Price check on an 86 3.2 Carrera (lots of pictures)

[rockyraccoon]

I'm seriously considering this 1986 Meteor Metalic Grey 3.2 Carrera with 96,000 miles. I'm scheduling a PPI this week. The seller is the third owner, has the original sticker, and service records dating back to day 1. No major work has been done on the engine.

The current owner has had it for the last 10 years, always keeps it garaged, and never drives it during the winter. They only put about 1,000 miles a year on it. The owner before them was supposedly an aerospace engineer.

They are asking $23,500.

To me the price seems very fair but my only concern is that the car is nearing 100,000 miles and hasn't had any work other than scheduled maintenance. I don't want to buy the car at this price only to have to put another 5-7k into it.

Also, I'm not buying the car as an investment but if I decide to sell in 5 years at 115,000-120,000 miles, I'd like to get back close to what I put into it.

Album here.

[89PS911]

If the PPI is good that would seem like a good deal these days. In my view, a highly desirable color combination on a car with nice cosmetics based on the pictures. If the mechanicals are strong and the cosmetics are up to the pictures, I think that price is reasonable. Nice find!

[89PS911]

Forgot to say if the PPI is good (compression, dry motor, no major suspension, brake, transmission, or other work needed), 96,000 miles is no problem on these cars. The 3.2 motor is very strong. Just be sure the clutch and transmission are in good shape.

[sm70911]

It still has the CAT on it which can hide a lot. Does the owner have any idea of Oil consumption ?

[Ferrariguyma]

Great looking car.

[techweenie]

Plenty of 3.2 Carreras go a couple hundred thousand miles, and some do so without needing valve jobs (though you should anticipate needing one by at least 120K miles).

[r-mm]

Good lord that color shows off the body better than any other I have seen. You can also probably get away with washing it bi-yearly. I would try to negotiate, because its in my blood to do so, but think the price is certainly fair. Not well bought, not well sold, just fair in my opinion. Would edge in your favor at that price if it were a G50.

[timchar]

If ppi checks out, I think its a very fair price...Tim

[sm70911]

I have the same color and body style. I bought the car with less miles and for what compared to prices now seems inexpensive. Two years and 10k miles later I had to do my top end inspite of having had a PPI at a reputable shop. Car had great leak down #'s but PPI can't tell you oil consumption, and the CAT can hide valve guide wear symptoms.
That said I would not change anything about the three years I have owned the car. Its been great. The valve guide issue meant I could re build my motor to the way I wanted it. Will i be out a few thousand $ when it comes time to sell the car ? of course, but the trips I've done it it, The Vermont run, the Tail of the Dragon, NEMM, and countless other runs C&C's, meets and more importantly the friendships, I've made and sense of camaraderie that comes with this hobby have been worth every cent.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by sm70911

I have the same color and body style. I bought the car with less miles and for what compared to prices now seems inexpensive. Two years and 10k miles later I had to do my top end inspite of having had a PPI at a reputable shop. Car had great leak down #'s but PPI can't tell you oil consumption, and the CAT can hide valve guide wear symptoms.
That said I would not change anything about the three years I have owned the car. Its been great. The valve guide issue meant I could re build my motor to the way I wanted it. Will i be out a few thousand $ when it comes time to sell the car ? of course, but the trips I've done it it, The Vermont run, the Tail of the Dragon, NEMM, and countless other runs C&C's, meets and more importantly the friendships, I've made and sense of camaraderie that comes with this hobby have been worth every cent.

+1

That is a great choice on wheel finish and I like the way the headlamp trim mirrors the wheel brightwork. Excellent work.

Of course, you *did* buy the only correct color.