mada

Got the PPI done on the 82 SC I've been looking for. The leakdown came back at 8% across 4 and 6% for remaining. Compression came back at 155lbs for all six.

Heater control cable was broken. Window wash was function was broken. Needed two new front tires and two small stone chips on winshield. Oil leak coming from transmission seal.

Owner wanted 12,500 and the shop said that the car needed about 2500 bucks worth of work right away. They said it was a sound car and to buy it if I could buy it right. They said the car was great for having 125,000 miles on it.

Unfortunately, owner did not want to budge one bit. Funny cause I know he has a total of 10 grand in the car now (from when he purchased it)

Very sad, and expensive! Those PPI's aren't cheap. This is a really sucky place to be. I am so dissappointed. <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

mada

Forgot to mention that the shop (well respected p-car mechs) told me that the current market for a car like this was about 10-10,500. After repairs bringing me to about 13,000 or so.

Bill Gregory

If you really like the car, you could consider which of the $2500 of repairs is important to you now, and which you might choose to do yourself in the future - ask the owner to meet you part way. Otherwise, keep looking and you'll find one that will be a good match.

john walkers workshop

sounds like all the items were very minor. 12,500 is normal for a decent 82, maybe even a little cheap, at least in the seattle market. quit worrying and go get it. if you're looking for a perfect used car, they ain't out there.

Tom F

I don't see these repairs adding up to more than $500, at least in the near term. The cars that I've seen for $10,000 have either been anxious sellers (nice when it happens, but don't hold your breath) or rats that no amount of money was going to turn around. I think that the shop was trying to scare you off the car. Maybe there is something really wrong, and they don't want to start a fight with the current owner.

RANDY P

$2500??!

Were the seats missing too?! That's expensive. And tranny leak? How bad? and so what?

rjp

mada

Man, you guys freakin rule! I really love this site.

What about the leakdown #'s what's the deal? I was told that 3-5% is what I want. This one is 6-8% big deal or no?

Shop said it was a sound car. I know they are disclosing all info, I have a personal relationship with the shop owner (I know he's being honest about the cars condion).

They said overall - good car. However, it has some things that will eventually need attention.
Car idles a bit rough. Stone chips on winshield. Paint in great shape except for roof (a bit wavy)
Interior worn but in decent condition.

Here is what it needs:

Carrera tensioners
front tires
heat lever
trans gasket (Randy P says might not need)

Owner won't budge off of 12,500. I am tempted to buy it, but don't want to make a mistake.

Please advise - Thanks

an6drew

Like John Walker wrote- you can't expect a perfect used car. Any car you take to a PPI will have some issues. These sound pretty minor & I can't see whats bringing the estimate to $2500. Windshield washer pump is ~$40 & 10 min. to install. Windshield repair kit $10 from Kragen: should minimise the visibility of the stone chips & stop them spreading for years. Any Porsche you find will probably have something wrong with the heating system- a broken cable is nothing. Unless the transmission seal is leaking terribly this is something that you typically address when it becomes time for a tranny rebuild.

In short- it actually sounds like a pretty good PPI. Maybe brush up on your negotiation skills & have another go at knocking $500 off the price?

Andrew

mada

Sound Advice. However, I have upset the owner and Hope he takes my call. I'll let everyone know soon! Wish me luck!

ZCAT3

This sounds like a ood car to me as well. I believe leakdown numbers below 10% are considered very good (from the factory they may be 2-4%) - and the real key is that compression is good and all cylinders are close to each other. SO you seem to have a healthy engine. The other stuff is nothing - chips in the windshield - big deal. It seems that every time I get a new car or new windshield, I getr a good chip right away. The car is 20 years old and has actually been driven (which is always a good thing in my mind). Offer him 12K - say you need to at least do the front tires right away - and leave it at that. If he won;t take 12, move on.

slider

The 79SC I purcahsed in May had a little better leak down and compression numbers (5% leak on all cylinders)than the car you describe, but all the other ailments sound normal and DYI-able. While the little nagging fixes are sometimes bothersome, in the end, I enjoy working with my hands and I'm absolutely in love with the car. Like my wife says, you have to own a sports car one time in your life. Go get the SC!

Joe
79SC Coupe

jet911

FWIW - I live in SLC, UT and just went to Kelly Blue Book to see what they say for an 82 SC with 125,000 in good condition for my area. Trade in value = $6,200 Retail value = $12,200. Thing to remember is that this is from Kelly Blue Book. I believe that an offer of $12K is fair to both. If you really want the car and don't want to keep looking, which does take time, and as we all know time is money, then just buy it!

Good Luck,
Regards,
jet
'86 911

mada

I'll offer him 12 tonite. I'll see if he bites. I'll let everyone know tomorrow. Thanks again for all the help.

Max911SC

I don't know how close you are to Baltimore, because I have an 80SC (coupe w/sunroof, white/tan)with 115K miles I would like to sell. May be more suited to your price range. I am selling because I also now have an 87 and my wife isn't thrilled with the his and hers idea. Let me know if you are interested.

mada

Sure, have any digital pics? I'm open at this point.