Wildkatfan

I'm new to the forum and have been looking for a 928s4 for some time. i've become much more serious and have found a 1987 car with 120,000 miles. 2 owner and my concern is that per Carfax the car was last actively used in 2002- yes 18 years ago. the seller says that it runs fine, had water pump and timing belt and tensioner done recently.

My gut reaction is to run from this car. However, the dealership/seller claims it runs and drives fine. it will need paint and new driver seat/fix (rip at seam). i'm guessing that i will have to put 700-9000 into paint and interior fix. but there seems to be some sort of leak at the rear transaxle (5 speed). It is listed at "fair" condition and the FMV guides show that the price but the car is listed for almost 6k more than the FMV.

any suggestions? i dont mind a 'project', but my fear surrounds all the 'other' known issues with this series- head gasket, AC, electrical issues and vacuum lines. i know a lot of the rubber and misc stuff will need to be done and i'm prepared for that.

i really appreciate some thoughts-

Mrmerlin

Welcome to the tank
I would suggest that you put your check book away,
and go read the new visitor FAQ at the top of this page.
This should take you about 4 days to go through,
With the info you will get from this,
you will be more prepared to make solid decisions on buying your first 928.

If you dont read it then the chances of being taken for a ride greatly increase.

The other thing to consider is to buy a solid running machine,
it will cost more but you will get a car that can be daily driven,
and if you get one with original paint thats in good condition ,
then it will be worth more when you go to sell

Wildkatfan

Thanks for the tip- will defiantly read the FAQ's. i've always wanted a 928 since i first saw one but knew i couldn't afford one (at 17 yrs old- LOL...)

Wisconsin Joe

As Stan suggested, read the New Visitor Sticky.

Depending on the severity of the rip, the seat may be repairable. Or you can get a new "skin" and have it installed. Classic 9 is a well known and respected interior shop.

Paint done properly is a BIG job. Really big. The level of disassembly needed is huge. The skill to take it apart & put it back together properly is not common.

The leak in the transaxle could be minor...
Or not. Without more detail, it's impossible to determine.

Keep in mind that most cars at 'specialty dealers' are not good buys. Overpirced, poor condition, not good records.
There's a '928s For Sale' sticky thread. It's never culled, so starting at the front will give you a bunch of cars that were sold a while back. But of you start with the more recent posts, it's a good place to see what sorts of cars are out there and where the prices should be.
You can post a link to the car you are interested (or maybe just some pics & details) and you will get a very honest appraisal of what people can see (some of these guys are really good at seeing things in a pic that 'normal' people wouldn't even know to look for in person)

There is a standard set of questions I ask. I don't need you to tell me the answers, but you better know them yourself.

What do you want?

A project?
A daily driver that's not in perfect shape?
A weekend driver that you can take to Cars & Coffee events?
A concourse level car that spends most of it's time in the living room being rubbed with a diaper?

What kinds of skills & equipment do you have?

Full shop with air & a lift. Able to do complete tear downs?
A couple of roll aways, able to do large involved projects (head gasket for example)?
A decent collection in a box or two, able to do mid-level projects (brakes for example)?
A couple pairs of pliers, a screwdriver & a crescent wrench, able to change your own oil but that's about it?
Nothing, everything goes to the shop?

How much money do you have?

A lot?
A whole lot?
Just won the lottery and money isn't an issue?
(note that 'not a lot' isn't on the list)


From what you describe, this car is a 'pass'.

But you really don't give enough info for an accurate assessment.

Wildkatfan

again, exactly why i joined the group!

i want a driver- not show car. most likely weekend'er but would love to drive weekly as weather permits.

i've got a lift and some experience in replacing motor and trans in 1969 mustang. i do know this is a different 'animal' and probably would want some oversight to the head gasket 'type issue' before i went into that, but i wouldn't be afraid to try with someone's help/good reference material.

My goal was to find a good driver from 10-20k and be prepared to do some maintenance - but not have a car that i get frustrated with every time i drive it. Is this a reasonable range?

Many many thanks for your time. Also if you know of a good 'driver' please shoot me a link!

Wildkatfan

In keeping with Wisconsin Joe's suggestion- i am asking for help in looking at a car i'm considering in acquiring-

Listmates-
Bad- knowing this car had 120,000 miles as of 2002 and no or very little driving since then, very little in the way of history would an inspection and negotiation to allow for quality paint job make this a worthy candidate?
Good- no accidents, 5 speed, like base color/what's left, timing belt/pump allegedly just replaced, price might be negotiable -just short of $20k.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...4/2335321.html

Appreciate thoughts- again know I'm new to the group and have been looking seriously for about 2-3 months.

Mrmerlin

This car looks like it has good bones but it also looks like its a needs everything machine including paint.
The price tag is about 12K too hi IMHO
From opening the hood figure 8K for the engine intake refresh,
maybe up to 12K if it needs all the timing belt gears .and TB and WP.fuel lines, plug wires,MAF rebuilt LH rebuilt.
Single disc clutch is good, it could need new Brake and clutch Hydraulic systems along with shocks, tires brakes,
MMs, OPG, TT bearings figure 7K or more for that.
Paint will run maybe 5K if you take it apart then deliver it to Austin E, IE Kilnred on RL.
GL have fun
Here is an 88 that I did a while ago it got everything including new carpets .
It went for close to 30K on BaT

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...in-my-lap.html

Wildkatfan

my thought as well. i'm seeing cars in the 28-35k range that 'appear' to have had all the maintenance done and look sharp. i've learned the lesson that 'good driver' isn't necessarily true. my plan would be to get the 928 i want and keep it for the balance of my driving years. whether to start with this project or buy one that is mostly done is the question- both paradigms have their points and burdens.

Again- you folks are great! I hope to join your group and maybe cross paths at some future 928/Porsche gathering..

keep thoughts coming and if anyone knows of a 928s4 that is for sale please share that with me!

Mrmerlin

Here is an auto 1988 S4 its very nice as well it will be going to BaT just got do a few more interior bits.
Note both of these cars I posted didnt need much help with the paint,
if that car your looking at does, I hope you plan to keep it.

1988 Grand Prix white just rolled in, Project

Wildkatfan

very cool.....
will continue my search and consider if i want to buy a project or one that has been completed.

thanks again for sharing your experience- it is invaluable to my decision.

what range should i been considering for a 'driver'? one that has had the maintenance but is not a show car?

Wisconsin Joe

A lift and experience with older cars is a big help.
You can find write ups for just about any project on any of these cars (there were some changes over the years and what works for some doesn't work for others).
You will find that the knowledge base on here is complete. Nobody knows everything (although Stan & Greg Brown probably come close), but someone on here will have the answer to anything you can ask.

Yes, that's not an unreasonable range to look for.

Toldja.

You will find that the ads don't always tell quite the whole story.
Keep in mind that anyone selling a car is technically a 'used car salesman.

Keep looking, understand that it may take a while to find the right car for you.

One thing to remember is that the cost to get a project to driver status is usually more than how much the car will increase in value, even if you are not counting the labor. There's a saying that 'you're $15k away from a $10k car.'
That's why buying the best car you can afford is usually (not always, but usually) the best course of action.
There are a few guys on here who are proud to call themselves 'bottom feeders'. They specialize in finding cars in 'less than ideal condition', fixing them up and reselling them. But that sort of thing takes a lot of skill & experience, and not a little bit of luck.

You have 'joined the group'. You can pay the fee to become a 'full member', it does give a few extra features that may or may not be worth it to you.
The real value on here is the people. And most of us care enough about the cars that it's not all that important if you pay IB the fees.

But once you come on here and say the words "I want a 928", you've become one of us.

Just a word of warning - There's no known cure.

Wildkatfan

already feel welcome- which is better than i can say about my mustang experience....

I agree on the cure deal- i've got the infection....

I get the cost/investment thing, but honestly i resign it to 'sanity maintenance' from what the work world brings. Having this resource only reinforces my desire to be able to participate and give back where i can. for sure will pay the $$ if i get a car- hope that there are some regional gatherings i can join in as well.

I sincerely appreciate the help from everyone so far- clearly makes engaging into this stage of life and ownership more enticing. well done guys- thanks!!

Wisconsin Joe

Oh yeah.

When I first got mine, I called up Roger Tyson at 928s R Us (you will get to know him, trust me on that) to order a few little 'odds & ends'. Despite glowing reviews on here, I still wanted to make my first order something of a 'trial order' to see how he did. As has become typical, we spent an extra 15 minutes or so just chatting about the cars.
At one point he mentioned the 'investment' in the car. I quickly pointed out that I had zero expectation of getting back the money I knew I was going to have to put into the car.
He kind of chuckled and pointed out that "return on investment" is NOT always measured in dollars and cents.
I liked that idea.

You don't say where you are. You can edit your profile so that it shows in your 'User ID' box.
There are various get togethers from time to time.
Some bigger, some smaller.

Sometimes people will post something to the effect of "I'm going to the C&C at (insert location here). Anyone else gonna show up?"
Depending on how many of us are close, there might be a few that can make it.

And you're quite welcome.
Most of us really care about these cars. We want to see folks who want to own one find one that they can enjoy. Far too many people think they are unreliable, incredibly expensive, poorly made, what ever.
We try to correct that, to teach people that they can be reasonably affordable, reliable, durable machines that can truly be enjoyed.
As long as you understand that this is a true 80s era supercar, that it cost as much as a small-to-medium sized house when new, and that decent parts and qualified labor will reflect that cost, not what you paid for it now, they you'll be fine.

Wildkatfan

again newbie here- just updated location- central Ky. Just south of Lexington.

Look forward to development of the relationship as you predict. As a new driver in the 1980's i grew up watching all the great supercars of the era hit tv in shows like Miami Vice and Magnum PI. Tell me those weren't great ads for the supercars of those years. However i've never grew out of the love of the 928- and it is still there. I understand the Ferrari 328's are nightmares to own and service. As much as i like those the 928 is truly a timeless creation that will endure and likely stick with my kids. i've got 3 and expect to purchase 2 more cars before i'm done- hope the estate plan will consist of putting keys in hat and kids pull keys and get what they pull out! at least that plays well with my bride.....

May get you to PM me the contact for your 'guy' and call and chat with him as i get closer to a purchase.

Will keep you and the group posted- appreciate everyone's time and if anyone is in central Ky please give me a call and i'd love to see the car and chat ...

Wisconsin Joe

It's Roger Tyson at 928s R Us.
You can find him on here as "ROG100" or on his site for the store.

He's also listed as one of the 'big 4' vendors in the 'New Visitor' sticky thread.

Many of us get some or all of our parts from him.