Looking to buy 911

[rminc]

Hi all,

I was in the market for 911 a few years ago, but ended up coming across a NSX which I couldn't pass up on. I've since sold this and am back in the market for a 911. 

I'm looking at either an SC or a 3.2. 

The criteria that is non negotiable for me is a coupe that doesn't require much work if anything, very straight, matching numbers and Australian delivered.

I've started monitoring the market again over the last few months and values look to be a bit up and down compared to last time around. Anywhere from $80-$130k. That being said, I've noticed the higher end of that bracket has been selling for significantly lower than advertised and the ones that maintain the asking price aren't moving. I was close to biting the bullet on an 85' model a month ago, but they won't budge from $110k which I think is a bitch ritch at the moment. I could be wrong though, but the car is still for sale.. 

Can anyone offer some feedback on valuations for both models.

 

[Proud Member]

I’m also looking for a good sc or 3.2 coupe although my search is more recent than yours. I’m inclined to feel 110k would be ok for a really tidy 1985 car that needs no work but others may disagree. 
Have you driven these cars? They may seem ponderous and agricultural compared to the nsx. 

[JonoF]

Hey mate, I have a Guards Red 82SC Aussie coupe for sale currently. Listed it for $69,999 On Wednesday. Happy to chat if you are interested. Cheers Jono

[michel]

20 hours ago, rminc said:

Hi all,

I was in the market for 911 a few years ago, but ended up coming across a NSX which I couldn't pass up on. I've since sold this and am back in the market for a 911. 

I'm looking at either an SC or a 3.2. 

The criteria that is non negotiable for me is a coupe that doesn't require much work if anything, very straight, matching numbers and Australian delivered.

I've started monitoring the market again over the last few months and values look to be a bit up and down compared to last time around. Anywhere from $80-$130k. That being said, I've noticed the higher end of that bracket has been selling for significantly lower than advertised and the ones that maintain the asking price aren't moving. I was close to biting the bullet on an 85' model a month ago, but they won't budge from $110k which I think is a bitch ritch at the moment. I could be wrong though, but the car is still for sale.. 

Can anyone offer some feedback on valuations for both models.

 

•  

What’s good/bad about the ‘85 @ 110 ?

odd ball colour scheme - big tick 

solid history - big tick 

Old spice and leather smells ? Hmm

engine and  box Almost leak free and zippy ?

suspension steering recently botoxed?

shame you didn’t use the NSX as trade bait 

[LeeM]

27 minutes ago, michel said:

Old spice and leather smells ? Hmm 

  If it was Brut33 and the smell of warm vinyl, it'd sell in a heartbeat!

(I bet those two gems just took a few of you back to the 70's 😁)

[Dalai]

Where is the 85 advertised? Checked Carsales but none at that price.

[rminc]

1 hour ago, michel said:

What’s good/bad about the ‘85 @ 110 ?

odd ball colour scheme - big tick 

solid history - big tick 

Old spice and leather smells ? Hmm

engine and  box Almost leak free and zippy ?

suspension steering recently botoxed?

shame you didn’t use the NSX as trade bait 

Market has definitely slowed and in my opinion I think it will only get worse. NSX are selling for 20k less than what I sold mine in November (manual ones that is).

Anything over $100k tends to sit on carsales for months. Majority of the movement seems to be happening at around $85k on average for decent models from what I can see. That being said, this is my observation and I've started this thread to get some feedback from others. 

Personally I wouldn't pay over $100k for either an SC or a 3.2, unless there was a recent rebuilt and the body and paint were in great condition, because you'd have to price it in. 

I almost took the plunge on an aussie delivered slate blue 85' model a few years ago, which had 180,000kms, a recent rebuild and a fresh respray at $98k, but the NSX came up at a price I couldn't refuse. I'm kind of using that as a price point when looking now too, but again it's been a while since I've looked, so some feedback would be good. 

47 minutes ago, Dalai said:

Where is the 85 advertised? Checked Carsales but none at that price.

I've had about 6 offered to me in the last week, of which 1 is advertised online. I think there's alot of off market sellers at the moment. Was the same last time I was looking. If you're interested I can ask to pass on details. Just send me a pm. 

[Dalai]

Thanks @rminc. Was just keen to add value to the conversation by checking the car in question. But as I own an  84 Australian delivered coupe was also interested in seeing what's out there to follow values. 

[luzzo]

This '85 looks neat.

Not sure if it fully meets your criteria, as I can't tell if it's Aus delivered. Just states 'special order'. Clearly has a few mods, and done some track club days as seller states, but he also has original interior & steering. 

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/porsche-911-1985/sse-ad-6614105/?utm_campaign=interest-alert&utm_source=notification-centre&utm_medium=browser-push-notification

Re: Prices in general, It will be interesting times ahead. I think any of the models that had a dramatic price escalation over the last 5/6 years will be most likely to come under pressure if/when the longer term effects of this year are felt. 

[Peter M]

1 hour ago, luzzo said:

This '85 looks neat.

If you look a bit closer I'd say it's tends more towards tatty than neat. Insufficient photos and little detail doesn't help the seller's cause.

Suggest the condition of the engine and gearbox will be the main determinant of if its a good buy, to stay away or negotiate harder.

[rminc]

38 minutes ago, Peter M said:

If you look a bit closer I'd say it's tends more towards tatty than neat. Insufficient photos and little detail doesn't help the seller's cause.

Suggest the condition of the engine and gearbox will be the main determinant of if its a good buy, to stay away or negotiate harder.

The body needs work. It's priced OK. I didn't bother checking it mechanically. Would rather wait for one that's a bit cleaner.

When things go bad with the economy, the first thing people tend to offload are their toys. Working in the property industry, I see so many people leveraged up to their eyeballs, which is a recipe for disaster. I'd really like to get into a 911, but am a bit sceptical considering. I think we will see more of the repercussions from all this come September.

I think 911s are a like the housing market at the moment, which at best will hold current values, but even that's optimistic. Just my 2c anyway. 

[luzzo]

7 hours ago, Peter M said:

more towards tatty than neat.

Fair enough.  

I understand this car is 35 years old, travelled 216,000 kms & has been set up for trackdays, so my expectations were low.  Agreed, there are not enough good pics (or info) to make any proper judgement.

Was just suggesting another one to check out, but seems like the OP already has.

Good luck with you search @rminc. 

[Nikos]

My personal preference from my limited experience, is to pay a little extra for a really good example that ticks all your boxes. I'd rather pay $10-$15K up front for a good original example, rather than buying something cheaper that needs some work. I'm not mechanically inclined so bought the best example I could find for my budget. Given the current environment, I'd expect prices may have come off slightly, but I'd also expect the better original examples would hold their value better than most. If it's a long term hold, paying a little extra now, shouldn't really be an issue down the track.

Good Luck, it's a prick looking as much as it is selling I'd imagine. I'd also mention as other have previously, you're buying the seller as much as the car.  

[rminc]

18 hours ago, Nikos said:

My personal preference from my limited experience, is to pay a little extra for a really good example that ticks all your boxes. I'd rather pay $10-$15K up front for a good original example, rather than buying something cheaper that needs some work. I'm not mechanically inclined so bought the best example I could find for my budget. Given the current environment, I'd expect prices may have come off slightly, but I'd also expect the better original examples would hold their value better than most. If it's a long term hold, paying a little extra now, shouldn't really be an issue down the track.

Good Luck, it's a prick looking as much as it is selling I'd imagine. I'd also mention as other have previously, you're buying the seller as much as the car.  

Ye definately. I'd prefer something with minimal work required. 

Back to my original question. In the current market what kind of price would you be expected to pay for something like the following:

Aussie delivered, good paint and body, recently rebuilt and fully documented history. Either an SC or a 3.2?

[wilson59]

12 minutes ago, rminc said:

Ye definately. I'd prefer something with minimal work required. 

Back to my original question. In the current market what kind of price would you be expected to pay for something like the following:

Aussie delivered, good paint and body, recently rebuilt and fully documented history. Either an SC or a 3.2?

That sort of car $110,000 plus . The best car on the market is the HK car at Richmonds for low 90's 

[hugh]

12 minutes ago, rminc said:

Aussie delivered, good paint and body, recently rebuilt and fully documented history. Either an SC or a 3.2?

70 - 120k. 

3.2 is quite a different car to an SC. Factors like colour, interior options, who built the engine (not all rebuilds/mechanical history are equal) will play a considerable factor to what the car is worth. 

You can spend 10-20k in a heartbeat on these cars so worth keeping that in perspective when it comes to the purchase price vs condition/history. 

[cafe_racer]

1 hour ago, rminc said:

Ye definately. I'd prefer something with minimal work required. 

Back to my original question. In the current market what kind of price would you be expected to pay for something like the following:

Aussie delivered, good paint and body, recently rebuilt and fully documented history. Either an SC or a 3.2?

To answer your question for a 3.2 coupe, aus delivery, original books and in good condition requiring minimal work - $110k.  You can get cheaper however expect to pay $10-20k to get it where it needs to be.

 

Now if price is your main issue look at an import, many will argue the premium you pay for aust del is not great value.  Some people put more value on original books and aust del than others.

 

I purchased a 3.2 for $100k and spent about $25k on it to get it where I wanted, new carpets, seats restored, suspension upgraded etc...

[Nikos]

Agree with all of the above comments. $110K-$125K for a good Aussie Del, Numbers Matching Original car. That's for a 3.2 Coupe. I got mine almost 1yr ago in that range and haven't spent a cent since. 84 Model, Ex Duttons car with only 184,000km's. Was originally looking at the $80-$90K range, but they all seemed to have issues. which needed tidying to make it how I wanted. Sent some photos off to Shannons and they were happy to insure it for an agreed value of $140K. Get a PPI done by a reputable Porsche specialist so they know what to look for. Maybe in the current market these values may have come down 10-15%????

[wilson59]

This one looks nice . Love the colour combo 

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1981-Porsche-911-SC-Manual/SSE-AD-6661617?pageSource=details&id=SSE-AD-6661617

[bear924]

Agree. Like that blue!

[550Spyder]

I particularly agree with Hugh and Nikos comments above.

If PFA has taught me anything it is:

1.   You are buying the seller as much as the car.

2.   Buy the best car you can afford, as you end up spending way more in the long run to get a scruffy one up to a high standard if you are that way inclined.

3. G series cars seem to be able to hide high KM far better than any other brand. They can still be tight and playful even well over 200,000km.

 

Without wanting to start a PFA riot (and absolutely no offence to anyone), any discussion around “worth” on SC / 3.2 cars is pretty difficult. They are like a pretty cool artist who used to sell his paintings for $2,000 and then became really popular and they start selling for $5,000. Will they stay at $5,000 and when they drop to $4,000 does that make them “good buying”  and good value?

Discussions on car value are pretty easy in a traditional start high then depreciate to low scenario. It is a pretty rare phenomonem for a car to be going up in value.

80% of these cars are “toys” rather than daily drivers. If you can afford to take a $120k punt on a toy then do it, they are fabulous fun cars full of charm and character and arguably a thing of beauty. If you can’t afford to have the “value” readjust itself to $70k then don’t buy one (ack. It could also go to $200k) as we are heading into uncharted waters in terms of the economy.

 

[LeeM]

 The bloke selling the car also has a mint Turbo. He's a regular member on Classic Porsche Australia Facebook page 

[Lucky Phil]

3 hours ago, wilson59 said:

This one looks nice . Love the colour combo 

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1981-Porsche-911-SC-Manual/SSE-AD-6661617?pageSource=details&id=SSE-AD-6661617

This is a beauty.  One of the best I have seen for sale.  I wish I was in the market for an SC at the moment.  $125K a bit steep and the engine could have been cleaned up a bit but if it is as good as it looks and the history is as described then well worth the price or a good spot to negotiate from.  Love it.

[550Spyder]

Far be it for me to spend RMINCs money or to tell him what he should or shouldn’t like.....but

i would be tempted to have a good look at that black 1996 Porsche 993 that has just appeared in VIC. If it is as it is represented (if) it ticks a lot of boxes from RMINCs original list

- Australian delivered, with FSH

- straight

- matching numbers

- air cooled car with all the  intimate driving experience

- pretty low km and good service history

 

 

RMICs original budget was $80k-$130k, Sellers asking price is $150k, a strike price at $140k where everyone is equally miserable  ?

having owned and loved both a 3.2 g series and a 964, I think the 993 option has a lot going for it:

- that amazing air cooled soundtrack 

- seventies inspired dash / gauges meets a little nineties interior bling and leather from a cow

- bulletproof Hans Megzer engine, tons more torque than 3.2

- six speed

- a driving experience that blends genuine excitement with a big dollop of civilised manners

- looks old school but drives modern

- airbag, decent A/C, ABS, serious brakes, decent sound system

 

for my money the 993 would be worth a look to see if it is as represented. I am not knocking 3.2s, I did 600km of hard driving on the weekend in one and came home exhilarated but exhausted.

 

 

[Proud Member]

1 hour ago, 550Spyder said:

Far be it for me to spend RMINCs money or to tell him what he should or shouldn’t like.....but

i would be tempted to have a good look at that black 1996 Porsche 993 that has just appeared in VIC. If it is as it is represented (if) it ticks a lot of boxes from RMINCs original list

- Australian delivered, with FSH

- straight

- matching numbers

- air cooled car with all the  intimate driving experience

- pretty low km and good service history

 

 

RMICs original budget was $80k-$130k, Sellers asking price is $150k, a strike price at $140k where everyone is equally miserable  ?

having owned and loved both a 3.2 g series and a 964, I think the 993 option has a lot going for it:

- that amazing air cooled soundtrack 

- seventies inspired dash / gauges meets a little nineties interior bling and leather from a cow

- bulletproof Hans Megzer engine, tons more torque than 3.2

- six speed

- a driving experience that blends genuine excitement with a big dollop of civilised manners

- looks old school but drives modern

- airbag, decent A/C, ABS, serious brakes, decent sound system

 

for my money the 993 would be worth a look to see if it is as represented. I am not knocking 3.2s, I did 600km of hard driving on the weekend in one and came home exhilarated but exhausted.

 

 

I can see logic in that. I’ve had similar thoughts. Also, if the market turns to shit in a hand basket a good manual 993 will always attract a keen following. 

But I still want a sc or 3.2.