illerucis

Hey guys,

I've been on the market for a 911 or 993 for a few weeks now. The search has been pretty difficult ... a few long drives to see local cars misrepresented by the seller, and long email threads back and forth slowly revealing issues with the seller's car that weren't initially disclosed.

Finally, I started working with my family's Porsche mechanic & dealer whom I trust, to find a car. He found a 1986 black on black coupe with 20K original miles, being sold by a former client that now lives in another state. Says the car is all original, concours quality, fully mint. The seller keeps the car on horses (at the jack points, wheels off) to reduce wear on the tires and suspension. To me this seems like a good sign that the seller deeply cares about maintaining the car's condition.

I don't have photos of the car (yet), and the seller is asking $85K. I'm really stoked about this car, and of course I'll hire a full PPI if we agree on the right price.

Looking around BaT and other past sales, $85K seems high for this year. I also read a lot about the 915 vs G50 transmission on this forum, and the commentary further depreciates the value of the car in my mind. That said, I would be very happy with a 915 at the right price.

How can I go about determining the market price for this car? Hagerty puts a concours 1986 coupe at $85K, but Hagerty also puts a 993 C4S in mint condition at $155K which seems very high given recent sales.

Thanks guys!

Gmanscott

I believe BAT is best resource for "sold" Pcars and pricing. $85K seems high and if your plan is to drive it and put on miles or keep the mileage low? I bought an 89 Coupe from a fellow local Rennlister ... buy the owner and pay up for the best example you can afford IMO. If you plan to keep it for long term and enjoy it personally, then buy what makes YOU happy.

Best to you in your search.

raspritz

$85K for a minty '86 with 20K miles seems a steal. BAT is not a good pricing source for cars like that.

f4 plt

Problem with a 1984 car with only 20k is seals have probably dried out , internal fluids have most likely contain water from condensation. I would also question the car on jackstands, yes it preserves tires which may be dry rotted but it also leaves the suspension extended for long periods . With a car that old with so few miles there are good and bad points

illerucis

Thanks all! I did some more reading on these years, and I do think an $85K is too high. I see a 35K mile 1988 apparently in great condition for $75K, and that seems more reasonable given what I intend to use it for...15K more mileage, but the better transmission and $10K cheaper. So long as the condition checks out with a PPI, the price seems more fair.

It's crazy ... color was so important to me when I started this search. Now I just want a fair car at a fair price! Who would have thought

racngrn

The search is as much fun ( sometimes) as the ownership. I picked up a very nice, all original paint 85 Coupe with records dating back to new and in extremely nice shape. Runs fantastic and is a delight to drive. Price was south of what you are looking at, but mileage is higher, in the 60k mile range. I think the money isn't crazy if other mechanicals and such pan out. Also, this is my second 3.2 911, first being an 84 Targa. Both , of course, were 915 trans cars. My 84 needed attention but was very drivable. My 85 shifts beautifully and has a Wevo Classic in it. Excellent upgrade that makes the 915 a completely different transmission. I have no issues driving the scar and would not be afraid of a 915 car. It all of the factors together that determine if the car should command the money or not. Good luck !

jford

I just got back into an air cooled (will post more when I have time) and personally think this is the best deal out there right now, if it all checks out. If I had a higher budget (mine was about 20K less) I'd have jumped on it.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...1/2432511.html

illerucis

@jford - I'm pretty sure I spoke to the seller about that car. The car was fully repainted at some point in the past, but the reason for this is not known. Some years later, the roof was repainted due to an encounter with a garage door. One of the service records also listed "body work" but the seller didn't know what was done. Told me I should call the body shop myself and find out.

Combining these unknowns + mileage ... the asking price wasn't worth it to me.

Otherwise nice looking car.

jford

Good to know, thanks. I bought an 86 with whale tail, really went back and forth and in the end just wanted to best deal with documentation.....bought the owner so to speak.

mooty

I have a 86
bought with 21k miles and now 29
never a prob
all orig
and I have yet to see one in comparable shape regardless of miles
and if your target is of this quality 80k is bargain b/c I have turned down 100k for mine.
they aren't easy to find anymore.
915 and G50 or even 901 741
when adjusted properly they shift beautifully like hot knife through butter.
I have driven many that I was told "adjusted properly"... ugh... NO.
when it's right, it really is RIGHT.
good luck with your search, these are great cars

illerucis

Thanks man that's some really good perspective. I would 100% drive a 915. Just need it priced properly. If someone offered you $100K for your '86, seems that overall condition trumps transmission type, by far. That's big money for a G-body!

waizone

Mooty, is your 915 gear box stock? Agree, buy the best car you can afford but also take a hard look at the owner and cars records. I went with an 84 tat was loved and glad I did as the 915 is a joy to drive.

raspritz

This thread has a strange vibe. The OP came in here "asking for help with pricing" an ultra-low mileage concours car. If you are in that rarified collector market, you are presumably willing to pay the very substantial premium such time-capsule cars command. If you are looking for an exceedingly nice driver, you are not in that rarified collector market and you are not willing to pay that premium. You need to figure out which you are.

mooty

stock no wevo or anything

cairo94507

I agree that f the car truly is Concours quality, $85 is a deal. But we would need pictures to determine that. We have all talked to the seller who claims immaculate, original, perfect condition to arrive and see a total and complete mess. Not saying that is the case with the OP's post, but I believe in doing the homework and seeing the car in person.