What is a reasonable price for a '97 C4S w/20k miles, in near mint cond. ?
 

I have a beat on one but would like to get an idea from those around here with a good sense of value what is a fair price for this car?

I don't have all the details, but presuming near mint condition, 20k miles, silver color with black interior, and also presuming all proper service documentation and no major repairs.

Right around $50,000 if it's clean and never hit...

never hit as in no accidents i take it. what about little scuffs and dings, how should that affect the price? a few K down...

Ok, but now I'm more confused. Am I out of line going to this guy and saying, look, the market suggests $50k for this car (presuming the car has everything).

I really doubt you can get it for $50k.(if you can, that would be a sweet deal) Does a dealer, or individual have it? How much are they asking? If it has a clean ppi and is as you described, expect to pay around $55-$60 from and individual and much more from highline dealers

If the scuffs and dings are beyond what can be remedied by a good detailing and a couple of hours with a paintless dent guy, then, IMO, it would detract significantly. If a front end respray detracts from value, certainly a car that is all original--but really needs a front end respray--would take a similar hit to value.

A car can only be pristine, unmolested, original, etc, etc, once. And that seems to be what the irrational 993 market values most.

it's an individual, and they're asking $66k. just not sure that a ten year old car for that much makes sense to me. i am not disputing the collectibility factor, but for me it will be a frequent driver. and when you consider potential repair costs down the road, it just doesn't add up. $50k sounds much more reasonable.

also, how long are these 993 prices going to last? is there a chance that in a year i won't be able to recoup most of that investment if I decide to sell it? or are these values here to stay?

If you pay top dollar for it, there's more than a chance. The spread is so wide and variable on these cars. Best way to make sure you can get a price selling it that you're happy with? Pay less now. As was recently posted on the $15k 993 thread: "Something well bought is half sold" -Gus Levy

Oh, yeah, and make sure you don't drive it.

Hopefully this will give you a barometer of what you should spend... I just purchased this 96 C4S for $48,000 with 51,000 miles (4545 miles per year average)... One owner, never hit and beautiful condition in and out... Those that went on the Drive & Dine yesterday had a chance to see this car.... Here's a picture:

Here is my 2 cents - it depends! What area of the country are you in - prices tend to higher in Cali and less in the mid west. What color silver? Is it heavy with options? How bad do you want it? Then there is the argument about low millage vehicles and the seals and other lubricated parts not having been exercised enough. What are your intension regarding the car - are you going to drive it 1000 miles a year or 10000? If you are going to drive it a lot then pass on this one and get one for less $$$ and more miles - there are good out there with 60 -80 k miles and they are just getting broken in at that point. Having said all that - I think the realistic price would be in the low 50's. Good luck!

$60-66k seems way high to me. But maybe thats because you could get a TT with higher mileage for not that much more- er, I think. Have they gone up as well?

I bot my C4S earlier in the year with 36k miles (stock with new clutch and PPI) and 7.5/10 paint for sub $40k.

Mouse -

Here are a couple of thoughts:

As has been suggested above, I think $50K for a 20K mile C4S in near mint condition is unrealistic. You are probably closer to mid 50's'ish. Slight dents and dings, assuming they can be repaired by a paint-less repair guy, would probably just effect the price by the cost of the repair--at that mileage, dents and dings start to matter, although at higher mileages, they come with the territory.

If you are looking to drive this car daily, I don't think it is worth paying a premium for a lower mileage car. Lower mileage cars are more about the collectibility, rather than the utility. If you were really going to collect a C4S, then you might want to find an even lower mileage car.

Therefore, you might want to consider buying a well-maintained higher mileage car in the 40K+ mileage range. These engines have very long lives, some around here are deep in to the 100K mile range. If you got a car in the 40K+ mileage category, you won't pay so much of a premium (other than the 'S' premium), you wouldn't feel guilty about driving it, and you would have more money left over for mods, upgrades, or maintenance.

Good luck in your search, however.

I remember one or two 97 C2S from Rennlist members recently selling for the mid $40s. Locally in NJ, a 98 C2S (Silver/black) with 40K miles sold privately for $43. I had seen it one hour AFTER it was sold. (timing is everything). Seller was motivated to sell. It was a 9 out of 10. It seems that a C2S (and C4S) with 20K miles would command $50 to $55K. Add a few grand for an unmotivated seller who is playing with himself.

Mark

Yeah it is the one in CT, actually now that I check it's not silver on black, it's black on black, I think.

Anyway, 12 months is a long time, but if it's not his DD (and it's clearly not), what does he care. That car has only kept it's value well so I guess he's in for the long haul.

I do plan on putting ~12k miles on it, so I guess I should look for a car that is more broken in.

If the seller is asking $66k, keep shopping.