What's it worth?

[noneil]

Hi all,

I've been wanting to get into 944 ownership for some time now, and decided to go and have a look at one today for the first time. I know it's not advisable to buy the first one you see - but what if it's the right one . . . ?

Basically I'd just like people's opinion on what they think the car is worth from my description. It's an x reg in light blue metallic. The chap ahd plenty of paperwork, receipts, etc - he'h had it for ten years. It was out of MOT, but the previous MOT (Jan 09) had no advisories, and the seller will take it through another MOT before the sale is completed (which is nice). 170k on the clock.

The bodywork was ok. There were areas of surface rust at the bottom of wheel arches, on the inside and underneath, nothinh huge though; and there was a small amount of bubbling by one of the headlamps. There were also some stone chips and scratches - the bonnet was also a very slightly different shade of blue. I couldn't see anything that indicated a problem with the chassis. A lot of the rubber seals were crakcing too.

The interior was a bit tired. White carpets were well and truly soiled in the back and in the boot area, and both seats had splits along one of the bolsters.

The engine seemed good, pulled away well, and the gear changes seemed pretty smooth. No unusual noises from anywhere. A little bit of old oil around the bottom of the engine bay, but nothing you wouldn't expect from a car of this age - there weren't any pools on the floor where the car had been standing.

I can't think of anything else - any sugegstions as to what I should offer please let me know!

Cheers,

Neil

 

[Alexw]

A link to the add would help - a picture paints a thousand words. Did you mean "x" reg? That would make it a very early car.

I can't help on the valuation thoug, its pretty much worth what you'd pay for it. Prices are damn low at the moment.

 

[noneil]

Sorry about that!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1982-PORSCHE-944-BLUE-SAME-OWNER-10-YRS-NO-RESERVE-/130387409343?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e5bb1f9bf

I'm sorely tempted . . .

 

[DivineE]

I wouldn't pay any more than £1000 for it given the description you provide and if I were you I'd go out with a budget of £2000 and save yourself a lot of money. There are always things you don't find when you look around a car no matter how well you know your stuff. They are all getting old now but given the picture you build with the bits you did notice, I would be VERY surprised if buying a £2000 lux from a better source didn't turn out cheaper to keep on the road over a 12month time line and the difference is the better cared for car would be a much more pleasant experience because with a cheap car there will be thousands upon thousands in maintenance work built up which needs doing but isn't essential to keep the car on the road so you end up putting up with the faults.

All that said and even after 28+ years I still think you'd be hard pushed to find an example you couldn't keep on the road for the price of a 10 year old mondeo. They are fantastically well made cars its just about making the experience of owning your first 944 as pleasant as possible and I'm not sure this is your best bet!

 

[noneil]

Thanks for your advice. The auction's ended now, and the car sold for £1,070 - not to me though. Having looked at some of the others on Ebay it seems a little expensive, and if I was given the option to buy it for £1000 (with a full MOT) then I think I'd still be interested.

For now I'll just keep my eyes peeled - and if anyone's selling a 2.5 lux (not in white or red) then let me know!

Cheers,

Neil

 

[Northern924]

Prices have bottomed out with 944's right now, seem to be follow the trend the '24 went through a few years ago. In the current state they got a good price for such an early car.

I picked up mine a couple of weeks ago after 5 years of 924's, its an 88 that I only paid £700 for with no wheels, BUT by the time its back on the road I suspect it'll have cost me around £1200 and thats doing all the work myself expect for the welding as mine always looks like pidgeon s***.
If you can stretch to 1500/1700 would get a newer very servicable car.

 

[noneil]

I could probably stretch to £1500 if the car was right. Mechanically I'm happy to do the work (and I'd probably prefer to buy a car that needs a little work over something that s completely mint). My only worry is about anyhting that involves welding - I don't have a lot of welding experience (or a welder), I'm sure it would end up looking more like elephant's s*** than pigeon's.

I guess I need to go and look at some more, there don't seem to be many listed in the midlands though?

 

[Northern924]

I have to say that must be a first about the Midlands [] Normally they're nearly all around there, been a lot in the SW lately.

 

[JM1962]

Neil

Have a look at some of the other threads on corrosion.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=548883

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=546668

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=547434

When you are looking at a car pay particular attention to the sills, take a torch and look inside the vent on the B pillar and look underneath at the rear suspension mounts. If these areas are bad it could mean mot failure and the end of the car as cost to repair will often exceed value. I wouldn't buy a car without mot unless you know for certain what is required to get one, ie its failed and you've got the failure sheet.

Beware of cars that have had recent paint and also cars with plastic cill extensions which can be used to hide a multitude of sins.

If your handy with a spanner, most other things can be sorted relatively cheaply with parts from ebay, although its best to avoid smoking engines and whining gearboxes.

I would have a look at a few before you take the plunge and be patient, eventually you will find a good oval dash lux for £1500 or less.