wrightbenz

Last night I looked at an 89 Turbo with 80k miles that I am considering but I have some questions. The car is in good shape but has been negleted so it will need some work which is why I am here. I have owned two NA,s but no turbos so I am a little in the dark.
First the car isn't making much boost so there is some problem there. Feels about the same as my NA. I am sure this could be many things but what would be the most likely.
I couldn't drive the car far due to it running very hot. Looks like it is leaking coolant near the water pump so I am thinking it may just need a pump to solve that problem and of course new t belts seals and such.

Value. Like I said the car has some potential but I'm not sure what it's worth. Has a dent in the front header panel and a crack in the bumper cover. Both will need to be replaced, other than that the body looks very straight. It is a light blue color.
No records on the car but is basically a one owner as the guy who has it now has only had it for a few months and he has no wrench skills so he has no idea or money for the repairs.
So I guess what I am asking is what is the I can't pass it up price??

fbgh2o

Sounds like a "stay away" car. As many have said here before, you get what you pay for and its better to spend more and get a well-maintained car with records. I bought a well-maintained car with records last year and have still put $5K+ into it to deal with all the little issues that need addressing after 22 years.

2bridges

$2650

wrightbenz

Are you serious $2650. 00 for an 89 I thought they where sought after because they have all of the S options.

jerome951

The mechanical fixes could be easy or very costly (even if you do your own wrenching).
I'd stay away unless you can get it for a song (i.e. under $4k).

BTW, even if the above items don't cost much to fix, you'll still dump a couple $k the first year on routine maintenance (since records are absent) and you'll find lots of little things that need attention as you drive it more.

wrightbenz

I think I can get it for just over 4K and I do all of my own work. It's a tough call It's the fact that it's an 89 that had me interested but maybe I should pass.

2bridges

If you want a project, don't need to rely on it for transportation, and are a decent wrench, (or looking to seriously develop skills) then maybe this is the right car for you.

For 90% this is a car to run from. This car sounds like a total basket case. You are likely only aware of half the issues this car has. Parts are stupid $$ and you will spend a lot of time waiting for parts to arrive.

These cars when neglected will crush all your hopes and dreams. Takes a fat checkbook and mega TLC to bring them back

DrZ1

+1

So well said.

lart951

But what I would do if I was you is take apart the 89 and with the profit you should be able to buy a better car.

2bridges

Don't listen to this joker, he does not know anything about parting these cars

wrightbenz

here are some pics

lart951

part it that's easy 12k in parts there.

wrightbenz

Where does the 12k come from? I know the LSD is worth a few bucks but 12k is a lot of money.

blown 944

Personally I like the fixer uppers. If you have some skills around 4k would be a decent price IMO.

If you are looking to Mod it or even just drive it anyway you will replace a lot of parts that may have been neglected ie; clutch, belts etc..

The coolant leak could be as simple as the small hose to the heater core rail. The boost could be many things that can be easily determined on here.

Personally I would look at he wiring and make sure it isn't hacked and or brittle and then try to get a reasonable determination of the engines internal health via warm oil pressure and leakdown testing.

You never know you could end up with a decent car with a few fixes. It will be a heck of a lot of fun

2bridges

check for mice...... stored as it is mice may have gottne to wiring. I hate mice!