thf944

Thinking about purchasing an 87 951 with 125k. Red with black leather and sport seats. Seems to be in good condition except for a few issues. A mechanic that inspected the car claims the rear main seal is leaking and that 2nd and 5th syncros are bad. How can I verify the problems? Do you see oil leaking at the bell housing? I haven't driven the car yet but plan on it before purchasing. Any other things I need to look for?

And of course the million dollar question: What's it worth?

I've owned several 944/924's over the years but this will be my first turbo if I go through with it. I can pull the tranny myself, but I'd have to have someone rebuild it for me. I'd like to know what a good ballpark figure to offer for the car.

Thanks.

Jrboulder

Offer 4500 if you really want it.

The market is soft and the car has been coming down in price over the recent weeks.

This car has the 5P trans with the trans cooler, M474 sport suspension, and full leather sport seats.

There is a supposedly good 951 tranny on Denver CL for $400.

I have personally sold 2 951 boxes to Carquip that I'm pretty sure they still have in their inventory. One is a 5P with 160k miles and the other is a 5R with an LSD with 52k miles.

Jackson

thf944

Thanks for the input. Do you know this car?

thf944

Craigslist ad:

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2818462099.html

Jrboulder

I was interested in it when it first hit the market. At that time I was looking for a really well kept 944S2 or 951. I'm not very interested in a journey to the center of the earth to get the RMS fixed.

Remember that burgundy 944 Cab that was on Craigslist over the last month?

That used to be mine but I sold it to a flipper who tried to strongarm me for some money after he realized its really hard to flip porsches. I don't know if he sold it or threw it away or what.

These days I'm disposing my disposable income through aviation rather than Porsches and I'm pretty burned out after the deal with the cab.

I have a bunch of 951 parts I really dont need if you need some stuff. Most of it's free for pickup in Boulder.

thf944

Thanks for your offer/information. I'm going to try and take a look at it soon. I'm not looking forward to all the work needed but finding a local used transmission would keep the cost down compared to rebuilding. I sold the 914 a little while ago cause I couldn't take the kids on drives with me so a 944 would be nice to have. If I end up getting it I'll get in touch with you, I'm in Firestone and wouldn't mind buying some extra parts from you.

dontnow

I would ask if he has any records on the usual stuff. If not and with the known problems I would offer what Jrboulder stated. Cosmetically it looks good from the ad.

JohnKoaWood

Just for a price point, mine had a few more miles, same options, same year, and none of the issues..

I got it for $3200 via Ebay 2.5 years ago!

thf944

I went and checked it out last night. It seems like it needs motor mounts as well. I could smell the oil after it warmed up. Shifter was pretty loose feeling. I didn't have any problems with second gear although you could feel a bit of resistance. I couldn't go fast enough for 5th since I was in a parking lot. Turbo spooled up OK. I was a lot younger/skinnier the last time I got into a car with sport seats. I'll have to work on that! It's going back up for auction today, if it doesn't sell I'll make an offer.

River

Looked at an 88 951 in October. He had it up at auction and told me they offered 4k. He refused to take it on the grounds of, "I saw what they were going for on ebay". His ad and his words were, "one owner car, well taken care of".

Took me ten seconds to know the car was gone. Friend saw the oil leak first, and I did was raise the hood. It was terrible. Everything was leaking, needed all new seals, clutch, the tranny was leaking. The works. Interior was perfect.

Told him tops, $4k. After I got home and thought about it more (and the electrical issue), really, $2k-3k. He didn't want to hear it. Told him things get spendy real quick on these.

So, be careful. The fact his CL ad says one thing, and turns out it's another should make you cautious.

Also, Even at $4500, sure good deal. After you spend the money (not time) to fix it up, you just added another $4-5k. Do it yourself? Less 1k (ballpark). It's a wash.

You're way way WAY better off saving, then finding something in the $7-9k range. With records. And a forum member or PCA'er with something you know the owner on, and can tell how things really are.