Received a very tempting email. Opinions?

Rot 911 · 05-22-2015, 04:55 AM

Guy I am somewhat acquainted with sent me the following email. Assuming all he writes is correct, and the car actually runs, what would you value the car at? I have yet to look at the car. No doubt it would need at least tires, battery, etc.

"I am getting ready to sell my 1989 911 coupe (black on black w/ whale tail) I haven't driven it for 3 years and it is currently mothballed in my garage. I have had this car since 2001, and have all receipts and records back to original owner purchase in 1989. Will be asking < 20K, wife wants it out of the garage. If any interest, let me know.

Only real issue is that I had a accident back in 2003 causing damage to the left front corner. Repair, cosmetically, looks great, and was done locally at the old Mc Bee's restoration. However, the geometry is off a bit from that wreck. Didn't know this for about a year until I noticed the front tires were cupped. I was told that it needed to be pulled back into place and would cost about 3K to do so...that is one reason I am selling way below market, so this repair can be factored in. Nobody in our area has expertise to do this, needs to go to St Louis, which in hindsight is where I should have taken it for repair in the first place. It drives fine, In fact I drove it for 8 years after the wreck, but it will prematurely cup the front tires until repaired properly. 144xxx miles leak down between 5 and 7 % on all cylinders, runs strong. A/C works, except for hose is blown from evaporator to drier...but I have new hose just never put it on once I quit driving it in 2011. Also I have new half shaft for right rear as boot is torn on the one on the car."

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

Sounds interesting at that price IF it the body can be put back within spec.

The car sounds like a prime candidate for showing up for sale again without the accident history. If it has a salvage title some Euro buyer could flip it here with a clean sheet - would not be the first case.

P.S. not implying that you would do such a flip.

Matt Monson · 05-22-2015, 07:02 AM

I'd consider buying that car. I would take it to the shop you want to fix it and get their assessment. But I would consider it.

Rot 911 · 05-22-2015, 07:11 AM

Thanks guys. I would not buy to flip. Around here straightening on a celette jig would run around $3500. And that's if it really needs it. Might just need a good front end alignment. Figure $3500 for the jig alignment, $2000 for new tires, battery, belts, etc., I would be into the car for $24,500. Still seems like a good deal. Again assuming everything else is as described.

COLB · COLB's Garage

Don't believe that the only thing the A/C needs is a new hose. But that is basically true of 90% of the cars for sale.

It may take some money to make it right, but frankly, I don't think you can go wrong at $20k.

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

Even if you straighten the girl out you still wont get to most of the anal entusiasts like myself - experts like Matt has a lower barrier of tollerance (good guy) so dont rule out a sale to a Porsche nut.

Again if it were to be flipped in EU nobody would be any the wiser - 40k euro car, but felony and EUR/USD are speaking against that option.

Good luck - maybe it is just a keeper.

COLB · COLB's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by christiandk

Again if it were to be flipped in EU nobody would be any the wiser - 40k euro car, but felony and EUR/USD are speaking against that option.

Good luck - maybe it is just a keeper.

He said it had been in a wreck -- he didn't say it had a salvage title.

If he fixes the damage properly, and then sells it on -- in Europe or otherwise -- there is nothing legally or ethically at issue. Particularly if he includes receipts for the repair that explain the history of the car.

Obviously, damage history is going to affect the topline value, but there is plenty of room to work in the price he quoted.

puddy · puddy's Garage

Get on that car or PM me his info

Matt Monson · 05-22-2015, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christiandk

Even if you straighten the girl out you still wont get to most of the anal entusiasts like myself - experts like Matt has a lower barrier of tollerance (good guy) so dont rule out a sale to a Porsche nut.

Again if it were to be flipped in EU nobody would be any the wiser - 40k euro car, but felony and EUR/USD are speaking against that option.

Good luck - maybe it is just a keeper.

He said he's buying it for himself. It's not a flip if he drives it for 5 years before he decides he doesn't want it anymore. He cares about the long term value but not the quick profit after factoring the repair cost. If I didn't know that they teach you all English in school I would let you off the hook for language barrier. Sorry, not such luck. Your reading comprehension sucks or you think everyone is a liar about their motives.

Reddy Kilowatt · 05-22-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

He said he's buying it for himself. It's not a flip if he drives it for 5 years before he decides he doesn't want it anymore. He cares about the long term value but not the quick profit after factoring the repair cost. If I didn't know that they teach you all English in school I would let you off the hook for language barrier. Sorry, not such luck. Your reading comprehension sucks or you think everyone is a liar about their motives.

Do you really need christiandk to keep proving the latter?

SilberUrS6 · 05-22-2015, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Thanks guys. I would not buy to flip. Around here straightening on a celette jig would run around $3500. And that's if it really needs it. Might just need a good front end alignment. Figure $3500 for the jig alignment, $2000 for new tires, battery, belts, etc., I would be into the car for $24,500. Still seems like a good deal. Again assuming everything else is as described.

Add $1500 to that to get the AC fixed properly and permanently. Still, that's $26000 for a $40000 car. I know a guy who is excited about joining the aircooled world, but is balking at the pricing. If you decide to pass on it, I'd love to be able to get my friend into one of these cars.

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

Matt, I never said that Rot the OP poster would do that. But I have no doubt that it would be tempting to others. A lot of the Dutch importers have bought and sold many cars with questionable history.

Rot, post pics when you get them.

Ronnie's.930 · 05-22-2015, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christiandk

. . . anal entusiasts like myself . . .

I knew it!!!

Pitcher or catcher?!?!?

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

Im not picky Ron. I love baseballs - used to play for Copenhagen Nancy Boys.

As for my English, well it has been more that 20 years since I graduated from high school and mostly the teacher made me sit in a corner after I got the spanking i deserved......

Ronnie's.930 · 05-22-2015, 11:15 PM

^^^

Nothing wrong with a good spanking!

Wuz this yer teacher?!?!

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

Yeah, that was him!

Rot 911 · 05-26-2015, 04:40 AM

He sold the car before I even had a chance to go look at it!

COLB · COLB's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rot 911

He sold the car before I even had a chance to go look at it!

This isn't a "sit back and think about it" for four days kind of market.

Especially on a $20k car.

Sorry you lost out. Bummer.

SilberUrS6 · 05-26-2015, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christiandk

Yeah, that was him!

Nice one.

Rot 911 · 05-27-2015, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLB

This isn't a "sit back and think about it" for four days kind of market.
Especially on a $20k car.
Sorry you lost out. Bummer.

In my heart of hearts I was hoping it would sell so I wouldn't have to make a decision. Really don't need another car!