I completely agree with that (I guess this means the apocalypse is nigh?)

I was trying to focus on the details, and didn't go for the bigger picture.

Hmmm, you are under 25? I now see why you are so concerned with the price.

The cars are a little more different than just both modified. Even though I liked the convertible, it was a LOT more of a question mark. The mileage issue and the targa to vert conversion put it in no mans land for many people. This car on the other hand, has a big engine. (most of the other things listed in the ad are just maintenance items) Something that is surely a hot rod, and a mod that many people would do to their own cars given the chance, even if they pickle their original motor and put it under the bench for future "investment" purposes. The cabrio could never go back stock, this car could, albeit without a matching number engine.

Thinking about future value is great, but actually MAKING money on any car is a crapshoot. Just maintenance can be substantial. Another way to think of what it take to keep a 911 running, dollar wise, is to remember that this 911 was an approximately $30k new car. Given inflation, that is roughly equivalent to $87k now. It is not going to have $30k car maintenance, it is going to $87k car maintenance - plus 35 years wear and tear. Think about those numbers for a moment and try to explain how paying $30k for a 911 in 1980 vs investing most of the money and buying a used driver equates to "investing". The stock market has gone up over 20 fold since a 1980 SC was new, the car is worth 1/3rd what is sold for. It's clear that you should buy a car that you need and enjoy, not as an investment.

This car has a decent asking price, it will sell near it.

How goes the purchase ?

After all that about the running costs, if you are a decent wrench and have the time, you can save a lot on the maintenance by doing it yourself. With 30k to spend, I would budget some for repair. Perhaps, a 'decent' SC in the low twenties is a better choice. Find one, improve it and you might just be able to sell it for more in 2 years or you may just decide to keep it !

I guess that's why "decent" is in single quotes. It's hard to find a decent SC in the low twenties these days. Anything in the low twenties is either going to be one of those cars you hear about through the grapevine, or is going to have some challenges. A guy that can swing a wrench might be able to address a car that has some mechanical challenges...

Or high miles. I think the ones too many people dismiss are the 150-200k mi cars that have had a lot of service over the years. If the head studs are done and the 915 gone through thoroughly at least once that car, with faded paint and crushed seat bolsters, can give many more years of service at a $20k price of entry.

Faded paint and seats that need re-doing are a an $8k fix, at a minimum. High miles, but with all the appropriate receipts won't scare away a knowledgeable buyer, and may in fact attract those who want a good car without having to pay the collector-car premium. SCs are going to start getting into the area of "miles don't matter much". Well, not that they ever really did - those folks who know stuff have ALWAYS preached the three Cs: Condition, Condition, Condition.

$8k if you fix them. Get a $1k Sparco drivers seat and just drive the thing. Too many waxers buying these cars now.

Wax is for Ronnie's back hair.

*ball