joseph12402

After posting my message on the general topics discussion group, it was suggested this is a more appropiate discussion group.

After much searching I have finally found my first Porsche. I am 55 year old and just retired so this is my retirement gift to myself. My problem is I do not know the fair market value of the car.

It is a 1988 Turbo Carerra 18,000 miles and looks exceptional. It is listed for $45k. My research has found these go anywhere from $20 - $30k although one rennlist member said $45k is average.

My other question is, how much trouble am I asking for with the turbo as far as maintenance is concerned?

Any input would be appreciated.

jimculp

Well I'll tell you my best guess according to what I have learned on this great board.

As far as value is concerned, a low mileage car like the one you are looking at is generally valued higher than one with higher mileage. Sometimes these cars run better if they are run a bit more frequently. So, despite the low mileage, you COULD be looking at higher initial repair bills than on a car that has been run more frequently. You can do the math- the car has averaged 1000 miles per year- that means it has sat around a lot.

It would be nice to know the color of the paint and interior, but I would expect a car like that to be worth between $36K to $40K depending on condition and options. Hopefully others will chime in.

125shifter

$45 seems very high even for the low miles and low miles are not neccesarily good. If the car's been sitting for a long time there could be fuel and brake system problems.

Are you planning to keep the car stock? Really? If so, a 930 in excellent condition may be the car for you. If you may modify the car, you may not want to start with a pristine car.

Or, if your planning to keep it stock, a 965 (1990+ 930) may be a better choice. It's a little heavier but has a better coilover suspension and a 5 speed tranny (so does the '89). A good 965 can probably be found for under $45K.

As far as maintenance questions go, I'd spend a few hours searching this site and Pelican Parts to find typical problems. Some expensive items would be fuel system problems due to age and brakes due to lack of use. 930 engines tend to need overhauls a lot sooner than 911's, some as early as 60K miles. Of course this depends on how the car was driven. As with any Porsche purchase, a Pre-Purchase Inspection is strongly recommended.

joseph12402

Thanks for the input. The car is black with grey interior, 4 speed

UDPride

If you plan to drive this car at all, I just see no reason to spend an extra $15,000 for low mileage. In 3-4 years you will have depreciated most of the car's market outstretch because its all in that car's low mileage. Its not car or fit and finish. I was just beat by a 101,000 mile 86 930 in a car show three weeks ago that was in better condition than a 5,000 mile Sloan car.

In other words, if you plan to just drive it 300 miles a year, it might make sense, but 1000+ mile a year, you are throwing needless money away. Low mileage doesnt necess. mean better condition, it just means driven less. Two very different -- and oftentimes -- unrelated realities.

If I was gonna throw $45,000 on a 930 it better slope down in front.

DRV2FST

I would not recommend paying that much for a 3.3 turbo when you can get a 3.6 turbo with a 5 speed and better suspension and brakes for almost the same money. I have both and the 3.6 makes a MUCH nicer car stock. The real value in a 3.3 turbo is to buy it cheap (less than $30k) and modify it or better yet buy one already highly modified.

Ken89911T

Not to be too self-serving here, but you can buy my 1989 turbo, already nicely modified, well-maintained (I am the original owner) for a lot less. Mine is silver over black, coupe, 5-speed, professionally modified engine, upgraded suspension.

PM me (private message) if you are interested.

Ken