SMTCapeCod

From the pics, only minor nits- the paint looks good, is it original? Trim looks healthy enough that it might be. Upholstery looks a little faded but that could be the digital pics. Cracked/broken spare tire cover. SEems to be a little wavy action on the top of the driver's door card and a possible line/mark from water on driver's rear seat. All minor. Dash looks good just the small crack by corner of glove box, but can't see top of pod. Anyway, that's a good indicator of some care.

But in the end, it's bought, the decision has already been made!!!


It's really likely, given the limited travel the car has seen in terms of miles/year, that the car is good to go as a daily driver. That is easily discerned and common sense- intake refresh/fuel lines, belt, etc.

It is evident that it won't hold its value if it is DD, it is sold at/near the top of the price curve now, and with use the odometer will run up and it will accumulate rock chips, wear and tear, degradation of plated parts, etc.

I'd suggest getting a professional pre-purchase inspection with the seller at time of pickup, and then holding him very closely to the statement that everything works as it should.

auzivision

It's ebay, so it's not like he can't back out... happens all the time. Something looks whacky about the bidding... the price doubled in the last 10 minutes off only one bidder, double bidding. Looks like he outbid himself... two identical bids 5 minutes apart at the end. If 7500 is the second to next highest bid, he should have won at much closer to $7500. Looks like a bidding scam to me. Pretty much agreeing with / echoing Danglerb

RUN

edit:
On second thought, If he likes the car and is willing to pay... He could possibly negotiate with the broker and offer $8K. That could lead to a win - win and keep the car reasonably priced and justify transportation costs.

pjg

The bidding on this is looks very suspicious, ebay car auctions are non bindings, I would back out of this deal and force them to relist it.

The_Remora

There is some great advice here guys, thanks! I had totally forgotten about the 928 O.C. roadside assistance list, if he goes fwd w/ this he should definitely join asap!

LT Texan

Any bidding up of 928 prices is a-okay with me!

danglerb

Bidding looks like meeting a reserve price.

I am not OK with a broker screwing a new owner, and ebay auto auctions are not binding as the seller is free to end the auction 1 sec before bidding ends, or claim any of dozens of excuses as to why it isn't available like Mark Anderson I think Portland car. If the car hasn't been driven in two years it will very likely need a major service before regular use, let alone dependable daily driver, and that is assuming it wasn't parked for issues.

Burgundy interior .... Run away, run away ..., certainly don't fly in without having it inspected.

Jetdriver69

About the same thing happened to me. I did a buy it now price on an 82 AT in NJ. Thankfully I had a business trip that put me in very close proximity to the car before I shelled out any cash. Turns out the car was not as advertised on ebay (huge surprise, right?) The pictures on ebay were at least two years old and the car had some body damage that was not disclosed. Also, the tranny was so slippy that it couldn't even get rubber if you severely brake torqued it. I just walked away and put the cash back in the bank. Of course, I then bought another 82 5 speed, low miles, new paint, AC and many many 1000's of repairs with receipts. After a PPI, history and maintenance search and a fair purchase price, I still had to rebuild the gear box, replace the clutch and steering rack after driving it for a while. So issues can still rear their head after due diligence. I guess the moral to my story is don't trust anyone, question everything and budget twice as much as planned for repairs and upgrades. It is much better to be pleasantly surprised on your costs than be p*ssed off because someone lied or conveniently forgot to disclose something to you.

SteveG

Dangler: re Burgundy. It's his money and his opinion. He may have a paid a bit for his education here on 928s, ebay and shill bidding, but raining on his parade is rather small of you to impose your, let's call it taste on him -- IMHO.

I agree w/others about the car being as advertised and Post PI. Key here is "he can afford it"; I hope it was represented fairly and he should enjoy his new car and his entry to the Pcar experience.

h011yw00d

People never cease to amaze me...

For two years I've listened to how our cars are undervalued even though that translates into a reasonable ticket into this kickass club and a plethora of affordable used parts.

Then when someone gets every cent of what his or her car is worth we tell the buyer to show up and lowball the seller or just renege on the commitment to buy.

Just amazing...

Erik N

Car looks great. Black over Burgundy works IMO. Remember that Black over red interior on a year ago or so? HOT!

I say fly in and drive it home. Will be a great trip!

mickster

The OP asked if the $15K was worth it for this 85 S3 5-Speed. He ASKED for the opinions. I don't think this is a case of sh*tting on the OP or the car. GB put in the key statements there:
Hopefully his friend has a great experience and it's exactly as advertised. If it's the car he wants-great! If he can write the checks to pay for ownership-great!

According to Edmunds True-Market Value, my 1991S4 is worth about $3500 wholesale and $4500 retail. Having 146,000 miles was actually worth $300 more! Go figure...

snoz

Unless I'm missing something, this car isn't and S3. The price seems a little steep, but that doesn't bother me. The bidding seems pretty suspect. I'm all for 928's selling for as much as possible except for when you are possibly bidding against the seller.

spock04

I'm on my forth 928, probably paid too much for everyone of them. All have been daily drivers, totally reliable and loved every mile (half a million) You like the car, buy it!

Flint Ironstag

Update?

jcorenman

NADA price guide says 15,200 for high retail, Hagerty says 16,000 (as of April '13) for condition-2 ("excellent", local-concours level), 5-speed (-20% for auto). So the $15K is not unreasonable for a car that truly is in excellent condition.

That said, there are some oddities here: The bidding is fishy for sure (might be worth a query to eBay), also the lack of any engine pictures, but also no pictures that include the the driver's seat bolsters (a common wear point).

My suggestion would be to get some local eyeballs on it, then maybe post-PI combined with basic service (engine oil at least, and check TB tension) then-- if that all checks out-- drive it home and be happy.