Hi all;

I have been looking for a 964 here in SoCal for some time. There is a 91 C4 Cab for sale here locally with just over 100k Miles on it. According to the owner, the car is in good shape and has had regular maintenance by him and the provious owner.

The car, however, leaks oil. He does not know from where specifically, but he has taken it to an independant P-car mechanic who has told him that to fix the issue is a $3-4 K job. He has not done the work as he knew he was going to sell and did not want to spend the money. I have seen other threads on oil leaks but am not sure how to proceed.

I am not a mechanic, so any repair would be done by a pro.

So my questions is, what are your thoughts on this? Is this a major concern or par for the course for this car? Does the repair estimate sound right? Do I run from this car? Given the overal (otherwise) good condition of the car, what would the fair value be?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

I bought a leaky 91 C2 Coupe with 80k miles on it, all original with the intention of doing upgrades and engine work to my liking. I think I bought it right considering the mileage and overall general condition of the car. In my mind and bank account I have set aside $12-15k for upgrades and other repairs.

How much does it leak, how is the condition of the car otherwise. You should have a PPI done anyways so you know what you are getting into but if you buy the car at the right value, it makes sense.

 

I think the $3-$4K estimate might be on the low side. Keep in mind that the while-you-are-there costs can quickly add up, especially when you are having a shop to perform the work. I would seriously set aside ~$10K to freshen up a 100K mile 964 correctly rather than piece by piece. If you are planning on keeping the car for a many years, then this would make sense.

 

Good luck. Once you make the decision, don't look back!

 

The "while you are there" comments and resulting costs are very valid. But even a top end rebuild should be had for maybe $5-7K. Bottom ends on these cars are pretty bullet proof and you shouldn't have to go there.

Still, all of us could probably find places to spend another $3K!

 

Mine leaks - that is how I know it has oil. When it doesn't leak, I know I am in real trouble.



Really, there are a lot of leaks that can be fixed without removing the engine. All depends on what is leaking. There are definitely some prone areas on these cars with that age and mileage. Still, it would be a good idea to get a PPI.

 

I know you don't have the car yet, but if you could get pics then we could help diagnose a little better.

A good PPI is your best friend!!

Good luck

 

++1...........p.p.i. by a good pro shop will nail down what you are up against (perhaps NOT done by the mechanic who has worked on the car)....make sure it includes leakdown.

 

As mentioned, it could be a relatively inexpensive fix. If you need to rebuild the motor, though, $5-$7K sounds extremely optimistic. Here's a thread from a few years back which you may want to read. When it comes to rebuild costs, the challenge with putting a number on it is that there isn't a consensus as to what would be included.

But for starters, get a good look at the motor. You want a car with cylinders that looks like this.


Not like this. Run if you see this.

 

gmiz,

its relatively normal for these motors to leak some oil. See if you can find out how much oil it consumes. If its going through a lot, your looking a top end rebuilt at the least.

Next comes the fun part. Since you'll already be paying a certain amount in labor to take the motor out and begin disassembly, etc (if it so happens to need a valve job). You begin to start looking at the wonderful list of "might as wells" like altarchsa mentioned.

I'm into my project, easily, about 8k or so ... it really adds up quick. But after all is said and done, the car will be solid and you should have thousands of miles of fun.

One thing to take away here, be prepared for the worst ...

 

....not sure i agree. the 964's i only looked at did not leak & mine (after 1yr ownership) still does not.

imo, key is up front understanding of what you might be facing and that means spending a few bucks on a p.p.i.

guess may be 2 views here, buy a leaky/need of top end rebuild or buy top end solid/sound. usually its better to buy "power on the hoof" rather than build & modify/rebuild

.....interesting as these cars are now 20yrs old and fitting into different views as to how to buy, they are perfect for modifications/outlaws/ratrods

 

Do you have the undertray on?

 

Great advice here as usual.

The two best bits of advice that I applied to my 964 quest were :

1. Buy the best car you can find even if you have to stretch your initial budget.

2. PPI PPI PPI PPI PPI


So far so

 

It may just be valve covers or oil sender. Both relativly inexpensive fixes that some mechanic may be trying to milk the owner for much more then its really cost.

 

If you can jump across the puddle, it ain't a leak.