Category: Porsche

Porsches For Sale Right Now That Look Like Good Value: 911SC and Boxster

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I featured a couple of BMW‘s models that are worth keeping an eye on for good value, but how about some Porsches.

Porsche 911SC

Ask any air cooled 911 owner what the best value in the range is, and 9 times out of 10, they’ll tell you to consider the Porsche 911SC from 78-83. Visually, it’s nearly identical to the later Carrera which commands quite a bit more cash, yet still retains a modern-classic look with body details that dates back to 74. And it’s no slouch with around 180hp. I’ve had the pleasure of driving my good friend Paul’s 1980 911sc on numerous occasions.

Here are a couple I spotted surfing Craigslist that caught my eye.

1980 Porsche 911sc Sweet Condition. Red Rocket! – $18900 (Boise, 85k miles)

1979 Porsche 911sc – $16500 (Eugene, 97k miles)

Early Porsche Boxster

Watch the reviews and it’s obvious the Boxster is a classic already. With prices well under $20k for well equipped models, they’re a serious consideration if you’re in the market for a sporty drop top.

2000 Porsche Boxster with only 46k miles – $16500 (Seattle)

1999 Porsche Boxster – $17000 (Beaverton, Oregon, 38k miles)

I had started a Porsche Boxster S FAQ at my old blog, but it’s still worth referencing for any early Boxster purchase. My buddy Paul tells me working on these cars is a PITA, but damn, it’s hard not deny the appeal and versatility of these cars.

As with any car I’d seriously consider buying, I’d do a Pre-Purchase Inspection and CarFax history report to begin the background check. But for under $20k you have your choice of either a classic 911 or a modern-classic Boxster to fulfill the Porsche fantasy.

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Two Classic Porsche 944’s For Sale: One for $8k and one for $80k

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We’ll start with dessert first, a 1983 Porsche 944 modified by Callaway Turbo Systems. The ad states it’s one of 20 examples ever made. At $80k listed, I have no idea if this is a good deal or pipe dream, but it sure is cool!

quote from seller’s CL ad:

This Porsche is one of only 20 ever built. 5 of these Porches are at the Porche museum in Stutgart, Germany. This vehicle has had a complete inspection, new brakes and rotors, multiple mechanical upgrades on 7/28/08. It is extremely fast and street legal, but could be raced under historic ranking since it has a full rollbar. All gauges work. I have performance specifications from Callaway Turbo Systems if desired. Best offer will be considered.

Like the look but a little outside your budget? Check out this mint 1984 Porsche 944 with 38k miles!

quote from CraigsList ad:

1984 Porsche 944.
38,200 miles. 5-speed. All stock and original except stereo.
PS, A/C, power windows & mirrors. Everything is in perfect working order. Clean carfax.
Rare dark “Kopenhagen” blue exterior. Immaculate black leather interior.
Newer tires, shocks, and struts. All manuals and complete maintenance records. Synthetics used regularly.
Timing and counter-rotating shaft belts replaced.
The car drives tight and strong.
$7,500.

In addition to being a very affordable and low miles Porsche, this looks like a nice investment opportunity as well. Excellence Magazine’s 944 Market Update in the April 08 issues indicates that an excellent condition 1984 Porsche 944 is worth $8k. In addition, the rare color and low miles would probably qualify for their additional 10% consideration, making this car look like good value at full asking. Their past analysis indicates the car was worth a low of $5k in 2005 and has been steadily increasing since.

Hmmm, Spokane is only three and half hours away…

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1988 Porsche Strosek 911 Turbo

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This car is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who grew up in the Miami Vice era reading VW & Porsche will know what makes this car a standout. This auction recently ended with no sale at $20k, and a buy-it-now of $48k.

1988 Porsche Strosek 911 Turbo For Sale on eBayMotors

quote from seller’s eBay listing:

This great Turbo sets itself apart from all of the others due to it’s Strosek body kit, white gauge faces and Racing Dynamics wheels. A very striking look indeed!!

This car isn’t perfect, but this combination of original Strosek and Racing Dynamics aftermarket pieces are difficult to source today. $50k seems pretty high for a car with 60k miles, pitted bodywork, and stained interior. But this car could really serve as a childhood fantasy car project to rebuild or enjoy.

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Very Low Miles 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo on eBay

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What a great looking, totally original, and super low miles car! This example has only 27k miles and did not sell at $17k:

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo For Sale by owner on eBay

Quote from sellers auction:

The color of this Porsche is a Titamium Metallic with black leather interior. The photos show it to have a bronze tint to it, but it doesn’t. As you can see it is in Excellent condition. I just had all the services done to it and completely gone through. Everything works. The AC blows hard and cold. The paint Excellent with just a few stone chips in the front. No accidents not even a door ding. I have the books and keys. Please give me a call if you have any questions.

I love the color combo of dark gray on black leather. And that leather looks brand new, even on the steering wheel. But if it didn’t sell for $17k, how much more is it worth? Leave a comment with your opinion.

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Porsche 944 Turbo Resources: Your Guide to 951 Information on the Web

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The Porsche 944 Turbo, known internally at Porsche and amongst enthusiasts as the 951, is a performance bargain. Stunning examples can be had for the same kind of money as a well looked after BMW e36 M3’s. But suddenly I’m seeing prices lower than I’ve seen the past few years. Naturally it’s re-sparked my interest.

I have been a fan of the design and potential of the 944 series since high school. Stunning looks and genuinely German details combine with a perfectly balanced platform, 200+ hp, and final performance numbers that nearly rivaled even the mighty 911 Turbo of it’s day. Someone remind me again why I haven’t owned one of these?

For starters, they’re not exactly plentiful with only about 15,000 examples sold in the U.S. (though this could be good for U.S. investors willing to export as only 10,000 more were sold worldwide.) Couple that with the generous aftermarket offerings and the amazing potential for these cars to easily exceed 300whp with bolt on upgrades, and you may be hard pressed to find a well cared for example in the neighborhood. The easy numbers and low entry price have resulted in many cars falling into the hands of owners who weren’t prepared for the total price of ownership. And the market reflects it with a range of asking prices going as low as $6000ish for well used examples with high miles, to beyond $15k for low mileage and even more rare ‘S’ models with 247hp, upgraded suspension and other rarities standard. But somewhere in between lies a serious performance, racing pedigree’d, prestige bargain.

For what it’s worth, Excellence has updated values for the 944 Turbo in their April 2008 issue: 1986 models range from $7892 for a so-so car, to $12k for an excellent car. The last model year, 1989, as $11k – $16.9k.

Online Resources for Researching the 944 Turbo

Enthusiast Sites:

  • The 944 FAQ – A current and very comprehensive FAQ for the Porsche 924/944/968 series.
  • The Water Cooler – An enthusiast created one-stop-shop for everything 924/944/968.
  • Bill Underwood’s 944 World – A great enthusiast site with personal ownership experiences, buying guides, 944 FAQ, and even more links.

Other sites:

Porsche 944 Turbo Aftermarket Vendors

  • Lindsey Racing – Manufacturing proven and surprisingly affordable aftermarket products for the 944 Turbo and other Porsche models. They have a 270whp kit for under $1500!

Online Communities Supporting 944 Turbo Enthusiasts

  • Pelican Parts – This link should be listed in all the link categories shown here really. But I’m listing them here because not just because Pelican considered the best, but because of the community that has grown up with them as a result of their long standing online presence.
  • 944online.com Forums
  • Roadfly’s 944 Forum

Porsche 944 Turbo’s For Sale Right Now

In the cheap but has potential category, this 944 Turbo out of San Diego for $7200:

Porsche 944 Turbo White For Sale CaliforniaPorsche 944 Turbo Interior with Momo Steering WheelPorsche 944 Turbo Interior with BBS Rims

This car deserves a look due to it’s recent maintenance and spendy upgraded rim combination. If most everything else checks out with a few thousand required to make it right, could be a very good buy.

The next car has more reasonable mileage for an enthusiast who is looking for what appears to be a well looked after example:

Black 1986 944 Turbo on Autotrader for $13.5k:

If you’re new to the 944 Turbo, I hope this post was helpful. If you’re 951 experienced, please leave your comments below on how I could improve this post and your story with the car. And if you have a 944 Turbo for sale within a half day of zip code 97330, I’d love to examine your car in person for feature in it’s own post with a DSLR photos, interview and short video. Email me for details.

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