Sox Fan

Hi: Considering buying my first Porsche. Most likely will buy an SC or a 3.2 but keeping an open mind about whatever else may pop up in the local market.

There is a 1982 930 Turbo "gray market" car with 86,000 miles listed locally. A few questions if anyone has som input to share:

1. Are there any concerns with buying a gray markey car? My understanding is it was purchased in Germany and brought over here somehow. I would only buy if they have a clear title but not sure if there may be other things to consider.

2. Is this high mileage for a turbo?

3. Asking price is $32,000. Sounds about right to me but I am new to this.

4. It has chrome Fuchs - were these stock in 1982?

Any and all thoughts appreciated.

theiceman

you might want to try the 930 forum or 911 turbo forum. They may be more familiar with options and pricing.

GTgears

That is definitely NOT high mileage and assuming the condition matches the mileage, the price is in the right realm. Pictures go a long way to helping us determine the value of a car.

Peter Zimmermann

We, here in CA, used to say that a sweet gray market 911 was worth approximately half of what a similar condition USA car was worth. 90K miles says two things to me; (1) lot's of deferred maintenance, or (2) everything that breaks during the car's first 100K miles has already broken, and been fixed.

The fall edition of Sports Car Market magazine's price guide places a value range of $30K - $38K for '78-85 930s. The price range is based on condition #2 cars, which basically means decent driver. SCM calls for a 35% deduction for gray market cars, and a 50% deduction for gray market models without DOT/EPA certification documents. So, take the asking price, and subtract...

Yes, I know that SCM's price guide is just a starting point, and there are exceptions to rules. But they have something not many have, a huge database of actual sales. Be very, very careful with this car.

This car will be all about its service/repair records. And finding an expert Turbo guy who can perform a complete PPI on the car. Look for my PPI outline near the top of this page.

Sox Fan

Thanks for all the respones. Here is a link to the ad for the car:


http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/ctd/3375787390.html

Reiver

I'm not a Turbo guy and barely (as in new) 911 guy. I'd contact the sellers and ask whatever questions you have...what was done to import the car, what regs does it meet, not meet. Euro spec means it doesn't conform to 'some' States emissions regs unless it has been modified...however, some states (here in Az) do not require 'collector cars' to be emission tested so it depends upon the state.
I wasn't aware the Euro Turbo had a 3.2 in that year...I thought it was a 3.0 but am not certain...someone will chime in.
I'd still have a solid PPI done no matter what...they shouldn't bat an eye at that request.

Amber Gramps

The massive intercooler makes me think it could be a hot rod.

creaturecat

looks nice.
shouldn't have chrome wheels.

zedcat

Looking at the photos the 2 things that caught my eye- looks like some damage to the headliner- leaking sunroof? And the intercooler, maybe indicates other engine mods?

Shannon123

It simply cannot be mentioned enough....PPI. Even though you will get a PPI, see if they have recent compression or leakdown numbers.

However, you REALLY need to put this on the Turbo 911 thread, those guys can be heartless (in a good way) when it comes to looking at these cars and the questions to get answers to.

A solid PPI will tell you things that may be punishing your pocket book sooner than later.

I am personally a big fan of the Gray market cars.

User 4221

The addition of the 1.5 Bar boost gauge in the clock location, along with the big intercooler tells me that turbo work has been done.

If done correctly and the car not abused, then this could be a big bonus. Receipts/records go a long way to add comfort on a purchase like this.

Can you find the previous owner?

Amber Gramps

The fuchs look polished to me, not chromed. ...and the aftermarket exhaust also screams things have been done to the engine. Better look closely.

GTgears

According to the pictures, the car is properly federalized and completely US legal. In this day and age where 930's are consistently climbing in value, I personally think "grey market" has no impact on price and condition is everything. 10 years ago it mattered. Today, it is just another 930. Review the reciepts, get an independent PPI outside of the broker who is selling the car, and go from there.

Sox Fan

Thanks for the feedback folks. I would definitely get a PPI if I were to make an offer. Also would prefer a stock car so thanks for the heads up on the possible mods.

Peter Zimmermann

Correct on all counts. I'm positive this car would not enjoy a smooth transition into CA, regardless of a sticker on the door. Other states might be different, but this car has obviously been modified and I would be greatly surprised if it could pass smog in any state. Another question, if you want to tender an offer on the car, is to ask your insurance agent/broker if they will write the car, and if there are VIN-based value limits for a gray market car.