Help buying my first 911SC
06-11-2002, 02:01 PM
#1
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Help buying my first 911SC
I just discovered this forum, and thought I'd be able to get some great input on buying my first Porsche.
I've done my research on the SC-era and have found a car that interests me. It's a European 1983SC with about 145K Km's (about 90,000 miles) on it. It has it's original paint, is clean pretty much inside and out, with a few paint chips here and there on the hood and side. My father test drove it and was really impressed with the ride as well.
The only thing is it's selling for 28,000 CDN so about 18,200 US. I'm sure the price can be negotiated to a certain extent, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this is a fair deal?
The only things that worry me are, firstly the fact that it's from Europe and therefore I have pretty much no record on the car, besides the foreign maintenance records which the dealer explained to me, but since I don't speak the language, it's only his word. No A/C, no catalytic convertor (we have Air Care to pass here too), and a combination vinyl/cloth seat instead of leather (which I don't mind) are the only other quirks that I took notice of. A new clutch about 4000kms ago and new tires to go with it as well.
He wasn't sure about if the chain tensioners had been upgraded, but if I do decide to buy it, it is going to go through a service at a local independant porsche mechanic and I'll hopefully find everything out there.
Any input would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance.
I've done my research on the SC-era and have found a car that interests me. It's a European 1983SC with about 145K Km's (about 90,000 miles) on it. It has it's original paint, is clean pretty much inside and out, with a few paint chips here and there on the hood and side. My father test drove it and was really impressed with the ride as well.
The only thing is it's selling for 28,000 CDN so about 18,200 US. I'm sure the price can be negotiated to a certain extent, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this is a fair deal?
The only things that worry me are, firstly the fact that it's from Europe and therefore I have pretty much no record on the car, besides the foreign maintenance records which the dealer explained to me, but since I don't speak the language, it's only his word. No A/C, no catalytic convertor (we have Air Care to pass here too), and a combination vinyl/cloth seat instead of leather (which I don't mind) are the only other quirks that I took notice of. A new clutch about 4000kms ago and new tires to go with it as well.
He wasn't sure about if the chain tensioners had been upgraded, but if I do decide to buy it, it is going to go through a service at a local independant porsche mechanic and I'll hopefully find everything out there.
Any input would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance.
06-11-2002, 02:58 PM
#2
Race Car
That price is a little high, frankly. My (non-expert) estimate on the value would be about US$15,000, and that's assuming that all the mechanicals check out.
A good sign of the integrity of the dealer is if he permits a pre-purchase inspection on the car by an independent (from him) shop. It'll cost you US$150-200, but a shop can go through the car pretty thoroughly, and tell you what big repairs might be lurking around the corner, and also what needs to be done right away to insure that the car will run well, and pass your smog check.
No one, in any case, should buy a used 911 without a pre-purchase inspection.
A good sign of the integrity of the dealer is if he permits a pre-purchase inspection on the car by an independent (from him) shop. It'll cost you US$150-200, but a shop can go through the car pretty thoroughly, and tell you what big repairs might be lurking around the corner, and also what needs to be done right away to insure that the car will run well, and pass your smog check.
No one, in any case, should buy a used 911 without a pre-purchase inspection.
06-11-2002, 03:12 PM
#3
As a reference point, I paid US$12000 for a near mint 84 Carrera (USA version) back in April in New York. The car also has high miles (200K) but passed the PPI without any flaws that needed fixin. He was asking $14100 (on Ebay) and didn't get a single call besides me (joy!)
There is a big difference between the 911 ask and sell prices which tend to be over inflated (in my opinon). High mile cars are hard to price, especially if they are good/clean. If you like it, offer a low-ball price and take the chance that no one else want it. Then again, be prepared to kick your self over and over on the ones that got away.
There is a big difference between the 911 ask and sell prices which tend to be over inflated (in my opinon). High mile cars are hard to price, especially if they are good/clean. If you like it, offer a low-ball price and take the chance that no one else want it. Then again, be prepared to kick your self over and over on the ones that got away.
06-11-2002, 03:29 PM
#4
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I have an '82 Euro and have found that being a euro is a lot more fun. The extra power is nice!
Parts are pretty easy to get, though you need to make sure you are getting the right part! Especially engine and fuel delivery system parts. Most of the exhaust issues have been worked out of the euro cars by this time. 90k miles is nothing for an SC. Mine is approaching that and I have not seen any issues (knock on wood) other than a few minor oil leaks from old hosing. Dont worry about no AC... it doesn't work anyway and who needs the dead weight?!
Your price seems high, but the last pricing table in Excelence stated a poor 82 to be US$12k + which was about US$2500 more than a couple of years ago so it looks like prices are going up a little. Your car sounds like a well cared for car so the US$15k would be about right. But it is a dealer...
Isnt there a law that says the dealer has to sell you a car that is certifyable in emissions or he has to fix it so it is? Or was that just California?
-m
Parts are pretty easy to get, though you need to make sure you are getting the right part! Especially engine and fuel delivery system parts. Most of the exhaust issues have been worked out of the euro cars by this time. 90k miles is nothing for an SC. Mine is approaching that and I have not seen any issues (knock on wood) other than a few minor oil leaks from old hosing. Dont worry about no AC... it doesn't work anyway and who needs the dead weight?!
Your price seems high, but the last pricing table in Excelence stated a poor 82 to be US$12k + which was about US$2500 more than a couple of years ago so it looks like prices are going up a little. Your car sounds like a well cared for car so the US$15k would be about right. But it is a dealer...
Isnt there a law that says the dealer has to sell you a car that is certifyable in emissions or he has to fix it so it is? Or was that just California?
-m
06-11-2002, 03:42 PM
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You might want to check out this place : <a href="http://www.theurbangarage.com/" target="_blank">http://www.theurbangarage.com/</a> I noticed your in vancouver and they have a 79sc there and a 86 911 both under the price of that 83 euro.
06-11-2002, 04:27 PM
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Personally, I think the SC sells for less than its worth. But what ever the price you end up paying, have another $1-2K for improvements and/or general maintenance items. Just take you time and don't jump on the first you look at, unless it is everything you want and it is a sound car.
06-11-2002, 04:38 PM
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Thanks for all the information and input. I think the best idea will be to put out a lower-end reasonable offer and see how the dealer moves.
Would anyone be able to tell me the price ranges in Excellence for an 83 SC (US or Euro)?
In short, it's a completely stock SC (besides maintenance and worn parts), which is what I want, but I want to make sure the price is right.
As for passing emissions, the car already has, when it was brought in for inspection by the insurance corporation.
Would anyone be able to tell me the price ranges in Excellence for an 83 SC (US or Euro)?
In short, it's a completely stock SC (besides maintenance and worn parts), which is what I want, but I want to make sure the price is right.
As for passing emissions, the car already has, when it was brought in for inspection by the insurance corporation.
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06-11-2002, 08:44 PM
#8
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According to the August '02 Excellence (Bruce Anderson), an '83SC in poor, good and excellent condition is:
$13,534
$15,388
$20,600
Enjoy and good luck!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
rayjay
$13,534
$15,388
$20,600
Enjoy and good luck!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
rayjay
