Help in selling Carrera, answering questions

[conrad]

I would like some help in how to answer buyer's questions.
My 84 Carrera is for sale (expectant birth coming), and while I have had other Porsches, my friends and neighbors have bought them from me.

In any case, i now have an 84 with a 1 owner history. I am asking $15900, and with upgrades I will be loosing over $5000. The car is very nice and i have sent many pictures to prospective buyers, showing normal wear int/ext for an 18 year old car. I am very honest about car and explain driving any older Porsche car is quirky. ie shifting, pedal cluster is different, normal interior wear, car is not fast like a Viper but quick............

Although i receive calls/emails, among the first questions i get are:
My friend has a newer Boxer does it drive similarly? NO.

Does cruise control work? NO, and not worth $$ making it work.

I see some chips in paint can you repair them? YES, there are, NO i will not repaint valance and bumper.


I would like someone critique of my add and maybe get some help on how to answer what an older car drives, shifts, looks like.
conradf@cox.net send my add to you, i dont know how to post it here.

Maybe is wont sell and i can keep it.

[cellison]

conrad, please send me your ad to: cellison@kcc.com. I helped a friend sell his 1 owner 88 coupe. w/out seeing your ad, stress the good points, 1 owner, records, garaged, no accidents, etc. if a prospective buyer asks about repairing "stuff", especially paint chips, tell them you don't want to as you want to sell it in orig condition. fix the small items that they can tough/feel. wouldn't worry about the cruise unless it's cheap to fix.
charles
88 cab.

[Todd Simpson]

The net is great for exposing your car to a lot of people, the downside is you'll get a lot of tire kickers. (The internet version of tire kicking is "send me some pics.")

If they are asking how the car compares to a Viper then they are most likely not potential buyers and I'd be tempted to ignore them. Anyone looking for your car already knows about bad AC, floor mounted pedals, all the stuff we love.

I too tend to amplify flaws when selling a used car, probably to a fault. Just remember that few people are going to buy an '84 911 sight unseen. Tell them the good stuff and try to set an appointment-that will let you know who is serious and who just feels like chatting.

Send me the ad-todsimpson@aol.com. Good Luck

[pbs911]

My friend has a newer Boxer does it drive similarly?

Lets see, gas + go; brake + stop; steer = turn. Yea I'd say they drive similarily.

If they are asking how the car compares to a Viper

Using the above, tell them the Carerra drives "similarily" to a Viper.

I see some chips in paint can you repair them?

Yes they can be repaired by a paint shop.

Seriously, my phylosophy is it doesn't hurt to ask to seller if they will make a repair or take the repair into consideration with the price. I would say that the asking price takes into consideration the cost of necessary repairs needed. I am sure this is the case since you evaluated the value of your car.

[carnut169]

Here is his add:
HISTORY

1984 911 Carrera Coupe

VIN: WP0AB0914ES121684, production date 04.16.1984

MSRP new $36,160

Engine number 64E04244

Transmission number 74E04013

Exterior paint color/code A1A1

Interior material color/code Black-partial leather

I am the second owner and purchased this car (04.18.2001 for $15,500) from the original owners who sold it due to a divorce. The original owners are older (55+) who kept car in garage, never raced vehicle (I doubt if RPM went over 5000), and never crashed the car. Although service receipts are limited with their ownership (there are several major repairs on receipt), it is obvious the car was well cared for. The previous owners state a new clutch was installed and the car was repainted approximately 10-15 years ago due to paint chips in valance and hood.

I was looking for a 1984-1989 coupe with lower miles and a strong engine/transmission with limited slip and 16" wheels that I could dependably drive. I have added several worthwhile upgrades.





Factory tail and chin spoiler, have original lid.

H4 headlamps.

New Dunlop Sport, less than 3,000 miles.

Underbody condenser, this is the only 911 that is cool enough to drive in PHX summer.

New brake pads, ss lines, M/C, rotors turned, ATE fluid, and brake cooler ducts.

Updated torsion bars and sway bars, according to Bruce Andersons' Performance Handbook.

Turbo tie rod ends.

Performance exhaust/chip, sounds wonderful, have OEM. Exhaust is European headers with hi flow muffler. If new owner wants OEM exhaust, I will install with him, takes about 2-3 hours. Although, the performance exhaust sounds great, adds to 27 MPG, excellent throttle response, and 20/25 HP. One should drive a OEM 911 to feel difference.

Original tool kit, OEM compressor, spare tire.

Tower brace.

Heater valves.

Late model oil cooler with electric fan, from a 1989 Carrera, this allows much lower oil temps than trombone cooler.

Amsoil By-pass filter kit installed. Click on link for more information http://www.amsoil.com/products/bf.html


There have been many thousands put in the car in the past 1.5 years and the reason I am selling is due to the expectant birth of our second child this February. I would be willing to trade for later model sedan or extra cab pickup. Otherwise, this car is a pleasure to own. I have a full set of 7,8.5x17 wheels from a late model Porsche; buyer prefers them to Fuchs at no extra. I am employed by the airlines so delivery can be arranged at cost.





FACTORY OPTIONS

40% Limited slip

Sport shock absorbers- Bilstein

Sport seats- both sides

Heated windshield with graduated tint

Electric sliding sunroof

16" Fuchs





RECENT SERVICE HISTORY

$$$ DOS

Install underbody a/c condenser 717 7/02

Rebuild speedometer 128 1/02

Rebuild press/temp gauge 155 2/02

Upgrade Torsion bars, sway bars 2111 6/28

Oil cooler, other

Major service 979 5/01

Sunroof cable, other minor 242 9/00

O2 sensor/diagnosis 276 4/00

Throwout bearing, other engine seals 1145 1/99

Loose shifter 52 12/98

Belts, sunroof motor 489 6/98

Steering wheel bearing 70 11/96

Clutch cable 255 10/96

Driver window repair 207 7/94

Exhausts welding install 406 2/02

RECENT PARTS PURCHASED

Brake M/C 115/02

DME relay, O2 sensor, ATE fluid 117 8/02

Voss Tek pedals 156 7/02

Spark wires, cylinder head temp, dist. Cap

Rotor, ss brake lines 341 7/02

Underbody a/c condenser 395 7/02

Filters, bulbs, tanks seals 113 5/02

Performance exhaust 579 2/02

Sending unit, belts 36 2/02

Tower brace 200 2/02

Htr valves, gaskets, hoses, oil cooler vent 411 2/02

Dash display 46 11/01

Washer pump x2, relays 221 10/01

Oil sender psi 58 9/01

Amsoil by pass filter kit 422 8/01

Headlamp switch 125 8/01

16x8 Fuchs, polished 874 8/01

Air compressor OEM 57 7/01

Front air deflector hubs 41 7/01

Shift bushings, gaskets 64 5/01

New DME 2667 9/98

OEM exhaust, oil lines 2074 5/98

Starter 645 3/98

Starter 437 11/93

[JDaniel]

Did I miss something.. how many miles are on the car?

[speeder]

I'm sorry, but that's a wierd ad. WAY too much info that nobody cares about before even seeing the car, and milage not listed??

Ad should say 1984 carrera coupe, miles, colors, many upgrades and service records, very good/excellent/average cond., (whichever applies), and PRICE, firm or negotiable. And I highly recommend negotiable, unless you really want to keep it. I normally don't respond to *firm* price ads, (of course there are exceptions to everything), it indicates a prick seller to a lot of buyers.

Don't know where this ad appeared and if seller has to pay for the text linage, but the word "records" would accomplish the same thing until someone actually looks at the car. Has anyone looked at it? This is the type of car that is available locally almost anywhere, I would expect a local sale and not waste a lot of time w/ distant people and emails, JMO. Dealing w/ clueless callers is a normal part of selling anything, but a good ad will hopefully weed out some and answer important questions beforehand. You do not need to give people the "what is a Porsche" education in ad or over phone, 99.9% of the time buyers of these cars already know. Just politely tell them that it is a sports car, maybe they should research it a little?

I've owned over 100 cars, had to buy and sell every one of them, (except the 4 that I still have), so do what you want, but that's my advice. Good luck.

[yelcab1]

I think you are not going to get any of that money back for the upgrades as they do not mean much to people who buy used cars. Also, the market is very soft right now for any Porsche. An 84 is the least desirable of the 84-89 Carrera series. I think you will end up selling it for much less than your asking price.

There is a price, you will have to lower yours to find it.

[JDaniel]

Do you think $15,900 is too much for that car (assuming the mileage is around 75k)? Perhaps I'm out of the loop, but an '84 with some mods, and good records, should bring at least that much... right?

[nostatic]

depends on miles, condition, and what else is around. Unless it is a unique car that is exactly what someone is looking for (odd color, etc), then there is usually another one around for comparison. If you want to sell it fast, then $15.9K is probably too high. If you want to wait around for the right buyer, then you might get it (again, depending on miles and condition).

[Lothar]

Conrad,

I'm sure it is a wonderful example of the Carrera. The reality is that the current market sucks. Is there any way you can wait until Spring or later. There is very little discretionary money sitting around and that's what makes the market. Can you imagine saying, "I'll just liquidate some stocks or mutual funds and buy a car" right now.

I sold my 89 Carrera early this year and the market sucked then. It's even worse now. If you have to sell now, be prepared to take your lumps. Sorry.

[47silver]

dont sell it, you must really like it a lot in order to have put so much work into it, i know you may think that it is the most prudent thing to do, but in 25 years that car is going to be worth 45000 (i think 5% a year easy on average) which is more than most current cd's, keep it and drive it then sell it to finance the new arrivals education and plus they will like driving it. i had a 58 mercedes 220s that was sold for about 100 in 1974, check them out now. that 15k will not make you wealthy.

gar

[fig911]

I agree that this ad lists way too much info. Someone once told me that an ad should be like a women’s skirt. Long enough to cover the important things but short enough to keep peoples interest. Don't forget, you want people calling you. That is how you emphasize how enthusiastic you are about your car. They should be able to tell from talking to you how important this car was/is to you and how well it has been cared for. This can add as much value to the buyer as upgrades etc...

This is something almost no dealer car provide to a buyer.

Good luck.

[Stuttgart951]

Conrad, you have a PM.

I think what you are finding is a whole lot of tire kickers. A serious buyer would be asking about turbo tie rods and service history, not cruise control.

The market right now is terrible (or wonderful if youre a buyer), but at first glace, if a PPI checks out, I dont think you will have ANY problem selling your car for $15K - based on the prices and condition of the cars I see here on the East Coast, $15K for a well cared for 84 is an absolute steel.

[kristian85]

Assuming the car doesn't have .3 billion miles on it, and no major flaws you're not mentioning, then I'm *shocked* you haven't sold it yet. It sounds like a hell of a car with many of the right updates for *cheap*. $15K is SC territory here in the NW. Can't touch a nice Carrera around here for less than $20K.

And, skip all the detail--makes it look like 911's are Über unreliable. Just mention records, and discuss in person. Also, see if you have any high-end special interest car dealers in your area who would be willing to consign it.

Finally, if your car really is nice, i.e lowish miles and good paint/interior, then contact our local such shop: www.parkplaceltd.com They just may be interested in a nice 911-they specialize in them.

[JDaniel]

Ah ha! 105k miles... I guess that answers that question.

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=116619620&dealer_id=&make=POR &distance=any&max_price=18000&model=&advcd_on=n&en d_year=1984&min_price=&certified=n&addre ss=19446&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=19 84&color=&car_year=1984]1984 911 3.2



Interesting how members from different areas either think $15,900 is too much, or right on the ball. It seems to be a good price from my area of the country (although bad timing). I guess I shouldn't try to sell my car in the LA area

[nostatic]

Originally posted by JDaniel
105k miles...I guess I shouldn't try to sell my car in the LA area

Bingo. In SoCal, cars like this are pretty common...and as such don't command high prices. Once you get over 100K miles, you really have to find the right buyer if you want to get top dollar.

[MIK911]

Conrad,
I was one of these potential buys of YOUR car a couple months ago, representing a friend of mine looking for a Carrera.

Things that turned us off:
1)Pictures were NOT complimentary. Wash/Wax it, and take a good picture, w/ light reflecting off paint, so it looks clean. Your pic in front of garage made it look blah. Buckets, mops,etc in background gave impression that it was 'just another pic of item for sale'. Take a nice pic w/ decent background showing your devotion to your 'baby'.
2)Pics of front end/brake job showed paint flaws,(and dirty paint at that). Also, pic of some 'guy' working on brakes in home garage does not provoke confidence. (you may be an excellent mechanic, but as a buyer, i'd rather assume the work was done by a qualified Porsche machanic).
3)You overstressed your MODS. I don't care/need a bunch of stuff you did(oil coolers,etc), cuz i don't live in 110degree Arizona. I know the importance of oil cooling in 911's, and cooler is always better, but it's not a must for most buyers.
4)Too many mods. Not only should you expect a 'wash' from all the $$ you spent, but most buyers incl me, would rather do whatever mods we want, not buy a car already with chip/exhaust, etc. A stock car will sell quicker and appeal to a wider audience than a modified one. Change some stuff back to stock (esp easy stuff like chip/exhaust).

btw, my buddy found another 911 here in L.A., and is negotiating a sale now.

Mike
here's a pic of my car

[conrad]

I deleted much information, pictures, and took better pictures per suggestions.

by removing the exhaust/chip and installing the original lid i can offer car for 14900.

thanks again.

[salo65]

I ended up buying this car back in February of 2012 and completely restored it. I live in Las Vegas and surely appreciate all the cooling mod that Conrad made! I bought it from a Porsche tech who rebuilt transmission and did a top end rebuild on the engine. I drive it much and enjoy it tremendously!! she has won three PCA concourse and is even a TV star. Her name is Helg and she is now Mexico Blue!