Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2003 18:47:30 +0100 From: Grunff <grunffnopsam.com> Subject: Re: Classic 900 prices
Mr.Flobolob wrote: > Can anybody give me some vague guides to prices of late model c900 turbos? > I'm looking around for one at the moment, and have seen them advertised up > to 6,000ukp (10k usd) or so, but Parker's reckons 2,000ukp (3,300usd) is top > whack for a good one! > > I am taking Parker's with a pinch of salt, as it's a classic and there > really aren't very many around these days in good nick, so I guess people > will pay any price (almost) if they see one they want... > > So what do people think is a fair price for a good early 90s T16? Hi Mr.Flobolob!! This is a long answer, but bear with me, I promise it'll make sense. You can pick up an early 90s 16T for £400 up - this will be a perfectly driveable car, probably with an MOT. It may well have a couple of minor niggles (electric window not working, scruffy interior, that kind of thing). But it'll be perfectly serviceable, and a good drive. Now, if you wanted to get this car to the same condition it was in when it was new (bodywork aside - that's obvious), you'd probably set about replacing the following: *ignition *all suspension bushes + shocks *all brake pads + discs *clutch (probably) *exhaust (if it doesn't need one, it will soon) *tyres *balljoints In addition, there are a few 'wear' items which may well be due for replacement if it's at around 120k miles +: *steering rack *fuel pump *radiator *heater valve If you're buying the car to keep for a while, you'd probably do these things gradually over a few years. Total cost for the parts will be a little over £1200. Labour would be many hours ;-) - but you have a 'good-as-new' C900. Alternatively, you could do this whole lot in one go. As you can appreciate, the value of a car which has had all this work done on it will be significantly more than £400. So, IMHO, what really makes a difference to the price is how much work has been done on a car. You can pick up decent, honest cars in original condition for a few hundred pounds. At the same time, I've looked at some 900s in superb condition (as described above) for around £4k - and some of them are definitely worth it. I think 6k is hard to justify, unless it's a soft top. One more thing - don't limit yourself to 90 onwards cars - there's very little difference between my 1986 16T and my 1990 16T (with the brake setup being the most notable difference). They are the same car. Good luck. -- Grunff