Am I Overpaying? 1985 911

[TylerH860]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/990362-1985-porsche-911-coupe-100k-miles.html

10% leakdown results, small leak from the triangle of death, likely thermostat o-ring. Accident reported to Carfax in 1992 with no specifics, but no evidence of damage anywhere-- other than a full respray at some point. Looks like a very nice car. Left a deposit pending my local mechanic buddy's final driving impressions. Final price is 38k. I'm feeling pretty good about it, but want to make sure since it sat for sale for a while on here...

[specialtyoneinc]

Might be a little on the high side since the CarFax has a accident report. But if it checks all your boxes don’t let a couple grand get in the way. Seems like a sorted driver.

[mgar88]

agreed. if it feels right, do it! Looks beaut.

[TylerH860]

It's hard to get a good bearing of actual value since there's so many ridiculously overpriced ones advertised everywhere. I've only found one other comparable car that's cheaper at 36k, but the ad is pretty vague. I probably would have dug a little deeper if it had more photos, and a dark interior. https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/1986-porsche-911-carrera/6515116551.html

The rest I've found are flippers at 40k plus, edgy cars with stories, or very high mileage. I was kind of surprised, as I recall plenty of 3.2s being available in the lower 30's a year ago-- and had been seeing prices dropping on other cars, like the 930, as of recent.

Seen plenty of G50s in the mid to upper 40's. Worth the premium?

[MrBonus]

Does it drive well? Is it what you want?

A few minor leaks shouldn’t deter you. If the accident damage was repaired correctly, you should be fine. Are you looking to enjoy yourself or buy an investment piece?

[da Vinci Dan]

Looks like a nice car and priced about right. The history and maintenance is big and it looks like it is in really nice shape. I would go for it. Sounds like you know how tough it is to find a similar one.

[SalParadise]

Non-original paint, major service which is stated as spark plugs?

I don't know. I am the person that waits until a super car comes along. You can probably buy a very nice SC for maybe $2K more. Maybe a much nicer 3.2 with original paint and more maintenance for $8K more.

It is what it is. For me the repaint and the lack of other things would not make this a screaming deal. To me, it's a 32 year old car - and it's going to need $5K probably to get it sorted once you get it.

I would not be happy with the repaint and the accident report.

A major service on 3.2 is not gaskets and spark plugs. A major service are valve guides which this car very well might need.

I'd wait.

[Matt Monson]

It’s not a perfect car and not a perfect car price. Seems about right to me.

[Macroni]

seems to be right to me also.....

[NYNick]

Price seems about right. Ask the seller to flog it for you while on a test drive or if he's a really nice guy, ask him if you can. These cars feel a bit heavy to me, but with the proper lightening, they go like stink.

Shouldn't have leaks in the triangle if there was an engine out service. Do all your normal due diligence PPI stuff and if aok, pull the trigger. The 3.2's are awesome.

[MBAtarga]

Leakdown of 10% - what is the oil consumption rate?
You might want to figure in $6-8k or so for top end work. (That's the cost I've heard the work runs.)

[TylerH860]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Leakdown of 10% - what is the oil consumption rate?
You might want to figure in $6-8k or so for top end work. (That's the cost I've heard the work runs.)

How would he know the rate if he’s only driven it 3000 miles in 4 years? From what I read, 10% is fine for an engine with that mileage.

[Matt Monson]

Engine out service was 4.5 years ago. Triangle of death may not have been fixed at that time because it wasn't leaking. Not something I would be terribly concerned about.

[wayner]

If you pay $38, but you could have bought a comparable one for $36, I wouldn't think that is overpaying.

$2 grand difference is a pretty small percentage in this market

[COLB]

Originally Posted by SalParadise

Non-original paint, major service which is stated as spark plugs?

I don't know. I am the person that waits until a super car comes along. You can probably buy a very nice SC for maybe $2K more. Maybe a much nicer 3.2 with original paint and more maintenance for $8K more.

It is what it is. For me the repaint and the lack of other things would not make this a screaming deal. To me, it's a 32 year old car - and it's going to need $5K probably to get it sorted once you get it.

I would not be happy with the repaint and the accident report.

A major service on 3.2 is not gaskets and spark plugs. A major service are valve guides which this car very well might need.

I'd wait.

According to the manual, a 30k mile service is oil/filter, valve clearance, plugs, ignition timing, v-belt, air filter, and brake fluid -- plus a variety of inspections that made require other work. I think that ad fairly describes a "major service".

Valve guides are a top end rebuild, not a service.

But yeah -- this car could need one, and $38k would be a lot for a 3.2 with original valve guides if it is burning serious oil.

But the car you described with no accidents, original paint, a top end, in similar condition is a $50k+ car all day long. If you are waiting for that car to pop under $40k, you'll be waiting a while. This one seems priced fairly.

[Matt Monson]

That exact service, plus a few leaks and clutch, will be exactly what my car gets before i list it at $40k. I will call it an engine out servive on my car.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by TylerH860

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/990362-1985-porsche-911-coupe-100k-miles.html

10% leakdown results,

Was that leakdown part of a PPI ?

Final price is 38k.

Ad says 38K OBO.

Seller is a semi regular here so perhaps he'll add his thoughts.

[TylerH860]

Originally Posted by pmax

Was that leakdown part of a PPI ?



Ad says 38K OBO.

Seller is a semi regular here so perhaps he'll add his thoughts.

Price was 38.8... A recent PPI yielded those numbers. He wouldn't budge much from his price, even with the OBO. I was a car dealer for quite a while, and none of the annoying dealer tricks worked.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Price was 38.8... A recent PPI yielded those numbers. He wouldn't budge much from his price, even with the OBO. I was a car dealer for quite a while, and none of the annoying dealer tricks worked.

Hah, I missed that extra 8. Seller should have simply stated $38K firm.

But agree pricing is fair if no surprises from the accident.

[porschetub]

I believe the owner is referring to this as a major service simply because he did so much work @ that time and you would expect would add to some value to this model considering they are appreciating at a reasonable rate.
IMO two cautions would be the accident damage and the fact the motor is @ a turning point mileage wise,will the valve guides be an issue in the next 20k or will it reach huge mileage as many of these have done ?
If the engine is sound and stays that way it will be a good buy for 36K.