H2

It’s frustrating to figure out what a fair price for a 928 S4 5-speed coupe should be right now. For example, Excellence Magazine says the average 1988 S4 in EXCELLENT shape went for $17,075 in 2004. However, a car in excellent shape (and only 50K miles!) is listed in Kelly Blue Book as having a trade in value of $10,150; a Private Party value of $12,625; and a "Retail Value" of $15,225. NADA listed an S4 with 50K miles at a low retail of $13,075, an average retail of $15,050; and a high retail of $16,250. However, when I go look at Auto.Trader.com, first there are no cars listed with mileage that low, and most S4s seem to be selling for prices all over the board. Cars.com has several S-4s in the $10K-$12K range all with 90K miles or more. As we know, what a 928 is "really" worth depends of many factors...some pretty expensive.

I have a lead on an ’88 S4 with about 50K miles on it that has been sitting for two years. It’s always been garaged, is on the east coast (and is not listed anywhere). We all know what idle storage does to a shark. The owner is asking $18,000, plus it would cost me another $1,500 or so to get it shipped.

What are your thoughts on the price? Considering I’d have to transport it across country and do all the routine maintenance that goes with any car that’s been sitting that long (no way that car should be driven).

Harvey

docmirror

First post of 2005! I think the price is too high but at least it's for a 5 speed. Condition will play a big part in the value, the mileage is low, expect some leaks from seals with this mileage.

jcb928

On Autotrader.com they have less then 10 928 S4 5 speeds listed nation wide. Is it a one owner car? Multiple owners increase the risks for mileage fraud. He is asking $18K but will probably end up taking $17K.

If it has a decent maintenance history and less then 3 owners I would say it is a good price.

perrys4

Sounds very high to me. Especially if it has been sitting that long. Who knows how much it could take to fix. I have a 90 with 74,000 mi. in excellant shape, all work performed by Greg at Precision and I wouldn't sell it for less than 18,500 in great shape. Just my opinion

Ispeed

I think I am being realistic to think that you have to assume that any 928 is going to need a good going through by an enthusiast owner. But I also think an 88 5 speed could be worth $18K if the car has a great past: excellent leather, original paint, excellent preservation from heat, UV, and corrosion (those things are big) as well as complete records and a pro-active maintenance history.
The '87 I found recently for $7K was a good car to buy because a lot of those important things were great. I can do a pan gasket, motor mounts, steering rack, TB and some others. Most 928s that age would need most of that stuff anyway.
Happy 928 new year.

Ed MD

I agree w/Carl. I spend 16.5 on my 88, auto, but it was everything that Carl said. Also, he PO had the timing belt done prior to purchase. But still it may be worth it, remember to get the car the car where you want it you'll going to spend some money, it's better in my opinion if you spend it up front and not have to spend it later, cause it always costs more in time, money and frustration. Happy New Year. Ed M

heinrich

18k is a good price for such an almost-new 5spd. You will definitely have to refresh almost every seal in the car. Just because at those miles it has not been driven, and not only for 2 years.

That's 360 miles per month average, which seems pretty unrealistic. Which means likely the car was driven little for long periods of time, oil grew old and rubber perished .... so, be careful. But that is the nature of the beast if you want a new S4

WallyP

I would much rather pay $18k for a car with 75,000 miles with a new timing belt, water pump, etc., etc., than for one with 50,000 miles that needs everything done to it, and that hasn't been driven in years.

Garth S

I aquired my '88 euro nearly 2 years ago with exactly 50KKm (31K miles) on the clock, one owner. With a very 928 savey mechanic giving it a once over at his shop, we drove it 2000KKm home - on of the 'great eric drives'. The TB and its tension were good, but the water pump bearing failed shortly therafter. So in addition to a TB/H2O pump issue, the steering rack was rebuilt this year, so motor mounts went in too. Other than that, no maitenance issues and the car is near mint in every aspect - all normal IMHO.
I have no idea where the emperical claims of low milage cars having a double mittfull of leaking seals comes from. For a fact, mine is absolutely dry, as are several others of less than 36K miles.
If you like the car, do the usual PPI, check the TB tension & fluids to drive it home, or bypass that and ship it.

IcemanG17

Harvey
If the car is truely excellent (perfect condition, perfect documentation, perfect PPI) then the price is okay. I would be afraid of leaky seals all over the place, but PPI would cover that. Sounds like the car is accross the country from you, I'm sure a fellow rennlister is local to the car and could check it out for ya?

I bought my 88 auto this year for $15.5 (84,000 miles), AFTER Devek rebuilt just about everything, including almost every single belt-gasket-hose-seal in the car + more. Sure the price was over blue book, but for a clean low mile 88 with a perfect dash, good interior, straight vin matching body I felt it was a good deal!

Now I just need to recharge the A/C for summer and its 100% working and ready to roll!

borland

Depends on what you will do with the car.... Like heinrich said, due to the car's age, it needs alot of work and $'s to get it to look "like three year old car", that's a reliable daily driver with only 50Kmiles. But if its going to be a garage queen, then it's another story.

If it had 100K miles, then it might need more mechanical work, especially on the interior, and painting.

hacker-pschorr

If the seller is not motivated, doesn't care how long it takes and will not budge then it's an $18,000 car. Two friends of mine (brothers) are very particular about what kind of cars they buy.
One, a Corvette buff searched high and low for a "perfect" C4 Vette as a daily driver (other 2 are not road worthy for trips, more hot-rods than anything) he shelled out $24k for a 1994 Corvette. 1 owner with only 900 mile on it (this was 2002). Purchased after he sold his 1972 454 - bought that as a one owner back in 1992ish for well over current market value.
His brother is selling a 1981 (I think) Weissach 911 with only 14,000 miles. He's had it up for sale for at least 6 years for about $30,000. He's told all the time that is way over priced - he doesn't care, that's what the car is worth to him.

As these cars get older, the 100% perfect (and especially the one owners cars) will fetch a premium. The 928 community should not roll their eyes at such postings, it's car like this that take the 928 to new collector levels. Eventhough 928 will never reach the status of the Corvette or 911, there is room for the 1% of showroom original cars selling for way over current market values.