ckabee1

I have been lurking on this site for some time, learning as much as I can about the 928. Now that I am ready to make the leap, I am trying to figure out how much car I can get for my budget. I am looking to spend $10,000 or less for 78-84 5sp, 85+ auto or 5sp with around 100,000 miles and nice interior/paint.

Now, living in upstate South Carolina, 928's don't pop up that often. Recently, some have come available in NC, up to 3 hrs away. I found a black 1988 S4 with 94,500 on autotrader in Charlotte. Looks nice but maint records is questionable based on emails to/from owner. Is $10,000 a reasonable offer pending PPI or should I be looking for a pre S4? I would attach a link but cannot due to limited number of posts. Are NADA and Kelly Blue Book prices accurate? Low or high?

I have searched previous threads but my query results were not helpful.

Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions.

Chris

Rod Underwood

I just went on line and took a look at it. I think he's "asking" a lot more than he can legitimately expect to get. If it was a 5 speed, it might be closer.

If you can get it for $10,000 and the ppi comes out Ok, I think you will get a pretty good deal.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Good luck.

Rod

danglerb

Offer before a PPI is pointless. If you want a 928 be prepared to pay for a few PPI's, and be prepared to walk away from some nice "looking" cars that need too much work.

Few cars sell for a "fair" price, and almost ALWAYS those cars will be from owners just like you find here on the list, long time enthusiast owners. Guys that know the car well, maintain it, and know what a fair price is. All the other deals are going to be huge bargains, or not so hot deals from guys who hunt down the huge bargains and flip the cars.

First find a good mechanic or somebody on the list local to you that can help with the PPI.
Second, decide for SURE what sort of car you are looking for, and what kind of buying budget you have AND what kind of first year fix up budget you have.

Panzer9

I think you might be barkin' up the wrong tree for a decent S4 for 10 G's. If your major limitation is budget, I'd look into a nice 951( 944T). Nice examples can be had for $10K. If your heart's set on an S4- maybe wait to save @ least another $5K. If you do find a "cheap" S4 for $10K- you're gonna dump @ least another $5K into it anyway getting it straight. (My.02c)

ckabee1

Thank you both for the solid advice.

My goal is to get a car I can enjoy (I like to wrench, but I want to drive it more than it is torn down) while not getting ripped-off (paid too much) in the process. Also, I don't want to offend the owner by offering too little.

I've taken the advice from previous post and have tried to not let my emotions get the best of me (buy the first one I see). This is very difficult, though!!

I just need to stick to my goals and budget, and listen to sound advice from the veterins. I read somewhere that the journey can be greater than the destination. I say BS to that!

Panzer9

Drive a 951- It's no slouch! will almost keep up w/ an S4 in stock trim, and can be modded to KILL just about anything- A very potent weapon & I happen to love their looks.

Rod Underwood

You may be right, but I paid $12.5K for an 87 with 62K in perfect condition - no dash cracks, no mechanical issues, NOTHING. Well, to be honest, I did have an interior light that wouldn't work, but that cost me a rear hatch switch.

I could have left it alone, but I did several other things just because I wanted to. Nothing needed to be done. I was probably lucky, but I think I now have a 16-19K car and I don't have nearly that invested in it. I'll never know what I could get out of it, because, I never intend to sell it. ;-) Life's too short.

They are out there, and maybe you just need to be lucky, but...

I had to buy Stan's 82 and Brett's bent valve 90 just so I could have something worthwhile to spend my money on. It really is fun to work making these cars nice again. I'm enjoying every moment of it. I'm not sure how my wife actually feels about it, but she's being quiet, so I don't want to disturb her.

Good luck

Rod

Giovanni

Cka, your private message option is disabled. What is your email?

danglerb

Put your location in your profile so it shows up, and meet some of the local 928 guys, maybe attend a TB party, but mostly TAKE YOUR TIME.

Learn what each model year and type has to offer.
Get finances ready to buy quickly if the right car shows up.
Let your friends know you are nuts (looking for an old 928), and start reading the local papers etc.
Learn how to do the basics of a PPI yourself quickly (there is a link in the newbies read this first post), but always get a "real" PPI done before closing a deal.
Plenty of people will be offended by a fair offer, once the seller and I both know the condition from a PPI I ask them what they need to get for the car, and work from that.
Do NOT discount the cost of repairs that show up in the PPI, not much in repairs on a 928 is "optional".

ckabee1

I don't know how to enable PM's, I sent you an email.

danglerb

Don't forget to become a full member of rennlist, its the cheapest best investment you will make.

ckabee1

Thanks again to all for your time reading my lengthy post and for your responses.

I have been reading this site for about 2 years and I don't think my brain can hold anymore 928 info. I already have a nice file of DIY stuff for when the day arrives! My purchase price is set at 10K, with 2K set aside for repairs and 200 a month for down the line. There is not much available within 1hr 45 mins to test drive. I have driven a ratty 82 AT and an 87 AT and nothing else. I loved the S4 (Duh) and the 82 was in such bad shape I could not get a feel for it. I'm not sure how to find other owners in this area. The Third and fourth things I will buy will be the CD based manuals and a membership!!

There is an 86.5 in Chapel Hill (about 3 hrs away - too far) that is well within my price range. How different is the 86.5 from the S4 in terms of seat of pants performance? I would consider it if someone knows the car. It's on autotrader as well. I just can't seem to make the trek...

EspritS4s

If you're willing to wrench and you are patient, you should be able to find an S4 in the $9-11K range in pretty good shape (or even lower if you're realy patient with cash on hand). Another $2K in maintenance, and you'll be in good shape if you've selected the right car. You'll need to be selective and possibly willing to travel though. Alternatively, you could follow the $12k-$15K low mileage route, but there is no guarentee that you still won't need that initial maintenence investment. IMHO, this is not the type of car that you want to limit to a local search unless your are really patient (or you live in CA).

-Gary

ckabee1

^ I see your point about travel. I guess I'm going to have to get more adventurous. At this point, I'm not feeling patient, just frustrated.

I'm a little wary of Ebay. It seems there are a lot of too good to be true examples. With my luck, I'd get a 10K bomb.

F451

I just bought my '88 S4 for $8500. 130k miles, 5 sp. Good to excellent shape. I bought it long distance, had a buddy look it over for me, and I jumped on it right away. I think for f$10k you should be able to find a sweet 928.

Good luck. -Ed