Carrera market moving up or just optimism?

[rw229]

I have a WTB posted in the classifieds forum for an 84-89 Carrera and while I'm getting some offers for really nice cars, they seem to be a bit high. I know these are asking prices, but are nice <100k mile 915 Carreras now worth mid 20's and G50s pushing 30?

[NewfieMZ3]

No they are not, that's why you have to do your own hunting. Don't expect a good deal just to fall in your lap, WTB ads will always attract sellers who think you are desperate.

[techweenie]

It's true some people will pay a big premium for 70-90K mileage cars. But the offers you are getting sound like they are +35% above the current market.

[wgwollet]

Well these cars not new anymore and of course thousand where made. But most where used and most need work.

So finding good 3.2 liter cars for $20-$30, is very possible, but not as common as you think. Yes the prices could be high but do not be afraid of finding a good car and make a offer, I find people like cash.

[timchar]

I have been watching the prices on the years you mention very closely for the past six months. It took me about 2-3 months to find. There may be a slight upward trend in past 6 months or so. If you were willing to consider buying a slightly higher mileage with possibly a rebuild, you would have more choices. If you are adamant about mileage, just be patient, but know you're going to pay more. Good luck, Tim

[RichHawk]

I just sold my 87 Targa, 125K miles, with 2000 miles on a very thorough rebuilt engine, plus new Bilstein shocks / struts

Sold for$17.5K. I only got nibbles at $20K.

Paint looked nice, but not 100%, Interior worn.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/635040-1987-carrera-targa-911-brand-new-engine-new-suspension-kansas-city.html

[timchar]

I would much rather buy a car like the Targa Richard recently sold. To me a little interior work is nothing when you consider a brand spanking new motor. I paid 16.5 k for an 86 coupe with 178k miles on it. It had a 10k dollar rebuild at 155k miles. Interior and exterior7/10. Fairly new shocks/struts, transmission. Runs very strong, just turned 180k on odometer. To me when you buy a car with say 90k miles on it, you could be looking at some expensive motor work in the near future...jus my 2 cents. Tim

[rw229]

Thanks for confirming. It's been awhile since I've bought/owned a Carrera and wanted to make sure my expectations were not too far off.

I suppose I deserved it for posting a WTB... a lot of guys who weren't seriously looking to sell but figure if they get their number they will. I'm not desperate so I'll continue to monitor the usual venues.

[Christien]

Mine was one of the "bit high" offers. I'm not sure I agree with the wtb=desperate idea. I think it all depends what you're looking for. The 86 I have for sale is a tip top car, which is priced very fairly. Not a bargain, but not overpriced - it's right where it should be. If you want close to perfect, mechanically and cosmetically, it's not cheap.

On the other hand, there's nothing wrong with buying a cheaper car and bringing it up to par. That's what I did with my 72. I paid 11k for it, and the 20k rule most definitely applied. I still haven't addressed the interior yet either, but it's been a fun process. A ton of work, but fun.

I think you need to weigh expectations with budget. If your budget is $15k, either look for a decent SC, or plan on buying a project 3.2. If your budget is 20k, expect a fair condition driver 3.2. 6-7/10 cosmetics and non-rebuilt engine. If you don't want to work on the car or put money in it, expect to pay over 20 for a good 3.2.

I'm really surprised to see a sale price of 17.5 on that targa. I know targas bring the least money, but I would still expect a fresh rebuild on a 3.2 to bring 20 minimum. My favourite colour combo, too

Carrera prices are definitely soft right now, and I don't think they'll rebound at all until at least the spring, when the market in general picks up.

[ldortiz]

I believe that if you comparison shop and do your home work you can find a very, very nice mid 80s Carrera in the 100k + or - mile range at around 17k. I observed that prices were definitely hire during late summer but may have gone down a bit with winter here. I bought an 86 coupe 4 years ago for 16K It had 119 miles on it with a recent valve job. Since then I have driven it about 12k miles and the only problem was a dme relay switch. Put new Bilsteins all around, new tires and brakes, scheduled maintainence and it runs great and cosmeticslly looks great at 10 ft and is about an 8/10 and interior is perfect. It just continues to run like new. The point is that if you take care of these cars and don't abuse them they will last a long time. If you find a carrera with reasonably low mileage and it has already had a top end or tranny work, chances are that the car was abused. There are good ones out there that haven't had major work done.

[Blind Lemon]

First post here, thanks for a great forum.

This is very timely for me. Never owned a Porsche, I know be gentle, but I have always loved the classic 911 styling. I am finally in a place were I can afford one and I am partial to the SC and Carrera. I like a lot you want to get into something I can work on, not adulterate, but maintain and do small reversible upgrades(?). And I want it to hold its value.

I would love to do the hot rod Porsche thing, but although cool and fun its a good way to get upside down in a car. Did the American iron hot rod stuff in my young days before family set in. I experienced the upside down thing.

Mileage seems to be the thing that I get stuck on. I have heard a couple of people say that they would rather buy a 911 that has higher mileage than a garage queen. I can see both sides of that argument.........but not sure who I would side with. Not sure I am educated enough to know better but 100K seems to be the dividing line for me.

Anyway wanted to say "Hi" and thank you.

BL

[Christien]

I think you can go either way. Compression and leakdown are very important to determine the health of the engine. I've heard of excellent #s all the way up to 250k miles. But something that has 2000 miles a year since birth can also be excellent. I'd be wary of something that's only had 100 miles a year since birth, unless it was owned by a museum or something, in which case you'd be paying 6 figures. But the nice thing about a lower mileage car is the interior, paint, stuff like that will all be in nice shape, whereas a 150k mile car, while excellent mechanically, would probably show its age.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by Christien

I think you need to weigh expectations with budget. If your budget is $15k, either look for a decent SC, or plan on buying a project 3.2.

I'm not sure I agree. I bought my '84 coupe about 6 weeks ago. I paid $15k. It's not pristine or especially low-miles, nor is the engine brand-new, but it's not a project either. It's a solid, well maintained, ready to drive coupe. Decent cars at realistic prices are out there, but it might take a bit of time and some travel to find them.

Here's my intro thread to give an idea. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/636192-picking-up-carrera-week.html

[Christien]

Wow, I think you got a pretty smoking deal! Congrats!

[69-912-swt]

Originally Posted by Arne2

I'm not sure I agree. I bought my '84 coupe about 6 weeks ago. I paid $15k. It's not pristine or especially low-miles, nor is the engine brand-new, but it's not a project either. It's a solid, well maintained, ready to drive coupe. Decent cars at realistic prices are out there, but it might take a bit of time and some travel to find them.

Here's my intro thread to give an idea. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/636192-picking-up-carrera-week.html

I got mine for similar money including TAX. It's 1987 Carrera Targa with a G50 trans 7 and 8 x 15" Polished Fuchs

Has less than 100k 75% original paint and clean interior. Has been garage kept it's entire life, all rubber seals in great shape.The only mod is a K&N air filter. It's a two owner car that the dealer had on his lot for almost three years on consignment. The owner of the car had the dealer price the car originally for almost 25k. Ever few months he lowered the price a few $$ but no real takers. The longer it sat the worst it drove, the tires had great tread but were dated from 2002.The last year it was on the road was 2004. I have now driven it over 1,000 miles this month new tires oil change, lowered the ride height with a alignment.

The more I drive it the better it runs, the shifter was stiff and hard to change gears. Now much better running car. These cars are meant to get driven!! The #1 problem is that the AC system blows warm air, but with the windows down and the roof off who needs AC this time if

Here's my introduction page, didn't get many commits on it.
Is it the COLOR...................... looks better in real life, still needs a good polish done

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/639033-another-new-join-club-member.html

[carreraken]

Sold mine here for $15K earlier this year - at the 'firm' asking price, probably could have gotten a little more, but I wanted a quick sale. Engine / gearbox was never opened, except for a recent clutch change. The car was a 2-owner CA car - VERY well maintained with full records since new. Everything worked with no issues - except for an occasional drip of oil.

It seems the 3.2 prices have crept up a little during the year, but seems to have leveled off this winter.

Good luck!

[EA930]

Originally Posted by rw229

I have a WTB posted in the classifieds forum for an 84-89 Carrera and while I'm getting some offers for really nice cars, they seem to be a bit high. I know these are asking prices, but are nice <100k mile 915 Carreras now worth mid 20's and G50s pushing 30?

Here ya go: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/647937-sale-1987-911-carrera-g50-targa.html
Here's another: http://rockford.craigslist.org/cto/2682007406.html

[vwsamba]

Yeah the one above seems more realistic. My friend just got an 85 sunroof coupe, daily driver for $10k. These cars are the best value for money at the moment and prices are only falling.

[bxtech]

Interesting and informative thread! It caught my attention because I am planning to list my 1987 Targa up for sale soon. The price I had in mind of $17.5K seems to be right in the middle of the price range of what's being discussed here. It has 137K miles, G50 trans, 7" and 9" x 16" polished Fuchs with new tires. No accidents, clean title, California car with NO rust.

Overall, I believe this is probably one of the most original and best condition examples that can be found in this price range. I would say the car is an 8 or 9 out of 10. The only non-original items that were added was the Turbo tail, and the Sony stereo with CD changer. This car has been babied, has always been garaged and the interior shows it with no fading of the original carpet and no cracks in the dash. Even the driver's side seat outer bolster is not worn through like most cars of this era. I looked long and hard before I found a car in this condition and that wasn't priced outrageously. I really don't use it much is the reason for sellling.

[bxtech]

I have some pictures of my car uploaded to a photo album:

LINK: 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa