1989 911 3.2: Cost of Owning?
02-10-2011, 05:09 PM
#46
Drifting
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I'd put it in the $17-22 range if engine work was already performed.
02-10-2011, 06:30 PM
#47
Instructor
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From all we have seen in countless ads everyone looks at, and even more countless "what's this worth" and "what should I buy". Yes, $25k is way WAY top end unless you are looking for perfection AND refuse to look outside your hometown.
Be willing to drive as much as 1k miles, search Pelican extensively, PCA, Autotrader, CL. There's a LOOOOT of cars out there for sale right now and people keep posting "look at my new purchase" threads where they bought nice cars at stupid low $.
Buying a checked out car (there are members all over) and driving it across country getting to know it is not a bad way to spend a long weekend and may get you the car you really want for $10+k less than this $25k # that keeps getting thrown out.
Be willing to drive as much as 1k miles, search Pelican extensively, PCA, Autotrader, CL. There's a LOOOOT of cars out there for sale right now and people keep posting "look at my new purchase" threads where they bought nice cars at stupid low $.
Buying a checked out car (there are members all over) and driving it across country getting to know it is not a bad way to spend a long weekend and may get you the car you really want for $10+k less than this $25k # that keeps getting thrown out.
02-10-2011, 06:33 PM
#48
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or tracked, no paint etc, all original. It is smoking on startup and he has to add a 1/4 every 500 - 700 miles. Do u think it could go another year or is it a must do right away?.
02-10-2011, 07:03 PM
#49
How bad is the startup smoke?
It is a puff or mushroom cloud?
Most of these cars will emit a puff on cold startup and the size of the smoke cloud typically determines the condition of valve guides. I suspect you could go another year before a rebuild.
If the smoking does not go away, it is either extreme guide wear or piston rings.
How did he develop startup smoking on a low-mile car? Did he over-heat it?
It is a puff or mushroom cloud?
Most of these cars will emit a puff on cold startup and the size of the smoke cloud typically determines the condition of valve guides. I suspect you could go another year before a rebuild.
If the smoking does not go away, it is either extreme guide wear or piston rings.
How did he develop startup smoking on a low-mile car? Did he over-heat it?
02-10-2011, 09:04 PM
#50
Drifting
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my recollection is 1qt of oil per 600 miles indicates time for a rebuild.
having the top end rebuilt doesn't "add value" to a car per se, but NOT having one does take off value. It falls under maintenance. Valve guide wear on the 3.2s in this mileage range is not uncommon.
02-10-2011, 09:18 PM
#51
Rennlist Member
I guess it's how you quantify it, no? If it IS done, by reputable techs, it comes with a price (paid for by the owner (or ANY owner, for that matter)....the work is of certain "value" having been "paid for" already.....
Maybe "value" wouldn't be the proper term...(?) But cost IS,..and that relates to sell/buy price (in my book).
Doyle
Maybe "value" wouldn't be the proper term...(?) But cost IS,..and that relates to sell/buy price (in my book).
Doyle
02-10-2011, 10:30 PM
#52
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How bad is the startup smoke?
It is a puff or mushroom cloud?
Most of these cars will emit a puff on cold startup and the size of the smoke cloud typically determines the condition of valve guides. I suspect you could go another year before a rebuild.
If the smoking does not go away, it is either extreme guide wear or piston rings.
How did he develop startup smoking on a low-mile car? Did he over-heat it?
It is a puff or mushroom cloud?
Most of these cars will emit a puff on cold startup and the size of the smoke cloud typically determines the condition of valve guides. I suspect you could go another year before a rebuild.
If the smoking does not go away, it is either extreme guide wear or piston rings.
How did he develop startup smoking on a low-mile car? Did he over-heat it?
If he is the "****" owner you mention, then it should be at the shop now so when spring comes, he can enjoy driving it again without delay or guilt
my recollection is 1qt of oil per 600 miles indicates time for a rebuild.
having the top end rebuilt doesn't "add value" to a car per se, but NOT having one does take off value. It falls under maintenance. Valve guide wear on the 3.2s in this mileage range is not uncommon.
my recollection is 1qt of oil per 600 miles indicates time for a rebuild.
having the top end rebuilt doesn't "add value" to a car per se, but NOT having one does take off value. It falls under maintenance. Valve guide wear on the 3.2s in this mileage range is not uncommon.
He's a polisher and not a driver. I really was bent on buying it, but now I'm not sure.
02-12-2011, 11:59 AM
#56
3rd Gear
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I have owned a 1987 911 for 18 years. I bought it 6 years old. I now drive it 1,200/mi yr and have never driven it more than 2,500 mi/yr. They are very reliable cars. Some years I spend $200 and some years $2,000 (very rare) Average is about $1,000. I figure the costs are about 2.5x the cost of my Accord daily driver. I am retired, so I don't abuse the car. The car is basically perfect cosmetically with only a few oil drips, which are very common. Mileage is 72K. Hope this helps. The key is to find a low mileage example, preferably with a long ownership history between owners and TONS OF RECEIPTS.
I have every receipt from new, and no the car is not for sale.
I have every receipt from new, and no the car is not for sale.
02-12-2011, 02:48 PM
#58
Three Wheelin'
Hey guys, I have read your posts about owning a 3.2 and have done my own research on this model as well. I am considering buying a 89 with 90k miles with some cosmetic body issues. I believe services were done but will find out hopefully today (meeting with seller) He is asking 14.5k for her. I am assuming car might need servicing but according to him the car runs fine and will not need any engine work or clutch any time soon. What do you guys think?
02-12-2011, 05:15 PM
#60
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Former S2 Dude. I believe you do have to belong to PCA to read the classifieds. The cars are usually more expensive than other sources, although they may be better taken care of.