Yep.
Would rather get one that was well maintained.
This one while appears to be in great shape visually will end up needing lots of work.
All rubber components are likely degraded and or dry rotted.
Tires
Subframe bushings
Suspension bushings
Ball joint control arm boots
Steering rack bellows
All new brakes and rubber lines
Motor mounts
Trans mounts
All rubber lines / hoses
Accessory Belts
Timing belt
Door seals
Hood and trunk stops
Ect...
This thing was stored in Arizona heat and low humidity.
Rubber does not magically stay in showroom condition just because it was stored.
It degrades the same as any vehicle.
The electrical system on the other hand is probably in great condition.
As well as no rust anywhere.
So it at least has that going for it.
Thing is though, on your average MK3 up for sale, even some nice ones, they're going to have the following just as dry-rotted and worn out. Likely far worse than a stored car, I'd wager:
Subframe bushings
Suspension bushings
Ball joint boots
steering rack bellows (except the rack wont be brand new, it'll have 1xx,xxx miles on it)
brake lines
Motor mounts
Trans mounts
All rubber lines/hoses
Door Seals
Hood and trunk stops
Of the total mk3 used market I think an incredible slim percentage (<1%) would have the list above in better shape than a stored car. I've owned 4 Mk3s. By far the best condition chassis was the one 88 turbo that sat for 9 years before I got it. New tires, new battery, some gaskets, a few hoses and it was excellent. The door seals were far nicer than any other car I've owned. The mirror corners actually sealed worth a damn. The rear hatch sealed well and the latch was so satisfying. The door windows were still tight. All the others cars were complete and ok, just worn from usage. My current 91 has 170k miles and was pretty well kept, but everything is just... old. I'd pay $5k right now to magically have the "newness" of that 88 turbo barnfind chassis over my current 91 car now.
Sadly, the buyer for that 88 turbo was a kid that wanted something fast. He scared me a little on the test drive pushing the car a little too hard. He had the cash so I made the sale. A month or so later, he asked how to fix what sounded a lot like rod knock. I imagine he blew the freshly rebuilt motor in no time flat doing donuts and burnouts. I just hope he sold it before he wrapped it around a pole...
