How much is my classic Porsche worth?

Question

I was wondering what my 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera is worth?

It has a 3.2 liter, 6 cyl engine. 60k miles. "Good" condition (paint, interior & mechanics). The car is primarily driven on the weekends (kept covered inside a garage in Virginia).

I'm just not sure whether I want to keep it long-term or not. Its nearly paid off, but insurance, maintenance and parking costs have me weighing my options.

Also, should I expect the value to escalate once it becomes an antique (25 yrs old)? Should I get antique plates and antque insurance in that case?

Pictures:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc268/jimmypitt66/07.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc268/jimmypitt66/01.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc268/jimmypitt66/06.jpg

by the way...I truly love this car. not many people get to buy their dream car at age 23...but eventually I'm sure I will have more important things to spend my money on...like a house. :)
thanks for the input.

Answer 1

The 3.2L Carreras are good cars, and alot of fun as well. The DME fuel management was an improvement from the 911SC. The 1985 Carrera had a few minor improvements from the 1984 Model Year (when it was introduced), but lacked the AC redesign that came in 1986, and the change to the G50 Transmission in 1987. As a generalization, the 1987-89 models are considered the most desirable (though perosnally, I quite like the earlier 915 transmission; which is also quite a bit lighter).

In terms of value, these cars can run from a low of $15k, upto the mid-upper $20k range. Coupes tend to be the most desirable. If the engine performs well in compression and leak down tests, there is no visable rust, and things are in generally good condition, you should be in the upper half of that range.

In terms of color, Guards Red is not especially desirable (as far as I know few people that actively seek it out as their favorite color)... but it is also not a color that most find objectionable (may not top the list, but it is a liked color). If the paint is in good condition (and original), this will probably help the overall value.

The milage is probably a plus for someone that wants to use this as a show car. However, for a car that is to be driven, the low milage would be more of a warning sign. The older 911s were made to be driven, and simply sitting that much likely means there are many parts that have not been properly lubricated by running, and will be prone to failure once they come under regular use. Overall though, people less familar with older Porsches will look at the milage as a plus, and it should only affect the value in a positive way.

As for future value? The 3.2 Carrera is the last of the impact bumper era, and in many ways the last of the "classic" 911 (with the 964 bringing in things like power steering, coil overs replacing the torsion bars, etc); as such there has been an increasing interest in these cars. They represent some of the best qualities of the 911 to that time, and some of the best performance for a basic street version of a 911. However, as the 1980s was a period of high sales for Porsche, there are ALOT of these cars still out there. As such, it's unlikely they will ever be highly sought after by collectors (rarer items like the Club Sport option excepted).

Further, the fact that the newer model Porches (986 and 996 in particular) have seen such rapid devaluation compared to the earlier cars, will probably keep cars like a mid-80s 911 from appreciating much, if at all. On the plus side, as some of these newer cars have already started to sell for less than the older cars, the older cars can be considered at, or at least close to the bottom of their devaluation.

If you love the car, keep it an enjoy it! They are fun cars (and most that sell them spend many years after wishing they hadn't). But if you are looking at it as an investment, you would be better off looking at a much older 911.

Answer 2

1985 Porsche 911

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How much is my classic Porsche worth?
I was wondering what my 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera is worth?

It has a 3.2 liter, 6 cyl engine. 60k miles. "Good" condition (paint, interior & mechanics). The car is primarily driven on the weekends (kept covered inside a garage in Virginia).

I'm just not sure whether I want to...

Answer 4

It doesn't look too shabby, but to truly get an idea of it's value, you need a professional evaluator. Look in Hemmings Motor News for the name, number, address and/or email of one close to you. That's the only way to really find out what ANY vehicle is worth.

As for your questions about "antique" vehicles: again, check with the professional evaluator; he or she will be able to determine if it is worth the trouble to get "Collector" or "Antique" plates for it in three years or more. Good luck!

Answer 5

My father sold his '87 911 carrera with 55k miles for $23k with a new tranny and clutch in 2002. I'd say list it at $22k if you haven't gotten it serviced. If you have gotten all the work done, try $23k-$24k.. It is a beautiful car by the way :]

Answer 6

Well from what I know the 1985 model 911 Carrera - holds value pretty well :

18,000.00 - 25,000.00 - - - the lower is worse case.

Answer 7

In real auction dollars, your looking at 15k.
I'm a used car dealer.

Answer 8

Classics are only worth what you can get for them.

Answer 9

uhhmm its old sell it I'll pay you $5 for it and still wont be able to pay the insurance on it!! lol dont buy cars you cant pay for in $$$

Answer 10

how about a new boxster it wud beat that any day man