924S SE for $18k

[omnivore]

Gentlemen-
I nearly bought this car but we couldn't quite put a deal together. Did I dodge a bullit or miss an opportunity?

This car was on BAT with a mixed response.

http://www.catsexotics.com/web/used/Porsche-924-S-1988-Lynnwood-Washington/1385905/

[thepenguin99]

Did you want to put it in a climate controlled garage and look at it for another 10 years or so? That low mileage is more of a hindrance than a selling point considering the cars age imo. Rare also doesn't mean desirable. I don't see the appeal of this over a 944s2, 951, or 968 if you want something to drive. You can get a really nice example of any of those cars for similar money. Maybe a Silver Rose 951S if you want somewhat rare and desirable?

[omnivore]

Yes a car to buy, hold and exercise on occasion. I'm thinking of how early 911 SWBs were shunned and now look at em. The first gen of a given design is the most faithful to the designer's vision. Outright performance isn't the point here, more like crystal ball speculation for future value.

[McLovin]

If its pure speculation your after, there's many other cars that you'd do much better on than an 87/88 924 for $18K.

[X JBM X]

Personal opinion - yuck - you definitely dodged a bullet.

I agree with McLovin - if it's speculation regarding the potential to make money, you'd be much better off putting your cash into the market, or some other type of "vehicle".

1) Cars are typically regarded as assets, but push come to shove, more often than not they are expenses.

2) My opinion on 924s is not only are they ugly, but very undesirable, regardless of rarity.

3) If it truly is a car you want - a Porsche in particular - for the same $20k, buy yourself a 911sc or something of the like to drive and enjoy, and you'll likely sell sometime down the road for similar money, and much more enjoyment.

[Bristol]

Originally Posted by McLovin

If its pure speculation your after, there's many other cars that you'd do much better on than an 87/88 924 for $18K.

Agreed! The early 911 also has a timeless, classic style to it. The 924 on the other hand has a very much dated style. I think you have a lot better options out there for investment AND enjoyment.

Kirk

[dienstuhr]

Whoa - dodged a bullet for sure!

99.9% of the time a car is a bad investment, if all you're looking for is RoI at the end of the day.

[dougdadmac]

Just bought an 88 SE for 3900. 67K miles. Still might not be a good deal but happy. Actually price was $3910. And I just received original material from werk924.com to fix up the interior.

[ficke]

Usually if a car was not very popular new it will not be popular used.
Early 911's were popular and very desirable new and have become so again used.
924's of any elk were never that popular.
And buying a car because you think it will someday become desirable to others is not a good car buying strategy , buying a car because YOU find it desirable is a good justification to buy a car and later on if others agree and the price goes up, great, if not you still have a car you like.

[thamlin000]

Nice car but the price is way too high. The aftermarket light bar and mud flaps are not things to put on an investment grade car.

The 944 and 924S were highly regarded cars for their time. Good ones are still great cars to drive. Not many good ones left unfortunately.

These cars will follow behind the 914 on the slow appreciation curve. It will be a while before it happens, but it will happen. In the meantime, it's nice that there are still vintage Porsches out there selling for reasonable prices.

[brisboats]

+1 to above. Magnus is buying. 87/88 924s.
They have the early dash and the later 944 power pretty cool combo. If it appeals to you be patient , they are out there.
Faster than a 944 n/a if the same vintage too.
May take awhile but 944's will be the next uptick in my opinion.
B

[dsfnctn]

I also have one of those cars. I just love that silly thing. This is a 911 forum but I have burned through a 68 911, 993C2S, and just latey the Carrera Clubsport with the 3.8, and deserve an opinion.
The handling on these cars is second to none. The thing is so fun . It is a true Porsche and when you compare it to an 88 944 with the huge wire bundle , 993 style heating control, etc.
the thing is so simple with its manual windows and simplicity. Yet has the latest upgraded engine and also has a short 5th gear ratio. MO30 suspension (Coil overs with adjustable spring perches from the factory . What 88 911 came with that ?)
That car for $18K in my opinion rules.

[dsfnctn]

924 SE Clubsport

[Matt Monson]

They are great fun to drive, but not $18k worth of driving pleasure, even for an SE.

[brisboats]

I disagree with that rubbish.But of course if Solomon says it is so well it must be.
B

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by thamlin000

Nice car but the price is way too high. The aftermarket light bar and mud flaps are not things to put on an investment grade car.

The 944 and 924S were highly regarded cars for their time. Good ones are still great cars to drive. Not many good ones left unfortunately.

These cars will follow behind the 914 on the slow appreciation curve. It will be a while before it happens, but it will happen. In the meantime, it's nice that there are still vintage Porsches out there selling for reasonable prices.

Mud flaps where actually an option was part of the SE package.

Did you want to put it in a climate controlled garage and look at it for another 10 years or so? That low mileage is more of a hindrance than a selling point considering the cars age imo. Rare also doesn't mean desirable. I don't see the appeal of this over a 944s2, 951, or 968 if you want something to drive. You can get a really nice example of any of those cars for similar money. Maybe a Silver Rose 951S if you want somewhat rare and desirable?

Correct, if you want a fun driver, no reason to buy a premium priced low mileage car unless you are going to part it, find one you can have fun with.
I'll let this go for $25K if you want rare.

I also have one of those cars. I just love that silly thing. This is a 911 forum but I have burned through a 68 911, 993C2S, and just latey the Carrera Clubsport with the 3.8, and deserve an opinion.
The handling on these cars is second to none. The thing is so fun . It is a true Porsche and when you compare it to an 88 944 with the huge wire bundle , 993 style heating control, etc.
the thing is so simple with its manual windows and simplicity. Yet has the latest upgraded engine and also has a short 5th gear ratio. MO30 suspension (Coil overs with adjustable spring perches from the factory . What 88 911 came with that ?)
That car for $18K in my opinion rules.

Very true, 924Ss are a blast, cheap fun that really handle. As I'm sure you know, Porsche put short 5th gear in to keep the top speed lower than the 944
I have an 87, that is getting a few mods, will be fun when finished, and sure to piss a few people off

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Very true, 924Ss are a blast, cheap fun that really handle. As I'm sure you know, Porsche put short 5th gear in to keep the top speed lower than the 944
I have an 87, that is getting a few mods, will be fun when finished, and sure to piss a few people off

And the irony is that all the 944 Spec guys prefer the 924S 5th because it offers better acceleration. There's not a track in the country with a long enough straight to redline that gear. Top speed is nothing but a magazine editor's number.

I think your Turbo S worth every cent of $25k

[thamlin000]

Byron-
Thanks for the correction on the mud flaps. I had no idea that this was an option.

Good luck on that 951 S. Looks like its in top condition. Probably the best color on the pie chart too.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by thamlin000

Byron-
Thanks for the correction on the mud flaps. I had no idea that this was an option.

Good luck on that 951 S. Looks like its in top condition. Probably the best color on the pie chart too.

Thanks, yea, kinda funny Porsche putting mud flaps on the cars. Option M360, Splash guards
924S Option Codes, Model Years '85 - '88

[dougdadmac]

Just drove the 924SE I bought home from South Carolina yesterday. Owner was nice enough to let me wait to pick it up until snow/ice/salt left Michigan. 844 miles without a hiccup. Purred like a kitten all the way home.