I'm about to follow my dream of owning a 928. As I am closing in on this time I am faced with a few options and was hoping for some input. I am willing to spend $6-8k for a 5 speed 928s. There are a few vehicles I have been looking at (virtually). I know PPI is a must. Cars currently being considered:

80 Euro S $9,500 (listed here.)
84 Euro S (needs syncros) $9,000
85 928s (needs AC work but owner is anxious to move it...no compressor installed for x years) mechanics are suposedly ok $6,500
86 928s sitting for a year but in "exc. shape" $9,000 pre-1000 vin with workshop manuals

I'm looking for something to drive on weekends. I'll mantain/repair any issues on my own (as best I can).

Any issues registering a Euro car (in Arkansas)?


Not that I planning on doing any drag races but which would be the quickest? 84 Euro S or the '85/'86 US S.

I am currently in IL north of Chicago. Anyone know of other cars that would make a good match?

Thanks,

Calvin

 

84 Euro S fastest of the bunch.
85 and 86 cars are the same car essentially.
Go with what you are comforable with price wise and budget at least 30% for tools and parts for maintenance.

 

Maybe you should work this by matter of elimination. Before I go into specifics, there is a general rule when buying a 928: "There is no such thing as a cheap 928."

Here are my thoughts based on the little information you have supplied:

The 85 would be eliminated from my list almost immediately (sorry, if things are missing you don't know what to expect when trying to put them back together again...)

The 86 could be desirable, if in perfect cosmetic shape. However, if it has been sitting for a year, you face the risk of oil leaks. We need more info - does it start, run, drive well?

The 84 Euro would probably be the most fun, but a transmission rebuild can - so I hear - cost about $3500. That would bring the car into a pretty high range for pre-S4 models, so it would have to be near perfect in most other respects

I haven't seen the listing for the 80 Euro, so I won't comment on it.

If you are a newbie, you should start reading up on potential issues. There are numerous posts on this board, and there is a wonderful new book on buying a 928 - the 928 Buyers Guide by David Hemmings. Click here to read more about it

Lastly, you should never buy a 928 that has not been inspected by a mechanic who is familiar with this particular type of Porsche. DO NOT rely on 911 mechanics - find someone who has extenisve 928 experience!

Best of luck!

 

Thanks for the tips. Been researching for the past couple of years.

If anyone knows of a nice 5 speed...let me know. Black on Black is ideal...but condition over color.

 

Agree with others; Sounds like it isn't an issue for you, but the 16 valve cars basically are easier to work on, more room in the bay. Re the '84 Euro, if I was going to invest in syncros, I would WYIT either swap the trans or install LSD. I understand the LSD is a job for a pro, as shims are involved. $6.5 for the '86 is awfully cheap, but re the a/c, all the o-rings need to be replaced if it has been sitting that long.

 

Changing diff and measuring shims can be done without special tools and secret knowledge. There's no need to fear the job if person is mechanically inclined and work conditions are clean enough.

 

My advice is drive them all, check all the little things that go wrong (plus the big ones too) & get a PPI from a 928 mechanic or have a knowledgeable local rennlister go with you on the test drives. Nicole summed it up well, the syncros on the Euro and the A/C on the 85 could add up to big $$$$ very quick! Figure $1k+ for the A/C and $2500+ for a tranny rebuild (check the axles too). A good rule of thumb with 928's (assuming you want a perfectly running car) is allocate about 25% of the purchase price to get it back to top shape again (or more if you get a smoking deal)...

 

Thanks for all the responses.

I found a '85 5 speed in Houston. VIN WP0JB0922FS861261. Would anyone be able to pull a carfax?

Thanks!