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'87 S4 Worth it?

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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 09:20 AM
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Default '87 S4 Worth it?

So ive been looking for 928's for a while, something to use for a project etc. and i stumbled across this 87 928S4 for 4000 (probably negotiable.) the bad that he states flat out are that it needs vac lines and that the interior needs work (the one pic shows it through a window so its hard to tell just how much.) but really its gonna need a whole freshening. the other big thing is that it has no title. i have no problem bonding one as long as the VIN checks fall through all good so it isnt stolen or anything. im just curious if the investment will be worth it. its more of a dream car to me so i just want something that when the time comes that if i do sell it, i wont lose tens of thousands really. i can paint build motors etc so i fell confident that i could work it through on this as well. mileage is also suspect but a vin check will also show that.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 09:29 AM
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As long as you can get the title cleared, have lots of $$$$$, time and learn about your task first before tackling. Might want to make sure the engine isn't TBF'd and history as best as you can.Easy peasy.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 09:46 AM
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If that were within 400 or so miles from me, I knew the title issue could be cleared up and it needed no body work. I'd pay close to that even if it didn't have an engine.

IMO body work is the kiss of death unless you are a body guy. Mechanicals are easy....the interior is 50/50 depending on just how extensive that work needs to be.

Bring a 27mm socket, short extension & a pry bar. See if the engine is locked up.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Hacker-Pschorr
If that were within 400 or so miles from me, I knew the title issue could be cleared up and it needed no body work. I'd pay close to that even if it didn't have an engine.

IMO body work is the kiss of death unless you are a body guy. Mechanicals are easy....the interior is 50/50 depending on just how extensive that work needs to be.

Bring a 27mm socket, short extension & a pry bar. See if the engine is locked up.
i can thankfully do both, hah. Thank you for the tool list so i dont have to bring the whole box also. ill have to see what the engine is like but the fact that he is willing to pull it to keep for himself gives me a slight piece of mind, although he could just be holding on to sweet nothings with that Another good question would be, could i possibly get out better if the engine is crapped to just have him pull them and take the ~1500 off for me to put into a better condition one? i guess that all depends on engine state though.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 11:00 AM
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You will lose ten thousand dollars, not tens of thousands. Just guessing.

You sound like an excellent addition to the 928 community, which you'll find is just as special as the car. So, give it a whirl.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 11:03 AM
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If you're looking for a project car around $2,800, and a 928 is one of your dream cars..........go for it! As long as the frame is straight & it's not stolen or junk titled, it could be a fun project/"investment". Love the color.
Good luck.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 11:47 AM
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Jacob Hallenbeck: I saw this in RL 928s for Sale posted on 8/19. I'm definitely not the brightest bulb in the shed, but if this car is still available, it looks like a much better "investment" than the GA project car, w/auto, under the tarp.... at least you can drive this one. Didn't scroll thru all posts, so I'm not sure if it's still available, but @ $6,900.00 for a blue, 5 sp, lsd.......might be worth looking at.

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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 12:07 PM
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Like many say: the first car might be 10,000 away from being a 5,000 car. My advice, never look at this as an investment.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 12:09 PM
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I have an '88 5speed 220 car that I consider a glorified "parts car" that I would sell you for 6k.
It was my intention to bring i back to its former glory but I've already done that with my '89 and have my eyes set on a GT.

It runs like a raped ape but needs everything.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by westija
Like many say: the first car might be 10,000 away from being a 5,000 car. My advice, never look at this as an investment.
This is a good point and i should say im not looking at it as in investment, im simply trying to tally my losses before they start lol. im more worried about 20k from a 5k car in the end, i think i can get atleast 10k of enjoyment out of it for the years ill own it. i also dont wanna pickup a good example since i want to do some things my way. so id rather not mess up a nice car.
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by BauerR
I have an '88 5speed 220 car that I consider a glorified "parts car" that I would sell you for 6k.
It was my intention to bring i back to its former glory but I've already done that with my '89 and have my eyes set on a GT.

It runs like a raped ape but needs everything.
https://youtu.be/UuSets7qTNg
When you say everything? you mean like the consumables and other misc or like probably a going through the engine etc ?
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Jacob Hallenbeck
When you say everything? you mean like the consumables and other misc or like probably a going through the engine etc ?
The paint is trash. It has mild surface rust in some places but nothing more than surface. I gutted the interior because I am taking it to the media blasters to get taken down to clean metal to do a proper paint job. However, all interior surfaces need attention. At least in my opinion.
Normal 928 engine maintenance needs to be performed but the engine is as strong as any 928 I've experienced. Starts right up with no smoke or misfiring.
Title is clean and in hand
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by BauerR
The paint is trash. It has mild surface rust in some places but nothing more than surface. I gutted the interior because I am taking it to the media blasters to get taken down to clean metal to do a proper paint job. However, all interior surfaces need attention. At least in my opinion.
Normal 928 engine maintenance needs to be performed but the engine is as strong as any 928 I've experienced. Starts right up with no smoke or misfiring.
Title is clean and in hand
Trade for a boxster? otherwise i may have to wait and pony up the cash for that
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Jacob Hallenbeck
Trade for a boxster? otherwise i may have to wait and pony up the cash for that
Under normal circumstances I would consider the trade. The wife would love a convertible but I'm focusing on a GT and would prefer the cash.

Here is another video after I got the car running properly. I also changed most of the fluids, including brake.

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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by BauerR
Under normal circumstances I would consider the trade. The wife would love a convertible but I'm focusing on a GT and would prefer the cash.

Here is another video after I got the car running properly. I also changed most of the fluids, including brake.

https://youtu.be/QCE960tlr_I
I Believe the proper Term for that paint is Patina'd hah. im very interested though it looks just good enough that i wont have to invest a ton to get it going but just bad enough i wont feel bad doing my own thing with it. does that paint have a hue of blue in it? or is it black and playing tricks on me?
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