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Is this a good deal?

 
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Lemon77  



Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Location: Albuquerque, NM

PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2023 5:53 am    Post subject: Is this a good deal? Reply with quote

Hello!

I have the opportunity to purchase a non-running rally yellow 1977 924 na. I spotted it in a backyard, and I left a note. It’s known issues are:

- Gunk in the fuel tank- tank will have to be dropped for cleaning
- Hot start issue
- Fuel line/ filter clogging problem (most likely related to nasty tank)
- Needs front passenger side quarter panel and door replaced due to parking lot mishap (he has these parts)
- Air pump
- Everything else that a 924 that has been sitting under a tarp for a decade needs, including timing belt, water pump, fuel lines, brakes, tires, etc.

I am no stranger to how overcomplicated and annoying these cars can be, I am rebuilding an equally dilapidated Porsche 914 at the moment. Because of this, I am not discouraged by jobs that are seen as terrible, such as replacing the clutch or dropping the transmission to access the fuel tank. I am eager to learn, and not scared of jumping in deep on jobs.

But, I have a problem. The owner said that he wanted $1500 for it, which was stated AFTER he told me he was considering donating it to PBS. I politely told him that I thought his price was too high, and he said that he would consider something between $1000 and $1500.

Am I right for thinking this is still overpriced? Or am I missing out on a good deal? I think nostalgia and his attachment to the car is upping the price- but he still seemed eager to let it go.

I personally can’t stop thinking about this car. I’m in love with the very rare color, and the idea of getting it back on the road, and I think it would be a perfect addition to my garage next to my light blue 914.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

[img]https://imgur.com/DW2LF6e[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/OMWzyKF[/img]

[img]https://imgur.com/TuWYwRW[/img]
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chuck21401  



Joined: 20 Feb 2005
Posts: 606
Location: Annapolis, MD

PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Imgur is great for hosting but you have to use the "BBCode" format for them to show up here.

Reposting pics to save folks some clicks.







I wouldn't want to talk you out of buying something you want. Couple of thoughts.

Try not to fall in love with the first car you find. Early 924s are not that common so you might need to expand your search radius. I live in MD and bought a car in NC and had it shipped...I paid around $350 (though that was 4 years ago).

From what I understand, the early early 924s - as in the 1977 model - have some unique parts. On top of that, they did not have the same rust proofing as the later cars. Then again the climate for cars in NM is favorable so maybe not a concern. Certainly check for rust anyway.

Inexpensive Porsches get expensive quick. It's cheaper to buy a $4K 924 that doesn't need much than to buy a non-running/poor running 924 that needs everything. If you are going through a dilapidated 914 then you know what you might be getting into. With that said $1500 seems high to me.

I was looking at this one online the other day....couldn't get my act together quick enough. $3K but I think would have been an easy project...owner became frustrated with CIS and attempted carb conversion.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/571465451861722

(posting screen cap since the listing will likely die soon)


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Mclaren924  



Joined: 13 Oct 2021
Posts: 263
Location: Oceanside CA

PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh buddy run away! I bought a running driving auto that had 7/10 interior with a new CA cat, new alternator, and new starter with a perfect body just faded paint for 2000$. This is a 500$ car at best mate and even then you could prob do better with $500. Coming from a young kid who's overpaid on 924's because he just had to have them. Chuck is right, keep your eyes peeled and be on the lookout, as all the older guys would say here. "there's no such thing as a cheap Porsche"
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MikeJinCO  



Joined: 08 Jun 2010
Posts: 1245
Location: Maysville, Colorado

PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've sent you a PM
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Lemon77  



Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Location: Albuquerque, NM

PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2023 1:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mclaren924 wrote:
Oh buddy run away! I bought a running driving auto that had 7/10 interior with a new CA cat, new alternator, and new starter with a perfect body just faded paint for 2000$. This is a 500$ car at best mate and even then you could prob do better with $500. Coming from a young kid who's overpaid on 924's because he just had to have them. Chuck is right, keep your eyes peeled and be on the lookout, as all the older guys would say here. "there's no such thing as a cheap Porsche"


Okay, I’m glad I’m not the only one that thought that I was looking at a $500 car. I’ve seen many running 924s in the $3000 range, so I thought his price was excessive. The color is honestly what made me really interested in it. I wasn’t in the market for a 924, or even a second project car in general, but this one just caught my eye. Thank you so much for the advice!
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Lemon77  



Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Location: Albuquerque, NM

PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2023 2:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

chuck21401 wrote:
Imgur is great for hosting but you have to use the "BBCode" format for them to show up here.

Reposting pics to save folks some clicks.







I wouldn't want to talk you out of buying something you want. Couple of thoughts.

Try not to fall in love with the first car you find. Early 924s are not that common so you might need to expand your search radius. I live in MD and bought a car in NC and had it shipped...I paid around $350 (though that was 4 years ago).

From what I understand, the early early 924s - as in the 1977 model - have some unique parts. On top of that, they did not have the same rust proofing as the later cars. Then again the climate for cars in NM is favorable so maybe not a concern. Certainly check for rust anyway.

Inexpensive Porsches get expensive quick. It's cheaper to buy a $4K 924 that doesn't need much than to buy a non-running/poor running 924 that needs everything. If you are going through a dilapidated 914 then you know what you might be getting into. With that said $1500 seems high to me.

I was looking at this one online the other day....couldn't get my act together quick enough. $3K but I think would have been an easy project...owner became frustrated with CIS and attempted carb conversion.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/571465451861722

(posting screen cap since the listing will likely die soon)



Yeah, I’m well initiated in the costs of parts for these cars- I just spent $1400 on 911 front struts, brakes, and a set of 5 lug Fuchs for my 914, and that was considered a steal. I checked throughly for rust, and there was none.

I think I was honestly attached to the color of the car more than anything, as I had never seen a rally yellow 924. Most of the cars you see are brown, gold, silver, black, or occasionally red. I’m glad that I’m not crazy for thinking his price was just way too high!

Thank you for the advice and the help with the photos!
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Beartooth  



Joined: 05 Apr 2022
Posts: 314
Location: Roberts, MT

PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2023 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I paid $750 for a (rarer, more powerful) 931 in similar condition. It is a bear (no pun) getting one of these going again after sitting that long. With all the work I've done, I'm probably into mine for more than I could get out without even accounting for my labor. On this one, I'd say if it were a later car (less parts issues, 5-speed, 110 vs 90 HP?) and at least a completely straight body, I could see paying just over $1000. It really is a case of negligible value though: the one kept up doesn't bring nearly as much as what it'd take to bring one back from the brink, even if you get the fixer-upper for free. That said, that car looks worth saving to my eye...
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safe  



Joined: 18 Mar 2017
Posts: 698
Location: Sweden

PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2023 5:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

chuck21401 wrote:

Try not to fall in love with the first car you find.



I'm sort of in the other corner on this.
Buy the car you fall in love with, then it will be worth your investment. Your heart has to be in it.

Because you will probably not be making money on fixing it. Buying a good runner is more money and finding one you like as much defiantly harder.

The yellow looks good on the car!
If you are in a dry area, and stored on a hard surface like it looks like, rust is probably not an issue. In a field under a tarp would be a lot different...
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Lemon77  



Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Location: Albuquerque, NM

PostPosted: Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

safe wrote:
chuck21401 wrote:

Try not to fall in love with the first car you find.



I'm sort of in the other corner on this.
Buy the car you fall in love with, then it will be worth your investment. Your heart has to be in it.

Because you will probably not be making money on fixing it. Buying a good runner is more money and finding one you like as much defiantly harder.

The yellow looks good on the car!
If you are in a dry area, and stored on a hard surface like it looks like, rust is probably not an issue. In a field under a tarp would be a lot different...


It’s interesting to see another side of this! I went this direction with my 914- there are many others out there in better shape, but it was such a good deal I couldn’t pass it up, and now I'm determined to get it back on the road even though it has some serious mechanical and rust issues. Because of this prior knowledge, I searched all the common areas on the 924 and I couldn’t find any rust. Sadly, this wasn’t such a good deal.

I agree that yellow looks lovely on this car, and it’s a shame that it’s such an uncommon factory color!

Thank you so much for the input!
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Lemon77  



Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Location: Albuquerque, NM

PostPosted: Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Beartooth wrote:
I paid $750 for a (rarer, more powerful) 931 in similar condition. It is a bear (no pun) getting one of these going again after sitting that long. With all the work I've done, I'm probably into mine for more than I could get out without even accounting for my labor. On this one, I'd say if it were a later car (less parts issues, 5-speed, 110 vs 90 HP?) and at least a completely straight body, I could see paying just over $1000. It really is a case of negligible value though: the one kept up doesn't bring nearly as much as what it'd take to bring one back from the brink, even if you get the fixer-upper for free. That said, that car looks worth saving to my eye...


I agree with you that this one is worth saving, and it’s so hard to let it go. I wish I could convince him that it’s not worth what he wants for it, but it would be wasted time I think. I’m glad you agree with me that this is a terrible deal!

Thanks for the advice!
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Beartooth  



Joined: 05 Apr 2022
Posts: 314
Location: Roberts, MT

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 1:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lemon77 wrote:


I agree with you that this one is worth saving, and it’s so hard to let it go. I wish I could convince him that it’s not worth what he wants for it, but it would be wasted time I think. I’m glad you agree with me that this is a terrible deal!

Thanks for the advice!


You're welcome! That said, I think safe has a good point: sometimes it pays to go with your gut. That said, it can be hard to tell if you just want one (a 924 in this case) or if there's something about this particular one. I'm not sure of your experience level, but it's really hard to judge how you're going to handle a major project until you've taken one on. I enjoy the trials and tribulations of giving some love to a neglected derelict, and my 931 is my third major project, so I've got that to judge by. That said, it's pushed me in other ways: I'm working on finishing out my house, but decided to prioritize building a shop because I see how much time inadequate workspace adds to most projects, and I can't convince myself to just put those aside. I've been tempted by a couple more minor project cars recently, but shied away because they weren't a screaming deal, and I didn't want to take a chance. It's also more of a challenge when you have to dig into something big and realize you're not going to be able to drive the car for six months or more - that's where some people drop out (and I'm not criticizing; different people are better with different projects). Ultimately, it's hard to give sound advice in cases like this: it's easy when you're steering someone who's been watching Wheeler Dealers or such and got the bug away from something badly overpriced or far beyond their skills, but sometimes people do get steered away from a project they're in love with because they get a chorus of "I wouldn't bother" or "that's a $500 car" replies.
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Glemon  



Joined: 05 Jan 2016
Posts: 267
Location: Lincoln, NE

PostPosted: Thu Sep 07, 2023 2:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I like the color too, but looks like a "needs everything car" if sitting too long (looks like it) fuel system may need a thorough going through, I am guessing interior is pretty roached, then you have bodywork. Though a few years ago, when I bought my 924 for $1000, its main need was bodywork, the interior and mechanics were decent, but still needed some minor improvements and weeks. In the scheme of things $750 vs. $1500 isn't that much, the bigger difference is you should be able to find a car with fewer budget and time sucking needs at this price point. That said if digging deep into projects is your thing...you can certainly have your wildest dreams fulfilled with this car.
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