How can I determine what to ask for my Carrera?

[markmalin]

Sounds like a stupid question... but I'm considering selling and am not sure where to start. It's an 85 Carrera, 126k miles, excellent body, interior great with minor aging in the leather. It is a solid car - I'd drive it cross country in a heartbeat. I have a log of everything I've done to it in the time I've had it. Previous owner was equally as anal. Here are some stats (recent mods, etc.):

- runs strong and drives/handles great
- no oil leaks
- no engine issues whatsoever (good healthy headbolts
- 915 trans works well, maybe a tad notchy but nothing abnormal
- original color with professional respray at some point
- wevo shifter upgrade (have the original)
- wevo coupler upgrade
- Momo wheel (have the original)
- chip (have the original)
- new tires
- new tie rod ends
- just adjusted the valves and did a full tune up (plugs/cap/rotor)
- recent new CV joints and rear bearings
(... I guess that's some general stuff. Basically it's been maintained... I could go on and on...)

The PO had done a heat-delete and A/C delete for weight. I've reinstalled the heating and it functions perfectly. Have all the A/C parts but have not installed them yet.

So in general, where do I start? Just looking for some input, I guess. Thoughts??

[SilberUrS6]

It's a good color, so that adds.

The AC business is a plus for some, a minus for others. Call it a wash on car valuation, but having all the bits is good. The lack or presense of working AC might change the size/scope of your target market. Personally, I'd put it all back on and get it working so you can ask a higher price for a complete, functional car. Mileage is good.

Without strict knowledge of what is causing your 915 notchiness, we could say that there is the beginnings of synchro issues. So, that's a minus. And without knowledge of the oil use, it's hard to guess what the top-end rebuild timeframe is.

If the interior shows well, I think you have a solid $20-24k car *if* the trans is not having synchro issues. If it is, then subtract $3k from whatever the base price ends up being. If you have all the records - that's good, helps to set a higher baseline. If you have few or no records, then minus $2k or so. Proof of regular, routine maintenance is essential. Also, documentation of oil consumption would be good. If oil consumption is high, subtract $5k or so for the top-end rebuild.

If I were buying, AND:

The pro paint job looked good from any range
The AC were functional
The 915 issues were merely adjustment and not synchro issues
The oil consumption/compression/leakdown number were known and good
The interior presented well with no real rips, tears or holes, no saggy headliner or puffy sun visors, and
Everything worked properly (electrics),

I would call this a $25k car, easy. Quick sale @$22k. Fire sale @$19k.

Subtract as necessary for flaws.

[christiandk]

I would start at 22-25k if you have the original manual and servicebooklet.

Christian

[markmalin]

Thanks, guys. SilberUrS6, that was immensely helpful.

For the record, I don't think the synchro's are really an issue. It goes in and out of the gears fine. 3rd you can kind of feel a little notchyness. 1st is best to be at a complete stop or barely rolling. So perhaps I would subtract a bit for that. It has Kendall in it now - used to have Swepco and frankly I think it shifted smoother with that, but I may just need to re-adjust the Wevo and that might help. (Typical 911 guy...I'm always over analyzing the feel of everything)

Oil consumption is about 1 Quart/1000 mi. No smoke on hard accelerations.

Anyhow, thanks guys. This is really helpful.

Mark.

[76_rookie]

Fire sale 14-16k. Will need to change the synchro.

[rw229]

Beautiful car and good luck with your sale.

If I were buying (and this is just IMHO and my preferences, in random order)...

- I love the color and I think it's huge plus for someone looking for an 80's Carrera that's not red. While not rare, uncommon colors definitely add value to certain buyers.
- The light colored interior is a minus for some as it just doesn't wear as well as black. (but I like it)
- I would probably pass because of the respray. (if there is any over-spray, one sanding mark, fish eye or run, it would bother me forever) There is nothing wrong with honest "patina" on a 27 year old car.
- Mileage is not an issue with documentation of proper care.
- Up to date maintenance is a plus, it shows care of ownership... even though as a new owner I would probably go through everything again. (because I'm weird that way)
- I would rather have a car that never had A/C or the original non-functional in tact. (unless fully upgraded they're all pretty much non-functional)
- Wevo and other upgrades are nice to haves.
- 1984/1985 are probably my least favorite years as they have the earlier high seats rails (I'm 6' 2") and the smaller sway bars.
- 915's are not that smooth compared to a more modern gearbox, but I like them... as long as the clutch and gears engage smoothy, no grinding or pop-outs. The 915 vs. G50 argument is a non issue.
-Did I say I love the color?

This was probably way more information than you wanted, but just sharing my opinions which definitely don't apply to everyone.

Price? 18-26k depending on your patience and need to sell.

[sm70911]

Nice color, and the car looks like it presents well. As a buyer I would ask have you or the PO done top end to address the potential valve guides issue common on the 3.2
I know its probably not what you want to hear but Id venture if you have to come to a complete stop (less than 10mph) to put the car in first and third is notchy I'd think the syncros are going.
You can obviously DIY so even though it's a hassle I'd fix the transmission.
Sorry to be less positive but realistically with the miles on the car I think you will get about 20k +/- 1k with tranny sorted.

[KNS]

Gorgeous car (and color - it is a plus). Sorry to see you're considering selling. Are you thinking of a different 911 to replace?

[markmalin]

Originally Posted by KNS

Gorgeous car (and color - it is a plus). Sorry to see you're considering selling. Are you thinking of a different 911 to replace?

Hi Kurt,

Just thinking of going down to 1 car again to simplify life a little. I've had a 2nd "hobby car" for the past 10 years. My original intent was to just drive the wheels of the 911, but time and money spent in the garage, and paying insurance on 3 vehicles these days and needing to pick up a 4th for our son makes me reconsider. Also the thought of selling the 911, paying off my wife's SUV and being debt free has its appeal.

Certainly I'm in no hurry and may reconsider, but I thought if I get an idea of what the going rate is maybe I would just post it FS on the board and if it sells, great...if it doesn't, then I have a sweet 911 in the garage. Kind of win win

Mark.

[KNS]

Mark,

The reasons you state certainly make sense and would simplify things. But... In a few years you'll want another 911 and finding one like that will be very difficult (and expensive). Perhaps there is someway you could still hang on to it - store it out of sight and out of mind for a few years.

[914agogo]

[QUOTE=76_rookie;7290491 Will need to change the synchro.[/QUOTE]

maybe!
new bushings, proper re-adjustments of shifter and clutch may be all that it needs.

[Tremelune]

Prices for these cars are all over the place, but you're not receiving bad advice. It's a balance between how quickly you want to sell and how much money you want in the end. Some buyers enjoy rebuilding transmissions and appreciate the discount on a notchy gearbox. Some buyers won't even consider a repaint. Some don't care about the condition of the cosmetics whatsoever. Others already have an engine swap in mind. Color means nothing. There's probably a buyer somewhere who has been looking for this exact color for years and will pay a premium for it. For many it will be a quick deal breaker. Same goes for interiors and everything in between.

If I were you, I'd start high, shy of $30k, and lower the price over time depending on what the market brings you. You may find a buyer who is great to work with that settles on a lower price you're both happy with. Most buyers (even local buyers) will want a PPI, which involves dropping the car off and leaving it for a day or two at a shop that may not be the closest available.

I'm looking to purchase one of these (like, actively, every day, for weeks) and I've spoken with all kinds. The attention you will receive for the car will surprise you, regardless of price. Most of it will be from brokers, dealers, and flippers who insist you'll never get more than $15k, but some of it will be from active, serious buyers with cash in hand. We're out there and we know what we're looking for, but perhaps we're a rare breed these days.

The sheer volume may convince you of a certain truth: Your teenage children will kill you if they find out you had one and sold it. The #1 problem I've faced in finding the car that I want is that the sellers have backed out after I agreed to buy the car. I can't say I blame them, but be sure of your conviction and price point before you list. It has been an interesting search, to say the least.

[markmalin]

Thanks for the input. Yes, I know...I'll kick myself some day. Actually my kids are all beyond teenage, so maybe it's when my grandkids become teenagers

I may just post the car and see what interest there is, but keep it if nothing serious comes along. Still stewing. I don't know what you're looking for, but if it's an 85 Carrera drop me a line and we can talk more.

Originally Posted by Tremelune

Prices for these cars are all over the place, but you're not receiving bad advice. It's a balance between how quickly you want to sell and how much money you want in the end. Some buyers enjoy rebuilding transmissions and appreciate the discount on a notchy gearbox. Some buyers won't even consider a repaint. Some don't care about the condition of the cosmetics whatsoever. Others already have an engine swap in mind. Color means nothing. There's probably a buyer somewhere who has been looking for this exact color for years and will pay a premium for it. For many it will be a quick deal breaker. Same goes for interiors and everything in between.

If I were you, I'd start high, shy of $30k, and lower the price over time depending on what the market brings you. You may find a buyer who is great to work with that settles on a lower price you're both happy with. Most buyers (even local buyers) will want a PPI, which involves dropping the car off and leaving it for a day or two at a shop that may not be the closest available.

I'm looking to purchase one of these (like, actively, every day, for weeks) and I've spoken with all kinds. The attention you will receive for the car will surprise you, regardless of price. Most of it will be from brokers, dealers, and flippers who insist you'll never get more than $15k, but some of it will be from active, serious buyers with cash in hand. We're out there and we know what we're looking for, but perhaps we're a rare breed these days.

The sheer volume may convince you of a certain truth: Your teenage children will kill you if they find out you had one and sold it. The #1 problem I've faced in finding the car that I want is that the sellers have backed out after I agreed to buy the car. I can't say I blame them, but be sure of your conviction and price point before you list. It has been an interesting search, to say the least.

[markmalin]

Originally Posted by 914agogo

maybe!
new bushings, proper re-adjustments of shifter and clutch may be all that it needs.

The Wevo shifter is more complicated to adjust than the stock one, from what I gather. I need to fiddle with it a bit and see if that helps. It's really not that bad...I'm used to driving my BMW which shifts like a modern car. 3 Pelicans have driven my 911 and nobody seemed to think it was an issue. I'm just kind of obsessive I guess.

[Tremelune]

Originally Posted by markmalin

I don't know what you're looking for, but if it's an 85 Carrera drop me a line and we can talk more.

Ha, believe me, I'd have already sent you a message. You'll probably get some from this thread before you post. I'm still waiting for a check to clear, but I think I'm all set.

[markmalin]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

Ha, believe me, I'd have already sent you a message. You'll probably get some from this thread before you post. I'm still waiting for a check to clear, but I think I'm all set.

lol. So does this mean you've bought something?! That's great! Hope it all works out.

[Tremelune]

Fingers crossed...It has been a colorful search. I don't want to declare anything until I have the car and title safe and sound in my possession.

[Josh D]

FWIW, I've driven Mark's car and it really is a good one. The tranny issues that have been mentioned are really overstated. I thought the car shifted great! I really appreciated the feel with the WEVO upgrades. As everyone knows (or should know), the 915 isn't a quick shift. Adding short shift components makes it all that much easier to beat the synchros. I didn't have that problem driving Mark's car as I was shifting normally and not seeing what I could get away with.

I've also driven behind Mark's car on a spirited, twisty drive and I can say with complete confidence that there was no smoke on the overrun indicating a valve guide issue. None.

Also FWIW, I'm not trying to help Mark sell his car. I'm hoping he keeps it!!

[Palum6o]

Hi Mark, for what it's worth, I had an '86 Iris Blue coupe with a navy blue interior, tasteful upgrades, and was in very good mechanical condition. 140,500 miles, had a rebuilt trans and new clutch at 120k, and a top end at ~90k. I listed it for $23,500 here on Pelican and sold in in 24 hours. I had approx. 15 interested parties within the first 12 hours, all were very interested in the color and have been on the search for this particular color. The buyer was on the hunt for 2 years and was overjoyed with my car. I also live in San Francisco (now) and that may have helped a little.

Side note, the buyer was wearing a Magnus Walker Urban Outlaw baseball cap.

[markmalin]

Originally Posted by Palum6o

Hi Mark, for what it's worth, I had an '86 Iris Blue coupe with a navy blue interior, tasteful upgrades, and was in very good mechanical condition. 140,500 miles, had a rebuilt trans and new clutch at 120k, and a top end at ~90k. I listed it for $23,500 here on Pelican and sold in in 24 hours. I had approx. 15 interested parties within the first 12 hours, all were very interested in the color and have been on the search for this particular color. The buyer was on the hunt for 2 years and was overjoyed with my car. I also live in San Francisco (now) and that may have helped a little.

Side note, the buyer was wearing a Magnus Walker Urban Outlaw baseball cap.

Holy cow, that's a fast sale!
...was it Magnus himself?