Fix before I sell?

[KCTarga3.2]

I wanted to get some opinions of guys that have bought or sold their porsches lately.

I have an 84 Targa with just under 67,500 miles. Beautiful car, runs great, no leaks, starts up everytime. 3 owner car, paint is beautiful (guards red), targa top looks almost new.

The problem is the 2nd gear synchros are shot. The seats could also use some work as there is a small tear. I have been driving the car with the transmission as is for two years with no problem. Just have to be careful with second gear, especially when driving hard.

So, do I spend the money up front (estimates approx 3k for tranny rebuild) or be upfront with a buyer and take the cost to fix off of the price of the car?

Opinions would be appreciated - thanks

[coldstart]

Sounds like a nice car. I would recommend fixing the seat (depending on the size of the tear) but not the transmission. IMO, you get more return for cosmetic fixes than mechanical fixes. This is based on the regular car buying population.

Plus, a person may choose to live with the tranny as-is or a tech person may fix the transmission themselves for the cost of parts.

[WANNA930]

You are probably being more honest then most. It would probably be listed and only say something to the effect that tranny works fine but is sometimes difficult going into 2nd.

That said I applaud your honesty! I would list as is and simply explain as you did in the ad. A car needing work will sell for less the the going rate minus the repairs as it is seen as a problem. The again you might not see the full rebuild cost back anyway.

I think the opposite about mechanical repairs as they are good home based repair vs that $10k paint bill.

[sm70911]

I would fix the seat and synchro issue. It's a relatively low mile car (someone at Mohr imports described a 90k mile car as "very low" to me yesterday LOL )
The only other problem is It's a 67k mile car so it could possibly mean Valve guides soon (unless they have been done ?) that means some buyers will already low ball you.
My 2c I think the car sounds nice so if you fix these issues you will do much better on the sale

[Tremelune]

I would just sell it as-is for less money. Maybe the buyer rebuilds transmissions. Maybe the buyer wants to know why you just went through the hassle of dropping and rebuilding the transmission without using this or that special part. Same with the seats. Maybe the buyer doesn't care about ripped seats and wants Recaros anyway.

I've called on many cars with "fresh paint" when I would have preferred an example with dull paint for less money. It's just more efficient not to guess what buyers are looking for.

[Matt Monson]

When was the last time you changed your gear oil? What oil is in there? Have you ever replaced the shifter bushings?

Regardless of your answers to the above questions I would fix the seat. At that mileage the buyer will expect pristine. Fixing the seat make you look like a contentious owner.

[sm70911]

[QUOTE ... Maybe the buyer wants to know why you just went through the hassle of dropping and rebuilding the transmission without using this or that special part. Same with the seats. Maybe the buyer doesn't care about ripped seats and wants Recaros anyway.

I've called on many cars with "fresh paint" when I would have preferred an example with dull paint for less money. It's just more efficient not to guess what buyers are looking for.[/QUOTE]

+1 on what Matt Monson said : excellent advice .

What "special part" in the transmission are you talking about ? In my experience as both a buyer and seller you want to have the car with as few 'first look' flaws as possible.The seats should be fixed.
For a few hours work you could drop the tranny and there are places you could get it completely rebuilt for 1k.
Is the paint OG ? Im assuming it is, thats a plus.

Unless you want a really low fire sale, Fixing the car makes it far more sellable to a wider pool of buyers beyond people willing to take on a car that needs work.

[KCTarga3.2]

Guys, all excellent advice. Now you can see why I am going back on forth on this. Its been my experience lately (selling a house) that buyers have the clout right now and expect things to be perfect - even a 28 year old car.

SM70911 - yes the paint is original. Has a few minor chips, but from 5 feet looks great. Nothing you would not expect from an 84. I get compliments on its condition if that means anything.
Matt - shifter bushings replaced, all the non invasive fixes have been done to prolong the life of second gear. I am the one that shredded second gear, so I know that the work needs to be done - unfortunately. I wish I could do the work myself, then it would be a no brainer.

The seat is torn, but if I was to fix it I would probaly have to get them fully recovered because the 80's padding gave way a long time ago.

So here is the million dollar question - how much would you sell it for "as is" or if I put the money into it?

A pic would probably help...

[dbrun911]

I am in the market for a 911. I live in the KC area, 130th and Mission Rd, and may be interested in your car. I'd like to take a look at it if you are serious about selling it.

[Matt Monson]

Fixing 2nd gear is going to cost you about $1200. Properly rebuilding your whole gearbox will be $3000+. If I was a potential buyer I would knock $3k off your asking price for the gearbox work. Fixing 2nd can save you a couple grand on your selling price.

[Tremelune]

If were gonna sell the car, I'd post on Pelican with a massive description and many photos for a price on the upper end of market. If it doesn't sell, lower the price a bit over time or sell it to someone who seems like they're easy to deal with if it's important to you. Exact prices are always pretty wild, so you might as well start high. Maybe it's just what someone is looking for, more likely, a few grand less will put it in a good home on the quick side. Protip: Don't ask for $50k...

If it was a coupe in a drab color I'd probably have sent you a PM already.

[Cajundaddy]

Fix the seat, make sure the car and all fluids are fresh and clean. If I wanted top dollar for a "very special car" I would fix the synchros also knowing I would have to wait for the right buyer. If a quick sale is the goal, lower the price and leave the trans as-is. Often this is two different groups of possible buyers.

[Tremelune]

Mm, I disagree there, too. Fresh fluids are a red flag unless it's time for them to be changed (which would be confirmed by your records--you do have a stack of records, right?). It usually means the seller didn't want the buyer to see the horrendously dirty fluid that was in there for the last few years...

If you present the car honestly, good and bad, everyone will walk away happy.

I'm just one of many kinds of buyers, of course...

[Matt Monson]

I don't think fluids are a red flag. I generally change fluids and put new shoes on any car that I am trying to sell. Goes back to the conscientious (see lovely auto-correct from last night) owner thing I was talking about last night. I don't take it is trying to hide something. I take it as wishing to deliver the car in as best shape possible when selling. I also generally will pay for a $200 detail on the car and any service like plugs and wires and cap and rotor that are less than a few thousand miles away.

[msort81]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

Mm, I disagree there, too. Fresh fluids are a red flag unless it's time for them to be changed (which would be confirmed by your records--you do have a stack of records, right?)...
If you present the car honestly, good and bad, everyone will walk away happy.

I'm just one of many kinds of buyers, of course...

So hows the car search out there in 'Ideal world' ... LOL ?

KC I would expect to get low mid teens about $14k possibly$15 if you wait as is. And probably high teens up to $19k because of miles (depending on history) for the car with the synchro issue resolved and the seat repaired. I just bought a granite green Carrera coupe, some interior needs, but overall in very good condition with original paint, and documented top end for just under 21. I wouldn't say the seller I delt with lives in Tremelune land and presented 'honestly' ... haven't yet met a perfect seller, but car had some records, I had a good PPI at an independent shop I know well, and I took a really good look at the car.
I think the difference is having sold both very good cars and projects over the years. If you dont fix it you have to filter out those who know what the car needs and understand it, vs those who think they are getting a 'great deal'

[KCTarga3.2]

I am in the market for a 911. I live in the KC area, 130th and Mission Rd, and may be interested in your car. I'd like to take a look at it if you are serious about selling it.

Personal Messaged(PM) you

[Matt Monson]

As is sits you can ask $15 and will probably sell around $12-13. Fix it and you can ask $20 and can probably sell it at or really close to that mark.

[DeFreest]

KCTarga3.2, I purchased a 86 Carrera with 88K on it with a completely rebuilt motor with 3K on it for 17,000.00 last year. I just had the trans rebuilt like new for 3800.00 and a clutch kit for another 1K. Leather seat covers are about 500.00 per seat. Thats around 6K that's needs to go into it if you do the seats yourself. So I think your car not really knowing just how good the motor is would sell for 14K easily. 17K would be a hard sell. The person who buys your car may go through it with a fine tooth comb or maybe not. You never know. I have a 87 930 Guards Red so I wouldn’t mind owning yours for the right price for a matched set! Nice car, always liked Targas.

[Photon]

My sense (and it's only a guess, FWIW) is that there is a fair pool of potential buyers who are well-heeled and willing to pay up for a turnkey, needs-nothing, no excuses car and won't bother with a car that needs work. A car that needs work, on the other hand, seems to invite lowballers. Whom would you rather deal with? Also, the market seems to be really strong right now, so by the time you get the tranny fixed and the seat repaired, prices will have gone up another notch in your favor! 😉