they will record the current mileage at time of registration. Having the shop fix the speedo is to your benefit as it's simple to track miles from purchase, although technically it's still TMU. The ownus will be on you to disclose to the next buyer should you decide to sell.. and of course that may kill the deal.

You could always see if the lady is firm on price after PPI as they will find something. If what they find is not too expensive and you think you can stomach it.. the do it and enjoy!