I just got a PPI and the car passed.

The 928 mechanic said the vibration is an "ignition-based load miss" that I can probably fix with a set of wires. (I feel like a moron, but he convinced me that he was right)

He said the smoke is from a leaky valve cover gasket, that the car is as solid as any 928 I'm likely to find, and that if have the tolerance to put up with a 928 I just as well get this one and make it pretty after replacing the TB and steering rack.

 

thought so good for you. Now fix the little crap and drive.

 

I wish you posted a link to the auction...

but if none of these faults were listed or mentioned, return the car. Body work alwasy cost a lot more than you think, especially if you want it to look like nothing happened.

Tha AC is probably a big item. It's hard to sell a car with no AC. If it's just a recharge or quick, cheap fix, why didn't the dealer do it? He could have sold the car for much more with good AC.

You obviously want an S4, so get your money back and buy a good one.

 

So are hundred dollar bills.



There are some very smart and experienced people here. Look at the results of the poll.

Once again just in case you missed it the first time:

 

Glad that you were able to get it in. I know that DIM gets pretty busy at times.

I talked to Chris (LaughaC) on the phone and the title is clean at this time. At some time in the past it sounds as though a salvage title was issued but what Chris has now is not. Sounds like you'll be catching up with the VA/MD croud in the near future. Nice to have ya onboard, now go and get that turbo into the 911 and have fun while the wife is out.



Michael

 

Well then ... with that post you've just quadrupled the value and insurability as well as overall driving experience for Chris

 

I have a copy of the title and it is not marked as "Salvage." But, you're right, the AC repair and body work costs are now the pivitol issues with this S4.

I asked the dealer to fix the AC to match the eBay message they sent me saying "Runs strong and AC blows cold." That was when the Gen Mgr offered my money back on the car.

This seems like an S4 that I can sort out mechanically for another $2k in parts and a lot of blood, sweat and tears. The body and paint are another question that needs to be answered with a professional estimate, but it's good-looking from 20 feet away so I can live with it until everything else is in order.

Many who chose option 1 interjected they would only keep a 5 speed, but that's not my goal. I actually want an automatic. My 911 is a 5-speed that I can drive anytime. It might also be interesting to hear how much is a reasonable amount to pay or invest for an '87 S4 Automatic in great shape, and estimate how much I need to spend on this car by comparison.

$2k parts + $4.8 k initial investment = $6.8 k
Add another $4k for paint/bodywork and I could have an $11k car that I will know inside out.

Hmm... And thanks for all the help, everyone!!

Cheers!!

 

Porsches aren't like that. You can't add the price up like that. Though I admire your spirit. The car will cost you a lot more than you paid, and you will love it. Just like your 911 does. You have to either live with the things you don't like or fix them, and when you fix them, you will find (as I did with my 944's and 911 and 928's) that every additional action throws the original calculation off. Ship a car ... add 1-2k to the cost. Break down and tow ... add 300. Do oil service -- add 100 plus. T-belt -- add 500. Tyres ... 600 - 1600. Interior .... sky's the limit. Torque tube; trans; oil leaks; valve seals; $$$ radiator $900; windshield 1000. Etc Etc Etc. That ac can bump the cost way over your calculation.

Just enjoy the car, forget about the cost. You are going to have that cost anyway.

 

Slight off topic but how many S2's are available in the US? I know there's usually a few available from time to time (Jyoon's) plug, plug for one. However, can one assume that they'll just get an S2 to supercharge? Good luck with your decision LaughaC.

- Kevin

 

Excellent! Now just fix the car enough to drive then after this season, you can slowly start fixing the small stuff. Fix as much as you can by yourself. You’ll get to know your car better and save a lot of $$$ in the process. My ’85 32V 5-speed was in much worst shape than your S4 (Broken T-Belt and bent valves). Took a little time to get her running again, and have been improving/repairing it ever since. I don’t have any regrets at all and would do it all over again.

 

Thanks for the encouragement. That's a good plan.

BTW... my friends all like this raggedy S4 more than my cherry 911. Go figure... :-)

I'd better start saving up for the body work while I get the TB and AC fixed.

 

I'm not suprised....
For the AC trouble shouting, there is alot of info in my thread that will help you https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/276236-ac-problem-update-no-its-not-fixed.html

Welcome

 

probably cause the engine is in the right place and it sounds like a mustang instead of a beetle. hehehehehe

glad its working out!! enjoy!

 

LaughaC

Good luck on your journey. Sounds like you really want this one. It is a nice color and with a lot of hard work you can really make it nice inside and out.

Go for a Jaquemond wing, tint the windows, polish the wheels..........

Kevin, very few in good shape.

 

Thanks to all the well-wishers, and I may get burned on this car, but I'm going in with my eyes open. "Bird in hand" and all that...