rlich8

Hello Friends.

I have been a regular lurker here, even after the sale of my 928S (which Danie5691 now owns).

I have desire to own another 928. Maybe now, maybe not just yet.

In the mean time, what do you guys think of this S4?

http://north-shore-autosport.ebizaut...-13325345.html

Seems like a nice car.

Royal

kevinr

Based on my recent research, I would say that car is priced just a little high for what it is. Maybe it's just me, but I see the torn seat and lack on information in the listing as an indicator of a decent amount of catch-up maintenance.

Starting from the fact that a *really* nice S4 auto, with excellent paint and interior, around 80k miles and all maintenance up to date can sell in the $19-20k range; and then consider there can easily be $9-10k worth of maintenance items on the car — add back $1000 premium for manual, and you end with car that should be around $11-12k. But that assumes no hidden surprises other than the usual suspects — which isn't necessarily true.

Really, when it comes right down to it, as many have said before: without a PPI, there's really just no way to know.

tkrtape12

You never know what your getting PPI for sure... I saw North Shore and thought maybe northern il... But they're in Indiana.... I like that it's a stick someone will grab it quick.

granprixweiss928

looks alright to me.

oldfrat

Certainly no expert here, but if I was considering that car I would start out by finding out what it would cost to totally replace the interior. The current asking price seems to allow some room for doing that, but I don't know the cost of a full interior replacement.

Brad

Hilton

Welcome back

Interesting car - guessing someone sat in it with a screwdriver or similar in back pocket to do that damage to the driver's seat. Bolster wear on the drivers seat looks a little much for 88k miles (more worn than any of my S4's have been.. with 40k+ more miles on them), so I'd inspect the mileage records carefully to make sure its genuine.

Engine bay looks unmolested - so probably nothing un-factory in there, but also in need of $5k in parts to bring up to good condition (for full timing belt job including new gears, plus intake seals/gaskets/replacement bits, plus MAF and rebuilt LH).

This car is nicely original - with seat repair (not replacement interior), a good used dash, and a lot of cleaning, it could scrub up well. Is the paint all original?

IMO Its worth the asking price, but based on your old 928 threads, in your shoes I'd hang out for an 89 5-spd or an 89-91 GT.

They're a step up from the 87/88 S4's in feel (much shorter final drive gear than the 2.20 87/88 S4), and also in cabin noise insulation. My personal choice would be an 89 with mechanical LSD, and no airbag system. The flip side is you'll pay more for one - in the $15-25k range probably.

Nicole

You'll need to invest significantly into the interior - cracked dash (and possibly pod), carpet, seat leather,... Depending on how nice you want it, you can easily spend $5-10k on this alone. Make sure you consider this when budgeting for the car.

Captain_Slow

The butt-o-meter on the driver seat and the flake-o-meter on the intake tell me that odometer is lying. (or, lots of short trips and heat cycles)

Landseer

Worn car, detailed professionally.

Budget x2 to get it mechanically and cosmetically sound to meet your standards.

At 70-80 k mi these old things need extensive refresh. Ask Jadz 928 what it takes to spruce-up a nice S4 to get it past its midlife. Exceptions are when po is a deep pockets perfectionist who really kept it sound. Doesn't seem to be the case here, interior belies it.

Why did you sell the first one? Last thing I recall was your epic search for it.

SteveG

First off, it's an 88, not 87. Dealer gives nothing so assume nothing. At least one panel is missing covering relay panel; easy replacement, but why? You have to get a PPI from an independent no matter what. It might be a little high IF the interior is as worn as others note. OTH, if it is mechanically sound (TBearing) [edit, my bad, it's a 5-speed] I like it at this price. I think HEARING the engine is important hence the PPI and I wonder what the underside looks like. A/C????

rbrtmchl

Hi Royal,

Good to see you back in the hunt. The car looks good overall. Those wheels are one of my favorites on a 928. Great color combination. Have you seen the car in person?

soltino

Fav color combo and if it checks out it's a fair price. Buy it b4 I do.

tino

rlich8

Hi Guys,

With respect to the importance of a PPI, yes I am well aware of it. I do do PPI's when I buy cars - typically two, however, no PPI is perfect. There is still a considerable shot in the dark.

That car is probably a bit too much of a project for me after thinking about it. The interior is going to need several thousand dollars of work. Engine needs a lot of detailing. Doesn't mean it's not a nice car, but I'm looking for something that is 10% more complete.

The best example of what I'd like is something close to rbrtmchl's car.

Cheers, guys. Great to be back in the mix of things.

Here's what I've been playing with in the mean time. Basically a one owner car. Original as can be. I could eat off the suspension.

2001 BMW M5
42k
6 speed
titanium silver w/ black
full options

Chalkboss

Nice M. How do you like it? With respect to the S4 I think that car is going to take significant dough to make it reliable. Just a gut feeling...

Rob Edwards

Beautiful E39 M5, the best of them all. Just watch for the SAI carbon buildup issue!

Looks like a decent '88 5-speed, though there's $3K of interior materials, and at least 3K of rubber and bits underhood that need attention. Plus the labor. I'd be nervous with as much sun damage as that dash has that the paint hasn't been detailed to within an inch of its life for picture purposes. Would not consider purchasing without seeing in person, no way.

I love the armor all'ed hoses and intake tubes surrounding the original patina on the intake. Cognitive dissonance.