I'm looking at a 82' SC with 45k miles- he says. Never rebuilt but has new clutch. He wants $18k I'm thinking that's a bit high. Any honest opinion would help. I've been looking for a 993 forever it seems like, and this SC just poped up down the street

TIA, jerry

 

Bruce Anderson in this month's Excellence has this in the used 911 price guide for an 82 SC (assuming it's a coupe):

Poor condition = $12,598
Good condition = $14,324
Excellent condition = $19,175

45k is relatively low milage (assuming the odometer was never broken), so if the car is in better than average condition, it may be worth the asking price.

-MAS

 

I wouldn't pay that for an SC - even with 45,000 miles.

 

I figure if I'm going close to twenty I might as well get an 87'-89'

 

Jerry,

I agree it sounds on the high side, but you need to look it over. If you really like it, make any offer contingent on a satisfactory PPI (pre-purchase inspection), and deduct any repairs the inspection shows up. I recommend a compression and leakdown as part of the PPI. Sometimes you have to ask, and pay a bit more, to have it done, but it gives you a view of the engine condition. If you haven't already, you may want to read the 911SC FAQ on tech.rennlist.com, too.

 

Seems like in this soft used vehicle market, $18k could get you into a 964, or at least something newer than an '82. Also, mileage is not always the best indicator of condition. How are the maintenance records? And was this vehicle only driven ~2100 miles a year, or did it sit for long periods of time? Sitting around is not so good for the health of 911's.

Good luck,
Tom

 

I paid $18,000 for my 82 this last winter. Car is in great shape with 80,000 miles on it. This is all before I knew what a broken head stud was. Mine broke a few months after I bought it.

Can you say PPI? Have them look deep into the car, it is worth it!

 

You never really know. I had a PPI and ended up with a car that needed a fair amount of fixing anyway. But it was spaced out over a number of years. I finally think I know whats going on with it now and there are still a bunch of little things that need attention. Such is life with a p-car.

I would try to figure out how the car was used and if it sat a lot. Offer what you think its worth to you. If you don't get this one another will come along.

 

Just got back from driving the car, It had me dreaming of highschool days. The guys father was there too with his 83' cab also in perffect condition. his dad is a mechanic, told me the history- they bought it from a widow on ebay, they drove over to look at it. Bought it on the spot. He adjusted valves (2) compression test (cold) range of 117 and 120, New clutch. I don'y think I ever said it was a targa.
I just can't see myself spending that much on an 82'
But it's right next door, that's what kills me. It'd be so easy. Porsches in this town are far and few between, I feel lost.

 

It's easy for us to sit here from afar and say it's way too much for an '82 (...and I would probably agree with most about that). But ultimately it's you who has to decide how the car feels to you. You would do well to weigh in the many expert opinions you'll get here, but don't let us discourage you if you really want this car.

The best advice is to protect yourself by getting a PPI done by an independant (i.e. not the father) shop to make sure everything is ok. It's up to you if you want to pay that much.

If these are Porsche people, bring up your (and our) concerns about the price. Get a feel for how firm he is. Be patient, I would say there probably aren't many buyers for an $18k '82 in your area!

...two more cents...after owning two Carreras (an '84 and an '88) I would suggest that $18k would be better spent on a good G50 Carrera.

Good luck!

 

This is the time to sit back and think it over calmly. If this car is really what you want (not just conveniently located ), then you'll need to have a thorough PPI by an independant shop. SC's have head studs that love to break. There are so many cases of this problem with SCs that you can't ignore it. Pay extra for a valve adjustment as part of your PPI. This will give the mechanic the opportunity to check the head studs. Even if they're OK, they will eventually break. You need to plan the $$ for removing & replacing head studs. Check the maintenance records for this car. At an $18k asking price, the seller better have very, very good documentation of any and all work. It will also help you to verify the veracity of the 45k miles claim. Few records over 21 years is not a good sign. Hopefully that's not the case. Anyway, good luck and hopefully you'll end up with a great car.

 

Its important to keep in mind that very low mileage can have nearly as hard effects on a very low mileage car as a high mileage.....possible problem areas.....old seals, corroded electrical contacts, and fuel system or AC probs, etc.

If all of this checks out in a a PPI, I'd still factor in $1-$2K for other unforeseen problems (which I always do whenever i buy an older used car) which can surface even when a PPI delivers a good report.

Is salt corrosion an issue where you live in La?

If it were me, $15 - $16 would be in the range of my asking price.

 

It's easier to justify paying a premium for a lower milegae car that has been meticuously taken care of; to pay the premium (which 18K is) without documentation is a gamble. You mention the scarcity of P's in your area. Are you then comfortable paying for the convenience factor of it being 'right next door?' If so.... How long have you been looking for a P, and how patient are you? I found the search for a car to be highly educational as well as reassuring when I made the decision to eventually buy my car. That being said, it sounds like you don't have access to many cars. As you have probably heard, there are a LOT of bad older cars out there, and they are VERY expensive to fix. Good luck with your decision!

 

the car sat for a year or so (the guy died) before the lady sold it.
I've been looking for a 3.2 or/also a 993 off and on for over a year, I think I still have three or four expired checks from people first. My wife hates me for the amount of time i spend reading the archives.
This morning I was ready to pass, but after looking around there are few SC's with that kind of milage.

Is a P-dealer OK for an inspection?

thanks for all your opinions

jerry

 

Jerry,

Porsche dealers sometimes have well qualified, even gifted, mechanics, however, like other marques, also have people working there who probably shouldn't be, or who know 996's but can't spell SC. I would go to www.pca.org, choose the regional directory, and find the PCA region that covers your area. Look up the officers, and contact the Technical chair, or President, or other officer, and ask for a PPI recommendation for your area. If they do Drivers Education, look for a tech inspector and ask them, or see if there are certain businesses who support the club membership by offering tech inspection services, or race preparation. When you finally buy your Porsche, then join PCA.