Looking at two cars - Help

[rgreen50]

Hey guys,

I am new to the 911 world and have learned a lot from this website.

My dad and I have been talking about buying an old Porsche for a while, but have never pulled the trigger. A month ago my dad got sick with what turned out to be an aggressive form of cancer. Given this, I've decided not to wait and to buy a 87/88 911 for us to share.

I was planning to put an offer on a gorgeous 87 targa today, but it was sold out from under me 24 hours after I drove the car, disappointing to say the least!!

I'm looking at 2 cars and want your opinion on price:

1. Black 87 coupe with ~110k miles.
Top end rebuilt about 5 years ago (~$2.5k in parts, $4.5k labor)
Sport Seats
Paint looks to be in very good shape, interior looks good as well
$28k ask



2. Black 87 coupe with 55k miles
3 small cracks in dash
Paint looks great, seller indicates that the rear has been re-sprayed
some rust on the inside of the rear deck but nowhere else on the car (I assume I'd replace the deck)
Some valve noise, seller indicates car may have been time trialed
A/C removed (supports idea the car was raced)
$25k ask

Any help on these cars would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for something that my dad and I can enjoy so the car does not have to be perfect, just want it to run well look good.

Thanks in advance!

[COLB]

Given those two cars (and no pics) and your situation -- I would lean toward the first car.

I assume you are looking for a car to drive now -- and the rebuild is preferable, provided it was done at a reputable shop, and there are records supporting other maintenance as well.

Price for both seem 3-5k high to me, but a lot of that depends on condition and records.

$28k is toward the top for a black car with 110k...even with a rebuild...unless it is pristine (not concourse, though).

Don't know where you live, but if I were buying a black coupe I'd want a functioning A/C -- particularly at that price.

[wgerow]

Based on what you described the 110k mile car would be a car I would consider over the other one. But that is just my opinion.

The fact that the other one might have valve noise, has rust and probably has been raced would turn me off if I was looking for a nice driver to enjoy.

If you are considering spending that kind of money you should have many cars to choose from and could easily widen your search beyond these two examples. Again, just my opinion.

[sm70911]

First car without doubt. The re build saves a lot of worry. Try to look through the re build docs and till priced high though. I don't think the other car sounds like a true low mile car.
I think its priced on the high side and wouLd get a thorough PPI and try to bring the price down on the first car.

[christiandk]

Very sorry to hear about your dads condition - I hope for the best!

From your description I wold not be interested in any of the two.

Include SC´s in your search and search nationally - you can always have a PPI done where the car is and there are "Pelicans" across the country (world actually) who would probably be happy to take a look at a car for you.

Give me a PM if you want me to help you search - I am pretty good at that

[rgreen50]

Thanks for the quick responses guys - sounds like I need to keep looking!

[Six Gun]

Originally Posted by christiandk

Very sorry to hear about your dads condition - I hope for the best!

From your description I wold not be interested in any of the two.

Include SC´s in your search and search nationally - you can always have a PPI done where the car is and there are "Pelicans" across the country (world actually) who would probably be happy to take a look at a car for you.

Give me a PM if you want me to help you search - I am pretty good at that

+1 on Cris's recommendation and especially your Dad.

[rwilner]

For reference -- I picked up an 84 slate blue (one year only color) with 61k that needed very little, and it was local to me (!!), for significantly less than the asking price of the 55k mile car. At $28k, IMO, you should be able to buy a *top tier* driver.

[inthedoghouse]

Are the cars local to you or remote? What part of the country are they in? That plays a factor into ease to pickup and inspect, possible rust, etc. Are they from a dealer or private party? After 2 failed PPIs, I tried to get a friend or someone like a Pelican member to have a look before investing in a PPI. Sometimes the seller pictures and/or description leaves out some details.

[Matt Monson]

Not only am I going to go against the grain and say that neither car is overpriced (not a single g50 Carrera listed in Pano for a couple of months now) but I am going to say whichever one you can close the deal on.

If my dad wasn't long for this world ( and I am very sorry to hear that your dad is sick and may or may not be able to enjoy this car for very long) I would want to move quickly and get something we could share right now today. Future expenses be damned!!! This is the man that gave you life who wants to enjoy a 911. If you later "lose" $5k repairing the car is that really more expensive than the smile on dad's face?

And if you get some wonderful miracle and he is with us for more year's ( may it be many more years!) then restoring the car together will be the sort of bonding experience you will remember and cherish for the rest of YOUR days.

This is one of those rare instances of the " you only live once" cliche having potent relevance. That is my gutt emotional reply. It has nothing to do with fiscal sense. It is all about how much I love my dad and what I would want to do for him.

[Six Gun]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Not only am I going to go against the grain and say that neither car is overpriced (not a single g50 Carrera listed in Pano for a couple of months now) but I am going to say whichever one you can close the deal on.

If my dad wasn't long for this world ( and I am very sorry to hear that your dad is sick and may or may not be able to enjoy this car for very long) I would want to move quickly and get something we could share right now today. Future expenses be damned!!! This is the man that gave you life who wants to enjoy a 911. If you later "lose" $5k repairing the car is that really more expensive than the smile on dad's face?

And if you get some wonderful miracle and he is with us for more year's ( may it be many more years!) then restoring the car together will be the sort of bonding experience you will remember and cherish for the rest of YOUR days.

This is one of those rare instances of the " you only live once" cliche having potent relevance. That is my gutt emotional reply. It has nothing to do with fiscal sense. It is all about how much I love my dad and what I would want to do for him.

Well said Matt, Well said........

[rgreen50]

Thanks for the reply's guys.

One of the AMAZING posters here has been acting as my Sherpa in this uphill battle to find a car. We haven't gotten anything yet but I'll be sure to post pictures when i surprise my dad with the car!

Truly amazing people on this forum

[rgreen50]

As a side note - if anyone is looking to sell a 87-89 in good shape please let me know - I am looking to move quickly and have cash in hand.

Thanks,

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by rgreen50

As a side note - if anyone is looking to sell a 87-89 in good shape please let me know - I am looking to move quickly and have cash in hand.

Thanks,

PM sent.

[johndaroza]

If you like it buy it enjoy it don't worry about the price to much as if you buy a 1980 - 1988 911 there going to go way up in price soon.

Get a well taken car of Porsche from some one you trust and you will love it.

[rgreen50]

We Got One! Silver 1989 coupe!

Thanks again for everyone who offered their advice, and particularly my new Danish friend who exemplifies what it means to be a stand up, great guy.

Pictures / Video of the surprise to come soon - expecting delivery in 7-10 days!

[Diamond911]

Fantastic! Can't wait to see it. Well done.

[CountD]

Originally Posted by rgreen50

We Got One! Silver 1989 coupe!

Thanks again for everyone who offered their advice, and particularly my new Danish friend who exemplifies what it means to be a stand up, great guy.

Pictures / Video of the surprise to come soon - expecting delivery in 7-10 days!

Silver is the best color...and the last year. Special car.