I saw a 928s on my local car lot. It's an 86 model, 1 owner, 30K miles, wanting $8700 for it. I went for a test drive, and it was nice. The car has no dings in the paint; it was garage kept and it shows. No cracks in the dash or in the leather interior. Bad spots include deteriorating foam under the carpet (I pealed it up and looked), dead shocks that hold the rear hatch up, a broken hood release (still works, but it is laying on the floorboard), and dead speakers on the passenger side. It has the original Blaupunkt Alcapulco stereo system (I can't get away from this terrible head unit!). The battery was dead, but the car started without difficulty once I hooked it up to my charger. Any advice on the car would be appreciated. I would also appreciate links to any other car forums related to this model. Many thanks!

I would post a link to a pic, but I don't have enough posts yet. Sorry, I will get a pic up as soon as I get enough.

 

it could be a gem - very low miles; because maintainence is so hi, make sure and get a prepurchase inspection. What are the last 4 numbers of the VIN? If above 999, it's an 86.5. I have one and love it - it pulls alot stronger than my 84 did. That price for that description, doesn't sound unreasonable at all if everything checks out (be careful of title issues tho)...keep us posted!

 

Welcome to Rennlist.

These are just some random thoughts from a non-expert...

30k miles? Thats thirty thousand? For $8700? Assuming the mileage can be verified I'd say it sounds like a really good deal, but remember that its still going to require $$$. With that low mileage it must have been sitting for many years and that can result in a fair amount of deteroriation(sp!), perhaps more so than in a car thats higher mileage but is regularly used. Rubber seals suffer from non use and can result in many differnt leaks.

"deteriorating foam under the carpet". Could that be a sign of a water leak?

"dead shocks that hold the rear hatch up". Could that be caused simply by age or is it a sign that perhaps the mileage is higher than 30K? Same with hood release.

A Pre Purchase Inspection is essential with these cars, that should also tell you alot about leaks/seals etc. Try searching the archives on this board and you'll find a lot of info.

-mike
____________
1986 944 Red
1988 944 Blue

 

A PPI may help find negotiating points, but IMHO if the paint and interior are in great shape that's a huge plus -- if you're a DIY'er the mechanical stuff is straightforward -- far easier and cheaper than paint or interior refresh.

Even if you had to re-seal the whole motor, replace all hoses, etc it's all minor compared to a paint job.

 

Thanks Mike and Ed. Ed, I live in Morgantown, not far from you.

As for the mileage, I would think it would be real. Those problems mentioned are the only ones I could see. As I said, the body is in perfect shape, not a single ding, and it is one without the protective side molding down the side that I have seen on many 928s. There is not a single crack in the dash or seats. The seats are leather, and if it had 1,030,000 miles, I would expect more wear. Anyhow, the foam is bad because it's 30 years old. I saw no water damage at all, as I pulled up the carpets when the dealer wasn't looking, LOL. As for the hood latch, I have no idea how that happened. The piece was made of plastic, and I presume it broke from weakening over time.

I do agree, though, if I proceed I will get a prepurchase inspection. Thanks for the advice, fellas, and any further is appreciated.

 

Thanks, Sharkskin. As I said, the interior and exterior are in great shape. BTW, it's a 5 speed, not auto tranny. I kept having trouble finding 1st gear, for some strange reason.

 

I agree with Dave. If the body and interior are perfect thats a major plus. Seals can be fixed.

Post some pics.

-mike
____________
1986 944 Red
1988 944 Blue

 

If it really is as you described someone else will buy it if you don't.

 

This is another post to get my post count up so I can post pics.

 

Another post. Can't post pics until post count is high enough.

 

 

Wow, 5 spd, no sunroof and no BSMs. Very clean.

Looks very nice. The odo sometimes goes down on these, so it may have some miles that aren't logged, but it looks very nice. Check to see if the odo turns when you drive it now or if it's stopped.

I agree, although I'm a newbie at this, from what I've seen someone will take it for that price, might as well be you.

 

Actually, it's got a sunroof that works. Is that bad? And what is a BSM?

 

BSM is body side molding, see my pix. Good luck, Mac

 

Welcome to Rennlist!

Sunroofs are standard equipement for 86, not having one would make it a rare car that the original owner ordered sunroof-delete - like he/she did with the Body Side Moldings in this case. Many, including me, love the look of the rare BSM-delete 928 bodies. Such clean lines! Beautiful!

5spd manuals are also much less common than automatics, it's matter of personal preference which you like... but it does make the car more desirable on the 928 market.

That red shark looks like a hell of a nice 928S, and a great score if the PPI turns out OK. Buy it!

p.s. Common 928 trivia: 1986 is a split model year:
86.0 = First 1000 cars off the assmebly line are the same as 1985, which was the first year of the two years of the early 32 valve motor, 928S brakes and suspension.
86.5 = VIN number ending over 1000, has the upgraded brakes and suspension from the upcoming 1987 928 S4

So is that beauty an 86.0 or 86.5?