Hi Everyone,

Need some help with expert/objective advice on the value of this car. I’m potentially going to purchase from a best friend, so it’s important to have outside opinions.
1985 Turbo, 5sp, approx. 150k miles.

Story: Car was purchased from ebay in 2005 by my friend – the seller was a liar who represented the car to be in great shape with no rust. Upon initial inspection this was found to not be the case, but it was impossible to reverse the transaction at that time. I drove the car approximately 300 miles home – and it ran/drove well, except for some difficulty engaging 1st gear from a stop.

Car has basically sat – without maintenance – since that time. I moved it to my property in 2010, kept it dry, put a little por15 on the worst rust spots and have started it every six months or so.

Now: Am considering restoration and would like to buy from friend – need to determine actual value of car so that we can discuss terms.

The Good:

Drivetrain:
The engine is a bit of a mystery – the seller claimed to have rebuilt the motor less that 5k before purchase. Despite the fact that he was a liar, I would say this is accurate and he probably did a good job – the motor runs well (even after a few years of neglect) and appears to have even compression and make good power. One concern: this seller said he left the water lines “unhooked” from the turbo so that it would just be air cooled (I suspect this is flawed logic and a bad idea). Transmission, driveshaft and rear all appear in good condition (the original problem of not being able to get the car in gear has not reappeared).

Concerns:

So – what’s it worth? – need a baseline to start this discussion! What would you pay? What could it sell for if well marketed?


Front View


Rear View


Around the Windshield


Pass Side Door/Inside


Driver Side Rear


More Driver Side Rear


Passenger Underside


Passenger Underside


Driver Underside


Driver Underside Front

 

$2K would be high end in my opinion. That puppy needs a lot of work. Only way I'd buy it if I had my hands on one with a good body and swap things out. $500 to 1000 you might want to take on a major project.

 

I would buy it for $350-500 and part it out. Not worth over 1k imo. Unless u want some money to restore it, its not worth it.

 

If you part it out Ill buy the climate control cover, the Black trim piece above the radio, black buttons too

 

i say part it out completely but save the turbo side exhaust manifold, ecu, turbo, and all turbo parts.. etc, then find a n/a model with alot less rust which would be like 2000$, then just do a n/a2t swap.. with the higher compression on the n/a ull have a quick little sleeper