Looking to buy a 911 SC - Value opinions?

[mrk_d]

Hey all,

I am in the market for an entry-level 911 SC. I have been looking around and it seems you can do pretty well for about $10k which is roughly what I am looking to spend. I just test-drove a 1981 911SC with 160,XXX on the clock and am wondering what kind of ballpark price the experts think would be appropriate.

Here are a couple pics:












First, cosmetically it is fairly rough. Original white paint, lots of peeling (especially at the rain gutters, the edge of the decklid, and the front bumper), a couple touches of rust here and there. Original Fuchs, but with lots of pitting at the rim. One headlight ring is dented in, the headliner is shot, and the package tray has some damage. The dash is torn and the wheel is starting to tear as well. However, the carpets are nice, the seats are nice, and all the gauges/lights are operational. Has a cheap aftermarket Alpine stereo with speakers added to the doors. The nice thing is that it is very original, and while it has quite a bit of patina, it hasn't been re-painted, etc.

Mechanically it feels pretty good. New shocks, pulls hard, doesn't leak much. Clutch feels solid and the gearbox feels quite good for a 915. A PPI would tell me leakdown/compression numbers and about the head studs, which are all valuable. The only worrisome thing is that the engine hasn't had any major work done, even top end. At this mileage, I would imagine that some work is probably due soon. Floored at high RPM's there is a slight ticking noise (timing chain, or valves???) that concerns me, but it may just be gas or slightly low on oil.

The asking price is admittedly high at $13k, but what would you guys think a realistic selling price would be? I was thinking a really good price (for me) might be in the $8k range, but $9k might be reasonable as well. Or, with all the cosmetic issues and lack of receipts, should I wait for a slightly nicer example more around the seller's asking price? This would be my first 911 so while I am not ready to spend a lot on a concours-ready car, I also want to spend enough to get a solid driver. Thanks for any and all advice!

[techweenie]

Worrisome that paint is lifting. Usually that's from corrosion. And pitting on the wheels if they haven't been chromed? Both signs the car has been kept in salt air. That can cause not only body issues but also electrical issues.

Ticking noise on acceleration could be preignition. If a higher grade of gas makes it go away, you've isolated it.

PPI is important. In your area, Schneider A utohaus is a good resource.

[geshaghi]

Looks like a car that needs a cosmetic refurbishment. Glass out repaint, new headliner, new seals, some interior work. If it doesn't need any body repairs, a reputable shop will still get between $5k-$10k to do this. Excellence Magazine had a recent series of articles entitled "The Cashmere Cliff" or something similar. Long story short, the writer of the series had around $30k-$40k into his SC by the time he was mostly done. This car kind of reminds me of that. Only makes sense if you plan to drive it as is, without making any repairs other than mechanically necessary items.

[mrk_d]

Originally Posted by techweenie

Worrisome that paint is lifting. Usually that's from corrosion. And pitting on the wheels if they haven't been chromed? Both signs the car has been kept in salt air. That can cause not only body issues but also electrical issues.

Ticking noise on acceleration could be preignition. If a higher grade of gas makes it go away, you've isolated it.

PPI is important. In your area, Schneider A utohaus is a good resource.

The car is in a coastal area, hence the corrosion. As far as the wheels, the lips have been chromed and show some fairly heavy corrosion/pitting. You nailed it as far as being in salty air. Thanks for the recommendation I will check out Schneider.

Originally Posted by geshaghi

Looks like a car that needs a cosmetic refurbishment. Glass out repaint, new headliner, new seals, some interior work. If it doesn't need any body repairs, a reputable shop will still get between $5k-$10k to do this. Excellence Magazine had a recent series of articles entitled "The Cashmere Cliff" or something similar. Long story short, the writer of the series had around $30k-$40k into his SC by the time he was mostly done. This car kind of reminds me of that. Only makes sense if you plan to drive it as is, without making any repairs other than mechanically necessary items.

I understand that putting money into this car to bring it to the level of a $15k one would be a losing battle; I would drive it as-is, with the understanding that it would never make sense to actually put money into it to make it nicer. Seems you're better off these days simply buying the better example unless you plan on doing all the work yourself, and you like restoration.

As far as value, anyone have a ballpark figure they think this car is worth?

[G450X]

a few years ago with 160k miles on it. I looked at probably 20 cars, lots of crap out there in the $10k range. I wanted a cosmetically nice car, and this one had a nice repaint (reportedly Glasurit) - zinc with a black interior which looked very nice. The paint still looks great 2 years later. The interior was worn, but presentable. The mechanics were decent, a few drips and some blow-by on de-acceleration, but no major issues yet. The clutch was good, and the 915 shifts good but whines in 4th gear. The suspension is worn out, but I plan on a full rebuild with ER OEM type rubber and new Bilstein HD struts/shocks. Everything "mostly" works - the sunroof is slow, and the cruise control kinda has a mind of it's own....

That is what I consider a good example of a $10k SC, normal for a 30 year old car with 160+k miles.

I added SSI's & and M&K 2 in 1 out, and a Rennshift and I have H4's to instal (and of course a bunch of small things). It's been great fun to drive and has never left me stranded. I have some kind of ignition switch problem that I'll need to address soon (sometimes will just click, no start). I also have a mint e-46 M3 (purchased new, 30k miles) which I love, but there's a rawness to the old air-cooled 911's that is addictive in a strange way. The SC and M3 see almost identical road time.

Sorry to be long winded, but you sound like me two years ago. Be sure you like the color, you don't have to love it - just not hate it! You will probably enjoy driving it so much that it won't matter. Be prepared to "tinker" with little things, and if you are not mechanically inclined I'd learn or be prepared to spend more $$ on upkeep.

Many people stress a PPI, which is fine (and money well spent), but don't forget the cosmetics as well - which can add up quick. Dents/dings, decent paint, interior work, etc., is not cheap.

It's a buyers market out there, this car (like everybody has commented on this thread) sounds a little rough which will only mean $$ down the road. Engine rebuilds are no joke with these cars, budget $8k to $10k at least. I'm trying to collect parts now for a rebuild to defray some of these costs down the road.

I'd suggest maybe trying to seek out a $14k to $16k SC (or Carrera) that either has lower miles and is mechanically sound, or a higher mile one with documented engine/transmission work. I would pay extra and consider a rough example only if it was a color I was nuts over (arrow blue, slate grey non-metallic, etc). I'm dreading the monetary layout of my pending engine build which will instantly put me upside down if I am ever put in the position that I need to sell her.

Decide what colors you really hate and don't even look at cars in those colors to avoid tormenting yourself. Cars that you are really serious about get a PPI (they're not cheap). Looking at local cars is best so you can really look them over, drive them, talk to the owner, and get a feeling for the vehicle. Long distance cars are torture at times! If you find a long distance car that you really think you love, don't forget shipping is expensive, but you may find a local Pelican or PCA member that will check one out for you. I wasted $325 on a long distance 911 Carrera PPI that I felt like I could have avoided if I had seen & driven the car.

All the Best in your quest!

[GregoryF]

I'd suggest maybe trying to seek out a $14k to $16k SC (or Carrera) that either has lower miles and is mechanically sound, or a higher mile one with documented engine/transmission work.

I agree with the above as stated by G450X. You're looking at a fright pig and unless you are looking for an education and restoring a 911, there are better cars out there. Remember, it's the journey not the destination and the hunt is half the fun. Best of luck.

[mrk_d]

Well everyone, thanks for the advice. I just picked up a 1987 Carrera instead. 117k miles, overall good condition and with original paint! Pics/intro to come shortly in the 911 Tech forum.

[WPOZZZ]

You had a PPI done, didn't you?

[mrk_d]

No, but it's been in the family for a long time and I know the history pretty damn well. Always been maintained, I'm sure it will need top end sooner rather than later but the way the deal worked out the price was good enough to make an expensive PPI not worth it.