1980 911SC decisons....

[dcourts1984]

I have the chance to buy a 1980 911sc in very good shape, outside and in with under 90k miles. Car looks great, drives nice, everything checks out except transmission was replaced recently with newly built one. Not a numbers matching car.

I'm torn whether go buy the car and outlaw it given the non numbers matching, but not sure on $35k price tag. Prices have been all over the place recently and curious to hear from more experience owners their thoughts and perspectives.

Thanks!

[Flynt]

35k pricetag is about the going rate for a nice SC coupe. Edging toward "good deal" if the 90k miles is backed by records and the condition reflects the lower miles. Is it a coupe? What color?

Non-original transmission is a much smaller hit to value than non-matching engine. Nobody cares but the super-weenies.

A 90k mile SC for ~35k is not a car that's going to take much of a value hit for being modified (and it'll likely net you a few extra bucks if you find the right buyer in the future, and don't stray too far from the ol "outlaw" formula). If it's clean and cared for and you like the car - get it and do whatever you want. Outlaw your brains out.

[dcourts1984]

Originally Posted by Flynt

35k pricetag is about the going rate for a nice SC coupe. Edging toward "good deal" if the 90k miles is backed by records and the condition reflects the lower miles. Is it a coupe? What color?

Non-original transmission is a much smaller hit to value than non-matching engine. Nobody cares but the super-weenies.

A 90k mile SC for ~35k is not a car that's going to take much of a value hit for being modified (and it'll likely net you a few extra bucks if you find the right buyer in the future, and don't stray too far from the ol "outlaw" formula). If it's clean and cared for and you like the car - get it and do whatever you want. Outlaw your brains out.

Great comments...thank you! Its a coupe in Guards Red

[Mocker]

Originally Posted by dcourts1984

Its a coupe in Guards Red

-$5k

[dcourts1984]

Originally Posted by Mocker

-$5k

Ha!...whats the going take on Guards Red. Seems like a lot for sale out there. I know silver and white dominate, but whats everyones take on Red? No good? I guess just too common?

[Vaive]

Is non matching really that big a deal? I mean yeah it's *A* deal, because all else being equal, matching is better. But how much of a hit in value is non matching, % wise? Both for transmission and engine.

If you're talking $200K collectible car, obviously it need to be perfect. It's not a car at that point, it's an art piece. But for a driver that someone buys to enjoy on the weekends, why does it matter? Not trying to be flip about it, just trying to understand.

As far as price goes, 35K for under 100K miles seems really good, given what I've been seeing in my search.

[dcourts1984]

Originally Posted by Vaive

Is non matching really that big a deal? I mean yeah it's *A* deal, because all else being equal, matching is better. But how much of a hit in value is non matching, % wise? Both for transmission and engine.

If you're talking $200K collectible car, obviously it need to be perfect. It's not a car at that point, it's an art piece. But for a driver that someone buys to enjoy on the weekends, why does it matter? Not trying to be flip about it, just trying to understand.

As far as price goes, 35K for under 100K miles seems really good, given what I've been seeing in my search.

I agree with you on this. I simply added that as a fact. I'm looking for something to drive the wheels off, keep it in great shape and not afraid to go places with it. I dont see any fun in having a car I cannot drive or am afraid to take places.

[NYNick]

A non-matching transmission doesn't spell outlaw. The car is pretty much stock. At $35 it would seem like a decent to good deal.

As always, inspect the pants off the thing.

[Vaive]

For those saying this is a decent or maybe good deal....

Where are you finding better deals? In the last couple of weeks I've talked to two owners selling SC Targas with 100K+ miles, asking around $40K. Both sold or had a deal pending by the time I called.

So how is a Coupe with under 100K miles a meh deal at 35K, when Targas with over 100K miles are selling for more?

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Vaive

For those saying this is a decent or maybe good deal....

Where are you finding better deals? In the last couple of weeks I've talked to two owners selling Targas with 100K+ miles, asking around $40K. Both sold or had a deal pending by the time I called.

So how is a Coupe with under 100K miles a meh deal at 35K, when Targas with over 100K miles are selling for more?

It's a good deal if it inspects well. It's a decent deal if it has some issues.
Without pictures and details, it hard to be definitive one way or the other.

[Mixed76]

It's all about the inspection. My galvanized, rust-free 77 had a giant hole under the battery, patched and sprayed. Looked sloppy but serviceable till I peeled up the battery tray. Front mount pretty well swinging free. Would not have been safe to drive. Add 5-6k$ (mostly labor) and weeks to fix.

It was bought and sold as a project, but this part of it was not on the menu. Inspect and inspect again.

Dan

[SkunkWorks]

This was just posted in the classifieds. Looks like a pretty good deal and perfect for what you're intending on doing?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/1029564-1980-porsche-911-coupe.html

[eastbay]

Originally Posted by Vaive

For those saying this is a decent or maybe good deal....

Where are you finding better deals? In the last couple of weeks I've talked to two owners selling SC Targas with 100K+ miles, asking around $40K. Both sold or had a deal pending by the time I called.

So how is a Coupe with under 100K miles a meh deal at 35K, when Targas with over 100K miles are selling for more?

Car Forum bias, bunch of cheap bastiches here.

[dcourts1984]

Originally Posted by eastbay

Car Forum bias, bunch of cheap bastiches here.

Just saw that....very spot on for what I'm looking for. Wish it wasn't on the West Coast.

[dcourts1984]

I'd be curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

A friend of mine is selling his well documented, full service history 911sc with 197k miles. Head studs were done at 15k miles, continuous valve adjustments, every piece of work documented, etc.

Car drives very well. Looks great. My question....am I out of my mind for thinking about buying this. He would probably let it go somewhere in high $20k's.

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by dcourts1984

I'd be curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

A friend of mine is selling his well documented, full service history 911sc with 197k miles. Head studs were done at 15k miles, continuous valve adjustments, every piece of work documented, etc.

Car drives very well. Looks great. My question....am I out of my mind for thinking about buying this. He would probably let it go somewhere in high $20k's.

Sound like great deal if you ask me - especially if it's a coupe. Mileage doesn't matter too much as long as the car has been properly maintained and documented.

[Vaive]

To me, 200K is the Mendoza line of cars.

I know everyone says air cooled engines can go a gazillion miles, etc. It's same with old Volvos and Land Cruisers. People will swear they had one that went 382K miles and was barely broken in, ran as well at 350K as at 1K. I guess. But still...200K is 200K for me and a psychological barrier.

My $0.02

[kc911s]

200k miles should not scare you one bit on these cars if there are records to show engine rebuilds.

[dcourts1984]

Funny you mention Land Cruisers...i have a 1997 FJ80 with 175k. Still going strong.

This is my first Porsche. Trying to get something relatively inexpensive, that does not need to be period correct or perfect by any means. I want to simply drive it a ton and learn as much as I can.

[dcourts1984]

Car is a targa...i'd much rather have a coupe. One of a few things holding me back