4.5 sounds ok, 4 would be a great buy with all that recent maint. Be sure to take some pictures and a PPI still couldn't hurt. Good luck.

 

Car sounds pretty straight. Anything under $5000 to me is a solid buy.

 

A good maintenance hx with records is worth a lot. Really helps you to nail down issues when they arise. Also gives you something to go on when planning your routine maintenance so you don't double up on things that have already been done or neglect things that haven't.

There is an early '85 near me for $6k at a dealer that is in a lot worse shape than the one you described.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. If all goes well, I'm gonna offer him $4200 as is, without the breaks being done. I'd probably go up to $4500 if necessary. The breaks are something I can easily do myself down the line and they aren't in terrible shape to begin with. I'm going over to see it again and meet with him tomorrow night. I'll keep you posted.

 

wasn't his asking price 4k w/o brakes being done? why would u go up past what he was originally asking?

 

4k was the price I heard through his son. The actual owner of the vehicle hadn't told me 4k, but his son expected that he would want at least 4k. Sorry if I was unclear. The first time I spoke with the owner about price, he said he would ask 5k with breaks. I'm offering $4200 no breaks, i think.

 

I went over to see the car with my dad tonight. Got another drive, got a thorough look at it. I'm very impressed with the maintanence and the overall shape of the car. I think I'm gonna do it. One thing, though. I will have to drive it in the Minnesota winter occasionally. Anyone recommend ways (besides storing it) to ward off rust and salt damage? Underbody coating? Tons of washes? What can I do?

 

Agreed.

 

you think more than 4k is too much for a car in excellent shape with a very solid maintanence history, new clutch, new water pump, recent belts, nice interior, no rust?

 

Anyone saying that 4k is too much for an n/a has never seen a nice one. I got mine 2 years ago for somewhere around 3500 but was in need of a clutch immediately .. which quickly bumped it to about $5k. However, it was a well taken care of car and has not given me any trouble other than typical maintenance. Its well worth finding a nice car and spending a little more up front, and this does not only apply to Porsche's. In the long run, you will always save more money by spending the extra for a better car.
I say if its a nice one, jump on it. Just make sure it looks good all around and drives well, and then get excited for one hell of a fun car

 

$4,200 for a car is a good deal IMHO. The big ticket items are new. The owner has records. You are friends with his son, so he's not going to screw you by hiding something. If I was in your shoes I'd buy it.

 

So did you buy it yet? At least tease us with some pictures!

 

Pete I will try to take a few pictures of my TRs and post them early next week. I am going to be gone this weekend (BRIC at Road America). Remember not to let other peoples opinion on the value of a certain car make your decision for you. If you really like the car and it is going to cost you $5,000, go for it. That way you won't be kicking yourself in the a$$ later because you let it get away for a few hundred $.

 

Thanks again, guys. I've made my decision. I need to figure out some finances over the next week or so and I'll move on it shortly afterwards. He knows I want it and is just hanging onto it for me (he's in no hurry, so time is on my side). Sharky, my vivid descriptions haven't teased you into a frenzy? I promise pics eventually. Probably when I pick it up.