928s4fever

Hi Guys,
I`ve been addicted to 928`s for a long time but recently have started to look for one to buy. I did find one here locally in so cal...Here are the stats:
`87 red with black interior, AT, 68K miles, $14,500 OBO.
I did read a lot about 928`s recently but wanted to hear opinions on how reliable tese cars are and what to expect from them.
There`s a lot of rumours on how expensive the maintenance could get and such. I`d like to know how`s cost of maintenance in comparison with the Vette if anyone here owns both or used to own one.
Presently own a `96 vette and intend to keep it for week-ends and get the 928 for every day driving.
Just love the 928`s and intend to get the one mentioned above if the owner calls me back and get to test drive it.
Any tips on what to look for? please guys put me on guard on what to look for.
Thanx

Asterix

Hi there.

Check out http://www.landsharkoz.com/tt/ttbuying.htm theres a useful downloadable check list that I used myself before I bought my car.

Reliability and costs differ with people's experiences and luck. Just remember that you are looking at an 18 yo car, so the better it has been loved and maintained by the previous owner, the better buy it will be.

As for costs, it is a supercar, but parts aren't necessarily at supercar prices. So far most of the parts have been cheaper than the equivilant Toyota parts of my previous car; apart from fuel its been more affordable for me so far overall. And much more fun. So much more its become a daily driver, and my daily driver is up for sale.

HTH

dr bob

Depending on where you are in SoCal, you might find another addict (or two...) willing to help with a pre-inspection. If it passes muster, then pop for a full PPI at a reputable 928 specialist.

Join the SoCal 928 Owners Group board at http://groups.msn.com/socal928/general.msnw Post your message there and get the help you'll need.

A well-experienced third-party will tell you quickly what the obvious things are with the car you are looking at. I knwo that too often a new 928 owner is enamored with the new car, and may be blind to problems in the initial flood of enthusiasm. More than a few 'perfect' cars have been sold, less than a few have been purchased if you get my drift. It only takes one or two gotcha's to make a dent in your milk money budget for the year.

As far as the 'vette for a weekend car and a 928 as a daily driver... Possible but you may have the priority upside down. The big difference probably isn't the cost of maointenance so much as the availability of good maintenance. Finding someone to work on a Chevy is a snap. A 928 wrench will be a little tougher to find, I'm afraid.

The good news is that we live within an easy drive of 928 International, and within phone range of a couple other good suppliers. There is excellent service available in Anaheim for sure at Precision Motorworks, and others may chime in with some local guys once you add your location/city to your signature.

Welcome to the group!

Ron_H

Get an independent PPI. Pay a fair price for an extensive one at a knowledgeable shop. Pray.

Asterix

I hear that sacrificing a virgin also helps. Praying alone doesn't always do the trick.

perrys4

I highly reccommend Precision motorworks in Anaheim. They are the most knowledgable with the 928. E-mail me at ronperryphoto@aol.com I would love to talk to you. I may be needing to part with mine. If nothing else I can give you contacts of people I know of in our area. I am just outside of Coto in Wagon Wheel.

Nicole

Hmmm... I'd probably use the Vette for everyday and the 928 for weekends. You've got to have something to look forward to during the week...

goliver

Good point Nicole.

Regards,

Jim bailey - 928 International

It is not unusual to spend a couple thousand just catching up and budget another $2,500-3,000 per year to maintain it. You may find it to be less BUT plan on saving setting aside $250 per month to cover the inevitable expenses especially if you are paying a shop to do most of the repairs. Greg Brown @ Precision is very good. He will how ever point out ALL the cars problems whether you wish to know them or not ! For $14,500 an 87 should be a VERY NICE one needing very little. But that is not that much money for so much car 165 MPH ,100 mph 14 second 1/4 mile....etc..... It will probably change the way you think about your Corvette.

deliriousga

928S4fever: If my buddies who have owned Vettes (past tense) are any indication, the 928 will be cheap.

Sorry, but if you could have a filet or hamburger every day, which would you pick? Personally I'd pick the filet, or in this case the 928. IMHO the Vette barely compares with the 928. Everyone I personally know who's had a Vette has since sold it. Mostly because after 4-5 years it starts feeling/sounding clunky like most other MIA cars (unfortunately for us, that's made in America). If I have to spend 2 hours a day in the car to/from work, I'd rather be in the 928 more than almost any other car.

IcemanG17

Once you drive in the 928 S4 you will park your 96 vette.....the performance will be similar for both cars (96 vettes had the 300hp LT1 or the grand sport LT4? 330hp), but the feel of the 928 is so much more solid, more secure.....it makes high speeds or corners seem effortless even when driving quite illegally.... Plus the car is much more luxurious, quieter with a better ride.

sportscarclassics

I have owned a vette and the 928 out perfoms in many different aspects. The folks at 928 International are great folks and always willing to help.

There are several 928 mechanic around however Greg at Precision Motorworks does know the 928, in my opinion he is over priced and will take your money. I would be careful using Precision Motorworks, get a written bill and check on Greg because if you don't he will over charge and get you for all he can.

UKKid35

I wonder what you mean by reliable? It's a perfectly fair question to ask of a new car, but what do you mean when you ask if a model that has not been made for ten years is reliable?

perrys4

You are the first person I have heard with negative comments on Precision. Are they based on a first person account? I agree he is pricey but you pay for quality. He has done me favors and given me deals when he knew I was at my wits end with my 928 and he does come highly recommended by a certain local parts house. The one thing Greg does do is thoroughly go over your car and let you know the things that need attention and that may come across to some as trying to put the squeeze on you for service. I really feel your last sentence is malicious and libelous and should be edited unles you can substantiate it.

pappy92651

Carl,

I'm not sure how you can justify you criticism of Greg Brown (Precision Motorwerks). Your car was repaired in August of 2004, you agreed to the repairs, and paid the bill. The work was done correctly. The other shops that you had been to could not repair your car.

Now you are insinuating that Greg was unethical.

The 928 community is a very small place. Before you start making accusations that are entirely unfounded you had best think twice. I cannot begin to express my disappointment in what you did here, on the list, slander an ethical person who treated you well.

Greg is quite aware of this post. You owe Greg an apology and you need to retract your statements. You made a big mistake.