Cameron

There are some 928 owners in SoFlo that would be willing to let you see their rides up close. I am one of them. The best place for a PPI (which is a must on any P car) for a 928 is Gulf Performance in Pompano. They have a pretty deep 928 clientelle. They may even be able to give you a line on local cars on the market.

I don't believe that the 928 is so expensive to maintain. If you get one up to date on maintenance, or once you update the one that you get with maintenance, they are pretty reliable. The $2K estimate / annum is probably right. I have been using 928s for daily drivers for almost 6 years now. Hell, two friends M3's have already had their engines rebuilt, a friends M5 had $25k of motor work (under warranty thank goodness), a Merc AMG C43 had $10k of engine work (again under warranty) and these are basically grocery getters. By that, I mean that they don't take their cars on the track, like I do.

Anyway, drive em both, the 911 and 928. They are completely different cars, but both pretty much the best at what they were designed for. The difference between an early 911 and a late model is huge, so you have to zero in on vintage. The difference between an early 928 and a later one is big, but not as huge as the 911's. Once you decide what you prefer, there is lots of help in the community (including Rennlist) to help you procure the right one.

Cameron

Just reviewed your original note again. Late 80's, early 90's are great years for both cars. You will be pleased whatever you decide. But the 928 S4 / GT from '87 - '91 was the pinacle of Porsche motoring from that era. You will see what I mean when you drive them both. One other thought, don't compare an auto 928 to a stick in a 911. Compare auto for auto or stick for stick.

Ciao.

csb5150

Thank you all for your perspectives. I plan to start my research soon and will let you know -- although I must admit as a child of the "there is no substitute" era, I have a special affection for the shark.

blau928

csb,

A lot depends on the amount of your budget. Drive both cars as the others have suggested, and then see which you like better. As far as maintenance goes, it depends on how much you drive, and what type of driving you do. A lot also depends on the condition of the car you buy, and the access to a good mechanic. If your budget is truly limited, then you might want to think about investing the $$ and making some more $$ before buying a toy, as none are cheap to maintain.

Granted, I drive my 928 much more now than I have driven many other cars I have owned. It is very rewarding, and I have had it for some time. Now on to 263,000 miles and counting, never opened the engine once. It runs very well, and the maintenance has been kept up. It is a much easier car to drive fast than a 911. In addition, it's much more comfortable on long trips....

Expensive is relative to all of us...... I just bought my umpteenth set of tires, it needs a TB/WP in 2-3,000 miles, and a set of shocks as well.. All to be done this month... But then, it has been kept up well, and I have only gotten stuck TWICE EVER... Once it was the fuel pump, and the second time I broke a camshaft...

Anyway, good luck with your decision. Ask why you want one of these things..? I just bought mine to drive and enjoy. I didn't really ask what it costs to maintain, but, after a few hundred thousand miles, I've gotten lots of enjoyment and still do on a daily basis...

Which ever one you get, drive it, don't let it sit in the garage for weekends only... That's when they break.....

Hope this helps,

DANdeMAN

Don't forget to come back and show us wich 928 you got.
On these notes, I rest my case...

drnick

budget shmuget! buying either car is an emotive decision. imo the 911 sounds like a bag of nails thrown into a tumble dryer and inside it is very old fashioned (early 80s). but then my perspective is of using these cars as a daily driver. the 928 is bullet proof, but can cost a fair bit to put right if you dont get a good one to begin.

SteveG

I didn't read the whole thread, but what kind of driving will you do on weekends? And the only way to know is to drive one or several of each. Easiest way to describe it is the 928 is a heavier car, but damn fun to drive and won't beat you up. I drove a 944 and it felt like a large heavy MG, it was not a turbo. the rear engine thing is in a class by itself, fun, thin, but not the same.
The 928 cradles you and eats the road.

Porsche928fan

I used to drive a 911 but now own a 928S and as everyone has said it's best you test drive both but as cheep as you can pick up a decent 928 I would think you'd be much better off. The 911s just aren't half as comfortable, and who said they get more looks? Here in Louisville my car really stands out and few have any idea I'm driving a 20 year old car. My 928 was a much better investment. Get with someone down there that's got a 928 and give her a spin... I doubt you'll have any trouble making a decission.