I've had several 964s and I love them. Here is my latest quandry:

This is a 1989 C4 with 87k miles. In 2002 it took a moderate hit to the drivers side but not too bad. The title is clear. The carfax shows that the airbag deployed. Shows how much you can trust Carfax, right? Anyway... So the owner, instead of putting the car back stock, after the accident, went with a 993 turbo steel body kit. It was well done and all the gap lines look good. Paint job was decent but the nose and hood have taken some rash since then. The car is a pretty typical early 964 aside from that. Leaks about a quarter size of oil when parked, Clutch was done in 02, runs great and the brakes are pretty new as well. No real performance mods or anything. Just a nice C4 with the 993 Turbo body and cool wheels, as well as some interior mods like white leather and carbon fiber dash kit (I could take it or leave it as far as interior goes). My question is, how do you value something like this? Is it just a '89 C4 with 87k miles? Does the wreck hurt the value, even though it isn't a "Salvage" or "Rebuilt" title or anything like that? Does the 993 kit help the value? What would you say it is worth, assuming that the mechanicals and electronics are all up to snuff? Here are a few pics. I'm going to try and buy the car today but I'm not sure how much $$$ I need to part with. Any help???

 

I would just treat it as a regular 89 964 C4 that's been hit. So I'd say $15-17K. If you really like what the PO has done to the body and interior you can offer more. However, in most cases cars with major redesigns, like the one pictured above will only be appreciated by a limited number of people and will be difficult to re-sell. That's just my subtle way of saying the guy went a bit overboard with the interior and "turbo" badging all over the place The exterior looks really nice from the pictures.

 

Very difficult to value that car. Whatever the seller tells you he spent updating the body kit etc, that is not money that increases the value of the car dollar for dollar (i.e. if the kit and install cost $8,000, the car is not worth $8,000 more than a stock 89 in similar condition). In fact, it could very well lower the value of the car, as many people (myself include) woudn't consider a car like this unless it was very much discounted.

Once you get into extensive modifications, beauty is in the eye of the beholder..you could get lucky finding a buyer who wants the upgrades and is willing to pay for them, but my guess is the majority of potential 964 buyers would not be interested in paying more money or "even money" for a highly modded 964. If you buy this car, buy it becuase it is really what you want as it is with the mods- I wouldn't recommend paying any extra for it. Sorry I am of little help giving a $ value, but just want you to hear one man's opinion before jumping in...

 

BTW, I agree about the badging. The Turbo badge will be coming off and be replaced by a simple Carrera badge. The floor mats will be replaced with Porsche embroidered mats. I do like the 993 body, though.

 

Nice wheels and wing. Interesting interior. Not impressed with the engine compartment. Looks like the K&N filter has not been cleaned and lubricated in ages or maybe it's just the photo shot. The car has lost all of its identiy and ilko is right about the Turbo emblems devaluating the car. I would either find out when the car was last aligned and corner balanced or have the buyer pay for an alignment and corner balance. This will at least assure you the car can be aligned and that the frame is not messed up from being side swiped. The owner needs to accept the fact that he will take a hit on this car. If you like it that much, it may be worth $15k, and would be a good project car to restore it to stock form while still keeping the wide body mod. Wouldn't take that much to restore it. make sure the engine is strong. That engine compartment looks rough.

 

I'd be cautious of this one - no vent kit, rear light vent missing, air filter looks like it was run over...all points to some neglect (or lack of knowledge) by the po.

The accident devalues it as does the bodykit. I don't know US pricing well but I would expect it to be considerably lower than a stock/non-salvage/pristine example.

Marc

 

That hand brake looks like its pulled up too high as well.

 

Good Catch! Obvious, now that you mention it, but it didn't occur to me before. I'll have to check that out when I drive it this afternoon!

 

run away

 

as FAST as you can!

 

and don't look back

 

I think that there is a price for every car. The 993 body kit looks to be a good fit. Many people buy the 993 just for the looks versus buying a 964. You now have the opportunity to get into a 993 for less than 964 money.

You should definitely get a ppi and and frame check. A bodyshop should be able to put it on a lift and take some quick measurements.

If you like the car and it runs strong, then make an offer.

This is a case where a lowball approach may work. Think $12-15K.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Colin

 

I had a friend of mine that bought a turbo off eBay from a guy that claimed it needed a little attention to the engine... $30,000 later he had a new engine and I guess a turbo Porsche... He could have bought one in decent condition for what he had to invest...

I would run from this one as it may be a bottomless pit... IMHO...

 

YUCK- Keep looking......

 

Oilslick...check out bic's beauty... For Sale: My Pristine 1990 964 Cab w/ only 7,000 Miles. Personally I would take the $20 k and the $20 k you will need to keep it going and buy something like this gem.