Cbwell

Looking at the '84-89 range, is their a more desirable year? I know the '89 for the G50 but there aren't many to choose from The '84 seems to be the fastest but does this matter? Any differences in the '84-88 that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance,

Rob S

Keep in mind that 84 and 85 models were never sold in the US and were imported here as "gray market" or "rest of world' (RoW) cars in those days. It's not clear whether that changes the equation for you. There are minor differences in the RoW cars that some might find more desirable and others won't.

Cbwell

ok- thanks. I was wondering about that and assumed that must be the case.

Seba911

Hello,

The most important thing is the condition, otherwise, try to buy the year model that has had the fewest build (tend to be better investment in the long run).

As for the performance, the row cars have more go, but othervice no difference between 1984-1988. The G50 car that is a lot more pricey is for sure the fastets with the smooth gear changes and stays on boost between all gears.

Cbwell

Thanks. Any thoughts on how much of a penalty a respray is? Avoid it or it's okay if it's a quality job?

I'm also paranoid about the infamous engine rebuild. I'm looking at a couple that have 60-75k miles but haven't had rebuilds.

MUSSBERGER

fify

Cbwell

hmm, what does that mean?

musiker

I think he means iffy. Evidently they eventually need the top end "refresh" but the engines are very durable. MAYBE someone knows how many times in 200,000 miles you need one assuming normal use.

Cbwell

oh, gotcha- makes sense. A good PPI will definitely be done before I pull the trigger- leak down, compression, etc. And then I'll just cross my fingers.

musiker

What are they asking? ROW or US?

Cbwell

I'm following a couple right now that range from 70-85k. The 85k is an 84 with low miles. The market seems to be softening considerably so I'm not in a rush to pull the trigger.

Igooz

Cbwell! I recall you from when you had your 7TT! I had mine from '07 to '14 what a great (& boring) car! I hope that you're well. These older ones are much much more fun. I am not an expert at anything, but own/owned a few cars in my life and currently have the '87.

MY 2C:
1) At this point it is all about the condition of the car, documentation and maintenance. Buy a nicer one IMO. Yes, prices are coming down.
2) There were many grey market cars that came into the US ('84 and '85). Some of them were great. But some had their odometers changed and mileage rolled back. So make sure that you get some documentation.
3) Issues with these cars: head studs, turbos, AC, slow windows, and just other age related stuff.
4) I would not have an issue with repaint - if it were done right. Again, I am like the humane society...
5) 4-speed vs. 5-speed: I prefer the ratios of the 4-speed around town. I would not pay a premium just for the driving pleasure of the 5-speed.

GL

musiker

Good luck with your search! These cars are great fun, which is why we like them. Markets go up and down,
as long as you get decent value you can't go wrong. Enjoy!
S

pdqcarrera

from my own experience... The RoW market cars offer more diversity of options vs. the USA market that vast majority came over fully loaded in "stock" colors. All warnings already noted apply to RoW, however i do same inspection due diligence no matter what their origin.
As for 4 vs 5 speed, I highly recommend you try & get the chance to drive both. For me once I tried 5 I'd never go back.

Cbwell

Hey Igooz- the 7TT feels like it was forever ago, hard to believe it was only 3-ish years ago. I agree- great car but didn't do a whole lot for me. Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'll stick to US cars- definitely more selection.

Thanks for the additional feedback musiker/ pdqcarrera. I definitely would like to get a chance to drive both, not sure if that will happen or not, though.