WP0DD

All,

Wanted a 993 my whole life. Had 997, then a 996 TT, and now I'm finally going for my "dream car" - a 993 C2 (to be fair, a C4S is my dream car, but it's not a smart buy for me right now).

I found a local car with the following particulars. What would you pay? With the mileage where it is, it's extremely hard to find comparable sales, even in the sales thread. And that thread doesn't get into enough detail about what work was necessary before and after, or what a PPI said.

- 1996 C2 Coupe - manual, Polar Silver over Chestnut (shows as dark red)
- 155,000 miles (!)
- But, engine rebuilt in 2001 at 122k - new clutch then, too
- Dealership PPI (not the seller) says car is generally good. No leaks, no carbon buildup - minor issues include driver window switch, bulb in tach, other small things (total $1,000)
- Dealer PPI also says engine rebuild still looks fresh and very professional
- Needs tires yesterday ($1,200+)
- Exterior is rough. Rock chips, wheel scrapes, and many dents, all paintless, but still
- Interior is great - only flaw is a tear in the passenger seat
- Clean Carfax

I just want a 993 I can ride hard for about 10k miles a year. Thus, I don't much mind the rough exterior. But with few comps, I'm lost on price.

Any ideas where I should be?

Mark in Baltimore

Who did the rebuild and was it top end only work or did the bottom let go? Is there a receipt?

I'd say mid twenties on the low side and high twenties on the upper end. Further details can alter that guesstimate.

WP0DD

The work was performed by a local independent, although during the PPI the dealer mechanic guessed it had been done by another dealer. Top-end only, and he said "they did it right." Yes, there is a receipt for that and the clutch. Seller claims to have all receipts, though I stupidly haven't looked at them yet.

Keep in mind, while the rebuild was only 30k miles ago, it was 11 years ago! I guess mileage more than age is a concern for these cars, though.

NC TRACKRAT

Can't fault you for wanting a 993 but, after a 997 and a 996TT, I just can't imagine you wanting a car this rough. You don't say where you or the car is located but, in this digital age we live in, find it hard to believe that you can't get a feel for what it's worth. Trying to be objective here w/o being a wise-azz: From your description, it would seem that the car has already been "rode hard and put away wet". If I were in the market (which I'm not), $12,500-$15,000. Too many nice ones out there with less issues in the low-to mid $20's.

Academictech

I saw that car in a dealer ad. Nice color combination. IIRC it was priced in the Low 20's....$15-20K would be nice but doubtful a car like that will go for anything less than $20K. Prices on decent NB cars, even the high mileage ones did not seem to come down at all this season. Don't be afraid of the high mileage if all of the work was done correctly and they have maintenance records.

WP0DD

I appreciate the reply, and I'm very interested if you can point me to a car that's in the low- to mid-$20s with a good top-end rebuild and a good or new clutch. I don't care much about body - I plan to only drive this by myself, on roads I love, with no one around to watch me and laugh at the dents as I go by. Plus, I don't have a garage - so I don't want anything pristine, as it would just become less pristine. Why not buy a less-pristine one to begin?

Falcondrivr

I've never seen any 993 in running condition that could be bought for $12-15K.
You can part it out and get more than that.

I'd say mid $20Ks

TRINITONY

+993

12 - 15k and running, please send one my way.

20 - 23,995...

nine9six

Unless you are actually "in" the market for a 993, coming up with current and real price ranges varies significantly by location and time of year.
Nice 993's in the low to mid $20's are VERY FEW and FAR BETWEEN. In the example you quote, my opinion is a $18'ish, to low $20's car. depending largely upon the results of a PPI from a trusted, independent specialist.

Mark in Baltimore

John H sold his iris blue 993 for around $16K back in 2006, IIRC. Pretty close to $15K.

NC TRACKRAT

Yeah, I'm a hard sell. With a high mileage car, brakes, suspension, exhaust , electrical gremlins, etc. add up quickly and, all of a sudden, you're in $5k more than you expected. I'm just trying to save you some money now because I think you'll spend it later.

NP993

Wasn't this car the subject of a thread here a few weeks ago? Exterior is really beaten up, scratched, dented, etc?

BTW - four tires do not cost $1,200. Not even close.

pirahna

$22-25k

pirahna

Depends on the brand, model and size.

Cemoto

It is a nice color combination, and the rebuild and clutch are an added value.

Tough call as to yea or nay.

If you buy it it would be good to have 6K ready to throw at it if needed.

But this begs to ask the question: At what point does a car become beyond throwing money at? 125K, 150K 175K? What are the delineating factors? Coachwork? Interior? Mechanicals?

That would vary from individual to individual, and their gut instinct.

I think sizing up the former owner would be a good call, see if he seemed the type to care for it, or just had it fixed then beat the daylights out of it. The damage may indicate this was a daily driver which can be hard on the systems if used for just short trips.

I'd say 22.5K tops, and that would be w/ the paintless dent removal completed and the seat repaired.

Regards

.