Hi All,

Today I tagged along with my wife to visit one of her customers for a photo shoot. The first thing I noticed as we pulled up was a nice midnight blue 964 C4 cab. Once we started talking, they said they had just listed it for sale.

It is a 93 C4 cab with 43k miles on it. They are asking $38k for it. It looks to be in great condition, but because of the nature of the visit I didn't take the time give it a thorough looking over.

So far all of my research has been concentrated on the 3.2 Carreras so I'm not sure if their asking price is anywhere near fair.

What types of things should I be verifying on a 93 C4? Are there any pitfalls with these cars I should be aware of? I know the earlier 964s had some "issues" that people have talked about? I think most of these had been worked out by '93.

Their asking price is beyond what I am looking to spend on a car, but I think because of the connection with my wife, they may be willing to move a bit on the price.

I looked on ebay, autotrader, and rennlist to see if I could get an idea of what people are asking for these, but it doesn't seem like there are many '93s for sale.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the long post.

Thanks,
David

 

Oh, I almost forgot. I noticed the rear window was kind of foggy. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it wasn't very clear at all. Is this normal? Will it clean up? If not, how difficult is it to be replaced?

Thanks again,
David
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

David:

$38k seems a bit steep for this current economy. The mileage is low, but not super low. But, a C4 Cab is kinda rare and late 964's (92 - 94) are hard to find. They just didn't build that many. I would think low to mid $30,000's would be a fair price if the car is mint.

But, Bruce Anderson gives the following values for a 1993 C4 Cab in the February issue of 'excellence'.

Poor: $36,056
Excellent: $46,225

I would not pay over $40k for a 964 unless it was a very special model that was perfect.

Keep in mind that early 964's (1989 - 1991) can bring as little as $20k or less for junk and mid to upper $20k's for nice cars. I would expect a late model 964 to bring slightly more and the C4 drivetrain and Cabriolet also adds more value.

$38,000 could buy a decent, higher mileage 1995 993 coupe too...

The engine leaking problem was supposedly addressed by Porsche by this point. The car may need a distributor vent kit and distributor belt replacement, but these items are not too major.

I believe there are some polishes available that can sometimes get the cloudiness out of plastic rear windows. Hopefully a cab owner can help more.

Good Luck!
Jay
90 964

 

Great work, Jay! I completely agree with everything you wrote. The point about the economy is especially astute.

 

For a '93 with low miles, that price is VERY reasonable (at least it would be in the DC area). C4s command a higher price than C2s, and Cabs command an even higher price. Take into account the relatively low miles, and I'd have to say the price is very reasonable.

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

993 prices have been sliding -- $38k will buy you a nice 1995 993 coupe with comparable miles (i.e., 40k-50k), not just a high mileage car. There were several available in this price range recently in the Washington Post classifieds (private parties, not dealers). Something to keep in mind.

 

A 93 C2 Coupe with that mileage would run about $30K. 4WD is worth at most $2K; cab top another $3K. IMO, $35K would be a fair price; not a great deal but definitely not a rip off.

To get a better sense of market prices in your area, check the classifieds of local and surrounding papers. Also check your local PCA web site classifieds. Do NOT use edmunds or KBB b/c their market values are out of touch with Porsche values.

 

I think the price in general is fine....I made an offer of $33,000 by phone to our local dealer on a '93 964 C4 Targa with 30,000 miles....one local owner, BLK/Cash.

It was sold before I got there for $36,500 or more.....Not many '93 964s out there....Local dealer has a '92 Cab. C4 with 60,000 miles and is asking $39,000 which means $36,000 or so....

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

After sitting on this for a little bit, I think the car just isn't for me.

I originally fell in love with the styling of the 3.2 Carreras and I have been leaning towards a coupe for quite some time. If I settle for anything else, I think I will probably be kicking myself.

I think I will continue to hit the papers and the web in my hunt for my baby.

Thanks again for all of your input. <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

David

 

Oh, you can't be serious, David?! Look at the lines of the 964 cab! So sleek, so sexy. IMHO, it's the ultimate evolution of the cab silhouette. And you won't have those extra rubber pieces to keep from fading and cracking. Just one terrific smile.

We need good people like you, David, in the 964 family. Someone who appreciates tradition yet with an eye to the future. C'mon, what's it going to take? Shall I call the buyer and really low-ball him? You don't know what you're missing!

 

I knew I would get some jabs for that one in a 964 group. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

If you wouldn't mind giving her a call and talking her down to $20-25K, I would say it is the most beautiful car in the world and never look back!!! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

Seriously though, given the fact they are asking $38K, how low do you think one could go without offending the seller?

 

In regards to how low of a price you could offer before offending the seller depends on your market. It looks like in Bill's market in DC, $36,000 would be pushing it.

In my market (midwest), offering $32-34k would not be pushing it too much.

 

I think buying a car is similar to buying a house in that the longer it stays on the market, the less offended people are by low offers. I recommend you wait it out.

Since you seem to be slightly on the fence, David, I think you can afford to let this seller test the market. Alternatively, if this was absolutely the car you've been searching for, then I'd have to agree with Jay's numbers and encourage you to go for it.

 

Joey, I think you have a great point. I think I will sit this one out for a while. In the meantime, I hope to find something that I just can't wait to unload my $$$ on. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Once again, thanks for everybody's input.

David