FSH vs Partial service history

[jabriel]

I'm considering buying an s2 cab.
Blue, linen interior, 1990, One owner from new. 149,000 miles. No accidents, Not been used as a track day car.

Full Porsche service history until 50k miles. Then no history available until very recently.

Apparently 3k spent recently (receipts available). Work carried out inlcuded new starter motor, new alternator, new brakes and new tyres among other things. (I haven't seen the car yet so don't know exactly what other work was carried out).

The belts need to be changed in the very near future. (I'm guessing this will cost me roughly £350 at JZ)

All the electronics relating to the hood mechanism have been fixed recently too. I can't remember if he said he has the receipt for this.

All work carried out after 50k was not by Porsche or a Porsche specialist, but a local garage. The owner has asked the garage for the missing receipts/printouts of the work they carried out. However, the garage has changed owners and the new owner hasn't kept all the previous records so the receipts are not available.

He is asking 7k for it. I think thats a little too much considering the missing history and the high mileage. Although I know these cars go on for donkeys years. (I have an S2 already - which i'm considering selling - contact me if you're interested - haven't advertised it anywhere yet.)

Going back to the matter at hand, what is the general opinion? Should I stay away from it? Would I have problems selling it a year or two down the line because of the missing history and high mileage? Will it need an engine rebuild soon? What do you think is a fair price for the car?

I'll be viewing the car on Friday so any tips as to what I should look for greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jabriel

[rubystone]

The most important service history is that which has been done in the last 5 years, especially if this includes the sort of work you'd expect on a car commensurate with its mileage. It's a real bargaining point too.

I'd sayyou have a good chance of buying the car a bit below his asking price - has he had it for sale for long?...it's a buyer's market out here and some people would be put off by the lack of full service history.

I wouldn't, but the price would need to reflect that fact.

[jabriel]

Its been on sale for a couple of weeks so far. I know the guy is going to be leaving the country in a couple of months (new job) so my bargaining position is considerably stronger than his.

What if a pre purchase inspection by JZ (of any other reputable body) comes out favourable?

[softinthehead]

in your favour, you are in an excellent bargaining position, 964 problems are a well trodden path and you are going in with your eyes open. a thorough prepurchase inspection, including a cylinder test, will tell you much of what you need to know. I presume you have a budget in mind and that it must be somewhat more than 7k if youre looking at 964s. JZ machtech are extremely good at what they do. So get it inspected and if you are happy, use the points they raise (there are bound to be some) adn the lack of service hx to get a good slice off the price. then be absolutely strict with yourself and put the money youve saved somewhere safe and quiet (just in case) and enjoy.

[rubystone]

softinthehead said:

in your favour, you are in an excellent bargaining position, 964 problems are a well trodden path and you are going in with your eyes open.

Jabriel refers to an "S2"...and goes on to state that he already has a 944. Porsche didn't produce a 964 S2, so I'm guessing he's looking at a 944 S2 Cabriolet. Am I right Jabriel? If you're talking about a 964 cab for £7k, chew his hand off!

[Buster44]

Seems a bit top heavy on price for a 944 S2 cab with high mileage and a large hole in the history. I would be trying to get the price down in order to protect yourself when it comes time to sell on, as any other subsequent purchaser will be thinking the same thing.

If you decide to proceed, I would look at a pre-purchase inspection as others have suggested.

>> Edited by Buster44 on Thursday 3rd February 10:03

[softinthehead]

yup, well spotted!! brain not in gear this morning - looks like its a 944 we are discussing. In which case I'd argue that 7K for a private sale on an S2 cab with very partial history is at best optimistic. I'd have thought ballpark figures for a dealer mint example would be 8-11K depending on the dealers cashflow, and 7-9k privately for same. both the miles and the s/h are against this one at that price. comments about inspection remain valid in the sense that 944s are also a well trodden path with known virtues and vices, and JZ can be trusted to pick up most important things. I'd worry about cams since your local garage may not realise the importance of regular balance belts attention. clutch also. and all the usual 944 foibles - starter motors, electric window motors blah blah blah. but I'd certainly be looking to beat him down on the price

[lanciachris]

My dad got a 944 s2 cab 2 years ago with fsh, fresh paint, basically as mint as a trebor extra strong mint. Cost was 8k.