What's a nice '88 Carrera roller worth?

[Zeke]

I'm getting a strong feeling that I could sell my high mileage 3.2 motor for up to 4K complete. The G50's seem to bring good money and mine works great. Let me be optimistic and say that between the 2, I could get around 6K +-

New clutch with the upgrade is installed. That was 3K.

I only need 12K out of the car to be happy. Nice paint (black on black), nice interior, 7 & 8 Fuchs, sun roof and everything works.

The question is, would a car like this sell as a roller for 8K? I don't think I'd part it out for much less, I'd just take the 12K.

As a aside, I have to say I hate selling cars. Mostly I just dump them. You know the drill. I need 12, not 11, not 10. But, I have to ask 13.5 just so I can play everyone's silly ass game.

Back to selling it off in parts....

(BTW, if you've got 12K or a skosh more, come on down.)

[Macroni]

Milt put it up for $12K. I think it will sell.

[dtw]

Yep, agreed. There's a buyer for it at 12k, especially if you put the stock bumper parts back on.

On the flipside, $8k for a roller probably isn't going to happen.

[geshaghi]

I think you'll have a better chance of selling the complete car for $12k than the roller for for $8k, as long as the motor is reasonably strong and isn't in need of an imminent rebuild, the car isn't too rough and the title is clear. If you look around, $12k for a 1988 coupe probably puts you at the low end of the price range, so I suspect you'll have a fair amount of interest.

[dienstuhr]

Agree with the above. A G50 car should sell for at least $12K if it's at all decent. And selling a runner is a lot less hassle than selling a roller + engine separately. Don't forget the time and aggravation of dropping the engine, packing it, arranging for pick-up/transport of the roller (even if it's just co-ordinating with the buyer, it is still a pain) etc...

Preserving another running car with an original engine is a nice collateral effect, too.

Cheers,

d.

[BIGW]

It seems kind of ironic that with any 356 or "longhood" it is the body that will bring the money, running gear be damned. Too bad I won't live long enough for the frenzy for an original paint 1989 roller that will happen about mid-century!

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by BIGW

It seems kind of ironic that with any 356 or "longhood" it is the body that will bring the money, running gear be damned. Too bad I won't live long enough for the frenzy for an original paint 1989 roller that will happen about mid-century!

I do not agree w/ this. Number matching longhoods garner a premium over non-matching.

[G450X]

that they would bring as much or more than numbers matching cars, he just meant that they will probably still bring decent coin (even a tub, for what it is), like a nice non-matching 356 (or a good 356 tub) brings now.

I think the older cars have a tendency to rapidly decay, and this has increased the values of good pre galvanized body cars.

SC & Carrera's are more apt to be wrecked or run down & parted these days, rather than rust like the early cars. They (SC/Carrera) are really nice running & driving 911's that have enough of the "old feel" with some decent creature comforts (and craftsmanship) to creep up in value in the not so near future.

[Zeke]

Thanks guys. My car is the perfect candidate for someone that wants to put a 3.6 in a 911. Actually, at 12K, the new owner could get the money for the 3.2 with the high miles (yes it runs great with no problems other than using oil and smoke on start up), buy a super 3.6 for 9K and maybe be invested in a rocket for less than 20K.

You know, not that many years ago, people split the cars up by engine, trans and rolling body and usually came out ahead. The labor notwithstanding.

[G450X]

sounds very fair to me for an '88 with a tired 3.2 and good G50. The 8" Fuchs (probably $1k there), nice paint, and interior really make the sell.

If I was in the market right now, I'd make the trip to check her out! Many people (like myself) only drive these machines 2,000 to 3,000 miles a year or so. I drive a "tired" SC that uses some oil, and I plan on driving her until she gets really smoky - while I save toward a rebuild. A quart of oil every 500 miles or so is very cheap compared to a 911 overhaul (Mahle 3.0 P/C's $3k+???).

[Zeke]

I'm getting ready to place ads. I just have to get the stock front bumper assembled and installed. Here's the skinny so far:

The car has 240,000 miles on it and the motor has never been out. I have receipts from all the previous owners. It's a CA car, never been out of state.

Right now it has Bilstein Sports and is pretty low (I didn't do that). Shifts great, drives straight. I have pads to put on but the pads on it are not that worn. All the windows are tinted and the pass side is scratched. That's the biggest interior problem.

Overall, it's clean and very nice at a few feet, as they say. Since it was my mule for my bumper project, all the parts being reinstalled are newly painted. A lot of people get excited when they see it thinking it's such a clean car. You have to own it to know where the flaws are.

I know the receipts show the new clutch. They also show a new distributor and I think new rear axles. I'll have to look. The A/C is disconnected. Front tires are gone, rears are 70%. I'm looking for some fronts; Toyo Proxes T1-S 205/55/16. Found one in NY, but I need 2 whether I keep it or sell it. (or maybe not as I would certainly add the price of the replacement tires.

I did buy the tags which were due this month. I still have to smog the car. Last time it did very well. I'll take it down when I can and I expect it will pass and be good for 2 more years in CA. Anyway, fees are paid up until Oct 2011.

[techweenie]

90% of Pelicanheads will tell you the miles are too high, but you only need one buyer. In my experience, Porsche guys are far more nervous about high mileage than, say Mercedes guys.

If I were you, I'd put the complete car up on Craigslist, etc. at a price you'd like to get, and let it ride for a while.

The problem with late model rollers is that in a lot of places, they need to be made smog-compliant to be registered. And that can cost a ton. As your car is compliant now, you're ahead of the game selling a complete car.

A black G50 coupe is a desirable car, even if it will need a top end overhaul in the near future.

On the other hand, the drivetrain will likely sell sooner and more easily by itself. And it could bring $6K, altogether, especially if you keep it in the car to demo. It may take a long time to find a buyer for the roller.

[Zeke]

Sounds like a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Milt, did you end up selling your car?