90 964 c4-blown motor... sell car as-is price

[bbturbo]

Hey everyone. I am in a dilemma with my 1990 964 C4. I have a ton of money into the car and currently am not wanting to do an engine rebuild, so I may pass it along for someone to get a solid car for a good price. However, I do not know what that range of complete 964s sell for. My car has a little history, which I will put below. Just want some market estimations and it does not need to be best-case scenarios or worst; just a round about.

grand prix white 1990 Porsche 964 C4
178k miles
manual- trans in great shape
engine is locked up- will not hand crank either direction. Expect a full top and bottom end rebuild with some crank and bearing replaced.
clean title, but does have a front end accident on carfax from PO.
Black interior is very clean, new carpet and headliner recently.
paint is a few years old, but still in great shape.
Car was running excellent before it happened (of course) and mechanically sound. AWD worked as it should and brakes are newer. electronics worked as they should. Nearly stock car.
Newer Bilstein HDs

*Bob Farmer priced me out a worst case scenario engine rebuild that came to be 14k, plus extra for some performance upgrades I would do. I am not going to dispute this price with anyone that has paid more or will say, "That is not actual." I trust Bob Farmer and his 40+ years experience over everyone else's experiences. Not being closed-minded, but I trust him and he has never steered me wrong and treated me right.

I am also not looking for this to get into an argument among us, so if someone has an actual fair estimation, please PM me. I have been in the 911 world for 15 years now and this is my 6th 911. I hate to sell it with a blown motor, but someone may be able to have some fun with this car and turn it into something exciting. I am fully aware of the cons with the car, so no need to point them out. Thanks in advance, everyone.

[Farrell]

Man such a bummer and a hard estimation. i suppose if i was to purchase this car i would expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $17k- $20k as is. that being said i am a cheap ass.

I wouldn't want to spend much more as i know how 911's can be and once you get in there 5 other things come at you that you should be replaced while your in there.

Sorry to hear that she blew. A friend of mine just sold his 90 C4 black on black with 78k miles and loads of paperwork for $37k.

All the best.

[Mehoff]

Seems to me you're thinking the formula: Market Value - Engine Rebuild is how to price the car. Unfortunately I don't think that's the case here, as the market for buyers wanting to incur the headache and risk of a rebuild is significantly smaller (I personally like it; fresh engine!). My guess is use that formula and discount 20-25%. I do think there is a buyer out there willing to move closer to par, just depends on how long you want to hold out

Has the motor been completely torn down? If not, like you mentioned, you're going to get a ton of dissenting opinions on the rebuild cost at $14k.

[bbturbo]

Thanks for getting back to me, guys. I typically would want to rebuild it myself, but currently not the best timing for me to do so. A fresh engine how I would want it does entice me, as I hoped it would others as well. I was thinking slightly higher than 20k, hoping in the 23k area. Everyone will value it different; I completely understand that. The motor is still assembled and sitting at the shop. I didn't want to disassemble until I knew what was going on with the car.

My thinking is if someone would want it how it is, then I would sell it and let them have the fun. If not, then it would take a back seat in the garage and get done when I can get to it after my life slows down. When I bought this 964 a few years ago, I was excited for the chance to get to do it, but that was a different time for me. I would be doing lots of "while it's in there" too. Luckily, Farmer includes a lot of that in his quote too, which is nice.

[NYNick]

I think $23K is about right, but it comes with all the unknowns, and the 'while you're in theres". That then goes from $14K to potentially $20K.

Me? $15K. There, I'm safe.

[pnut_lee]

It's a high mileage C4 and no way for a prospective buyer to test all of the other vehicle systems.

I sold a 1991 C4 less than a year ago. It ran and drove great and had 112k on the clock but had a laundry list of misc. maintenance items that needed to be done. It sat on the market for a while in the high 20's and I eventually sold it for closer to the $23k you are hoping to get. I don't think the market has risen much since last summer, so $23k in my opinion is very optimistic.

I think mid teens is more realistic. The rebuild plus while your in there will be $20k. So the owner will end up with a $35k car. High mileage, but a fresh engine.

[bbturbo]

Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to answer. I appreciate it!

[littleoldman]

Call singer. They may be buying it at 20k because they rebuild everything already.

Worth the call

[CountD]

Car is an icon. If it was a 1989 I would probably get it on it. It's the only 964 that I would own because I drove one new and it was way ahead of its time (even with the over-the-top AWD system that has gotten much more efficient in recent times). And it was the only car I saw being made at Porsche when I visited in 1991 (in college).

You never see them for sale. I would fix it. Its probably the only car I would trade my '75 S for.

[pnut_lee]

It's a great car and I long for one in white to pair with my black 964. I say keep it and get the engine work done. You'll be taking a big hit on the car otherwise.

[bbturbo]

Thanks, everyone. I am considering all options. Of course, I want to keep it and I love the car. Nothing is set, so I am thinking about it.