What's it worth?

rludym · 02-23-2011, 05:49 AM

Hi, new to forum. Just had a PPI done on a 1980 911 Targa SC with 155K miles. Leakdown at 3% or lower on all six so engine is great. Problem is there is rust on front suspension that will require reweld ($1500-$2000) and the paint job isnt great (2000 variety) but doable for what Im looking for. Seller was asking 11,500 and I would have offered 10,500 before finding out about rust and that car is not original color. What do you think is fair offer based on above?!?

Thx

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

You should probably move on, there are plenty of rust free SC's out there. Check the classified here, always some great SC's for sale with some good history attached.

rludym · 02-23-2011, 06:06 AM

thx...was thinking that too but we have a good Porsche shop out here that can do a solid repair on it. If I offered and seller agreed to 7K would it be worth it???

Jdub · 02-23-2011, 06:10 AM

Hard to say - if rust there then where else? Plenty of rust-free SCs out there and the price on these cars has bottomed nicely.

You cannot fall in love with a particular car - you have to be able to walk away. Do yourself a favor and check Classifieds (here; Craigslist; etc.) and make yourself look at 3 more cars before you act on this one.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

7-8 - and you should be able to replace the front pan for ~1K

BUT <---- and that's a big but - where there is some rest - there is always more. So you say the suspension pan - any bubbling around the windshield cowl? rear window? jack receiver? How about torsion tubes? Rockers? It's always the rust you don't see that will ruin your day - and make your 7K porsche not seem like such a bargin.

boba · 02-23-2011, 06:11 AM

Depends, are you looking for a project or a solid driver?

Even with a solid SC you will have opportunities for maintenance/upgrade projects.

rludym · 02-23-2011, 06:21 AM

hi, thx everyone. The rust occurred from battery acid and not salt/weather (AZ car) and tech advised it is the only place it has occurred.

rludym · 02-23-2011, 06:23 AM

sorry...and just looking for weekend getaway car....dont expect to do much project work to it except maybe very small fixes.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

If you're comfortable with repairing it, then get it. But as mentioned above if there is any doubt about other rust in the areas mentioned above, pass on it.

FrinkFrog · FrinkFrog's Garage

Speaking from experience, I was so much better off selling my original "oh boy, look what I found car" (that needed repair) to watching the market (for over a year) and locating a very nice/well cared for/complete records/2 owner car for less than $10k. I'd have to agree with the others here who recommend you look longer.

aston@ultrasw.c · aston@ultrasw.c's Garage

A true arizona car makes a big difference. Folks in other zip codes will be amazed at how little corrosion there is on these cars.

My 86 AZ car has zero rust, I know that sounds impossible but there it is.

Even the rotors won't rust in AZ

quattrorunner · quattrorunner's Garage

Just wait. There are so many others even in your area, maybe not today, but tomorrow. But I like a cheep porsche, and if it's only rust around the battery, offer 6-7 and fix it yourself. Then paint it well and have your 10k porsche.

ghamilton · 02-23-2011, 08:28 AM

Rust sucks! Living in New England ask me how I know. I found my '82 SC in S Carolina, worth it to have it shipped.

Just bought a '92 Land Cruiser from Texas that looks like it's 3 years old! Have done a bunch of work on it and not ONE rusted or frozen bolt; whereas my 11 year old Cruiser has got rust scars all over the undercarriage.

Mechanicals are generally easier to fix than rust IMHO.

rludym · 02-23-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quattrorunner

Just wait. There are so many others even in your area, maybe not today, but tomorrow. But I like a cheep porsche, and if it's only rust around the battery, offer 6-7 and fix it yourself. Then paint it well and have your 10k porsche.

its more than rust just around battery - the rust came from battery overflow but will need new crossmember welded in 1500-2000 to fix properly.....

tcar · 02-23-2011, 03:19 PM

$10.5k would be OK for an AZ car in great condition.

Take off 2500 for the Rust.

Take off at LEAST 1000 for the paint being a different color from original, more if trunk, engine compartment are the old color. Or if the door hinge pins are painted...ha.

Out there, you ought to be able to find an AZ, NM, southern CA car without the issues for 10k or less these days. Even CO and UT cars are generally rust-free.

rludym · 02-24-2011, 05:32 AM

thx - so 7000 seems to be the magic number. PPI also listed flywheel seal leaking slightly, oil line from engine to thermostat leaking slightly but I figure those come with territory of 155K miles??

quattrorunner · quattrorunner's Garage

Leaks are more managable for sure, but the engine has to cone out. So it's not cheap but drivable. Obviously you've seen/drivin it? You like it, and have to have it, just dont pay too much. There are others in better shape. Just keep your eye open. eBay/craigslist/pelican cars for sale etc. They are out there, I just got one with zero rust and 9out of 10 paint/body. Motor is 2.7 but it's going 930 so it's no problem but it has great leak down and compression. Picked it up for 8k because the oil return to tank hose leaks. Passed emissions without a cat, runs great and puts a smile on my face. Get it right for right price an your will do the same.

KNS · 10:00 AM

The area under the battery can be hiding an aweful lot of hurt. On my (otherwise) rust free Socal and AZ car I had some rust under the battery tray from acid spillage. It really didn't look too bad.... I decided to drill an inspection hole to peak through the upper tank support and down inside. What I found made my heart sink. Through the hole I could see what looked like a bunch of rust-colored corn flakes. Uggh! The acid typically can run all the way across to the other side and can affect both foward mounting points of the A arms. On mine it extended about half way across.

So, the battery tray got cut out and a new tray (the driver's side of the upper tank support) got welded in. That was fun.

rludym, do you have your heart set on a Targa? I'm thinking about selling my coupe. Silver with black leather. PM me if your interested.

rludym · 02-24-2011, 12:42 PM

ok - good advice from all Im moving on from this. Just test drove a 1987 cabriolet and like the G50 transmission MUCH more......200K miles but rebuild by a good shop out here at 100K and has all paperwork on maintenance....little rough on the interior - wants 13.5K......whaddya all think?? would be buying from the guy that owns the Porsche shop.....said he would trust putting his daughter in and having her drive cross country without a problem