nav4111

Spotted an '89 C4 with 113K miles. Red with black interior. Looks bone stock in very reasonable visible shape. Engine hood might be very slightly (5 mm) proud to the right rear panel near the bumper line. All lenses look original. clean car fax.

Dealer reports two minor oil leaks.

Would it be a deal if I could get it for 33K or less? What findings in a PPI would make this a bust?

Drained from previous P-car hunts, but still looking for value.

Thanks in advance for your advice and knowledge,
Nav4111

Bloose993TT

Need of a top end and accident/flood damage would make it a bust. Oh and if it's a Tip

JJJMCD

Major oil leaks from the barrels, since it's an '89 and so doesn't have the gaskets from the factory, would be a major issue.

C4s weren't available with tips until the 996.

onevoice

Of all the multiple places an engine will leak, the lack of head gaskets on the early cars is probably one of the most insignificant. I don't think the 3.2s or early turbos had head gaskets either. There is no pressurized oil to leak past a head gasket. There should never really be enough oil in the combustion chamber to be considered the source for a "leak". No head gaskets is a non-issue.

As to the car you are looking at, there is an endless number of things that can get expensive if they haven't been kept up. A detailed independent PPI will uncover most, then nothing beats putting eyes on it. It is truly astounding how different people's perception is, especially when one is a dealer. I have seen great cars described as merely ok by honest sellers, but vastly more often it's the other way around, i.e. Turds described as diamonds.

ALSPEAKE

Completely agree with onevoice on the the lack of head gasket issues.