914 Market Values - Low, High, Mid-range market?, What is the market for 914s in the $7,500 to $14,500 Range? Options

[stevegm]

I see a lot of 914-4s for sale in the $3,500 to $5,500 range. I am talking about complete cars with moderate (sometimes more) rust, and that are nice candidates for restoration. And I see cars in the range of $15,000 and above. Often these have already been restored. I am wondering about the market for 914s in the $7,500 - $14,500 range. Opinions?

While the lower and upper markets make sense. I am surprised there aren't more in that mid-range market. Cars that are fairly original and don't need full restoration (but, are not pristine). Or cars that have had a light restoration. I would expect these cars to fall in that mid range. But, I don't see many for sale.

My theory as to why there is a lack of a mid-market (if there is indeed such a lack) is that these cars (914s) are typically purchased with cash (no loan). And the type of buyer that has $7,500 to $14,500 in cash available to spend on such a car, probably can afford the nicer car in the upper market as well ($15,000 and greater), and simply chooses that upper range car.

If this is true, I wonder where that leaves the market for cars in the mid-range ($7,500 to $14,500). Is there a liquid market where they can be sold in a reasonably time-frame?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[saigon71]

I think the lack of a mid-market indicates a lack of mid-market 914's available. It's getting harder to find a complete & unmolested "rust free barn find." Generally speaking, I think you get a project, or pay $$$$$ for a completed car.

My car is a restored driver. Mostly stock 2.0 D-Jet. My insurance company increased the total loss coverage to $14K at my request. Appraiser is coming tomorrow.

Very interesting topic.

[stevegm]

I think the lack of a mid-market indicates a lack of mid-market 914's available. It's getting harder to find a complete & unmolested "rust free barn find." Generally speaking, I think you get a project, or pay $$$$$ for a completed car.

My car is a restored driver. Mostly stock 2.0 D-Jet. My insurance company increased the total loss coverage to $14K at my request. Appraiser is coming tomorrow.

Very interesting topic.

I hope you are right - lack of supply holding the mid-market down. I am contemplating doing a lighter restoration on a car I have and selling it in this mid-market. My concern about your theory is that, if it is true, we would expect to see an exploding upper-range market (with a lot of demand, since (under the theory) the mid-range cars are not available). While I understand that the values of 914s in general are perhaps going up (although we could all argue as to the speed of this rise in prices), I am not sure I see a tremendous amount of increased demand in the upper range. At least not enough to greatly impact the mid and lower markets.

And that may be the real issue that ultimately drives things with respect to the value of 914s. We need the upper-range market to increase. Demand I mean. Classic car prices increase based on a "pull" theory of supply and demand. As the upper-market cars increase in value (because people buy more of them), they become more difficult for people to find. Therefore, the mid-range car prices get pulled up too, as people come down (from the upper market), into that mid-market to find cars. I am just not sure that the increase in demand for high-end 914s has reached a point to pull the mid-range market demand up yet. But, I could easily be wrong; I often find that I am. :-)