Need pricing help....
08-20-2001, 12:47 PM
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Need pricing help....
Hello there,
I have decided to sell my current car and purchase a Porsche as an everyday driver (I live in Boston). I am trying to decide between a 911SC or a 928 5 speed, which has proven harder than I had expected
. My budget is up to $13,000, and this car will be for everyday use, so I am not interested in this car as an investment.
What attracts me to the 928 is "bang for the buck" basically since these never "caught on" when new, and used values reflect this. I have located a well maintained '81 5 speed with 97K miles, with the Competition group. There have been numerous repairs lately, including the all important timing belt, water pump, seals, pads and brake servos. The asking price is $7900 USD. Is this a decent price for this car? I am only asking because Kelley Blue Book puts this car at something like 3400 (although 7900 is right in line with NADA values). In fact all KBB values for Porsches seem to be a little low.
I am also curious as to owners of similar models. This seems like a great car, but is maintenence something that is a problem more with the earlier cars? Should I wait and find a more powerful, later 928S (I guess I am really asking if the power is all that much less in the earlier cars... I have heard a 928 is fast no matter what the year). Obviously I have alot of questions, but hopefully someone can give me some tips. Thanks!
-David
I have decided to sell my current car and purchase a Porsche as an everyday driver (I live in Boston). I am trying to decide between a 911SC or a 928 5 speed, which has proven harder than I had expected
. My budget is up to $13,000, and this car will be for everyday use, so I am not interested in this car as an investment.What attracts me to the 928 is "bang for the buck" basically since these never "caught on" when new, and used values reflect this. I have located a well maintained '81 5 speed with 97K miles, with the Competition group. There have been numerous repairs lately, including the all important timing belt, water pump, seals, pads and brake servos. The asking price is $7900 USD. Is this a decent price for this car? I am only asking because Kelley Blue Book puts this car at something like 3400 (although 7900 is right in line with NADA values). In fact all KBB values for Porsches seem to be a little low.
I am also curious as to owners of similar models. This seems like a great car, but is maintenence something that is a problem more with the earlier cars? Should I wait and find a more powerful, later 928S (I guess I am really asking if the power is all that much less in the earlier cars... I have heard a 928 is fast no matter what the year). Obviously I have alot of questions, but hopefully someone can give me some tips. Thanks!
-David
08-20-2001, 03:58 PM
#3
Drifting
Based on my experience a year ago when i was shopping for a used Porsche, a 13,000 dollar 928 is in general gonna be newer and in better shape than a 13,000 dollar 911. Just make sure you get service records!
08-20-2001, 05:14 PM
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If I had $13K to burn I would look for a nice, well maintended 32V S4 (1987 or newer)....Mileage is not an issue for these cars...Don't let high-mileage cars scare you!
If you look long and hard there are some good S4 examples out there...The '81 US cars, IMHO, don't not have enough HP power to "feel" quick as the 911SC...and as you know the 928s are heavy cars....So forget about the pre-87 cars. If you have the money go for most later model you can afford.
928s tend to be dependable for everyday use no matter what year you choose, however with the later cars you get much more for your money (ABS, airbags, big brakes, improved styling etc).
Best of luck to you
Tony
If you look long and hard there are some good S4 examples out there...The '81 US cars, IMHO, don't not have enough HP power to "feel" quick as the 911SC...and as you know the 928s are heavy cars....So forget about the pre-87 cars. If you have the money go for most later model you can afford.
928s tend to be dependable for everyday use no matter what year you choose, however with the later cars you get much more for your money (ABS, airbags, big brakes, improved styling etc).
Best of luck to you
Tony
08-20-2001, 06:16 PM
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Hello David,
For a very comprehensive checklist of what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for a 928, I recommend taking a look at Dan Brindle's 928 site (see attached URL). Click on PPI to go to the Pre Purchase Inspection checklists.
Dan Brindle's 928 Site
If you want a luxury car with high performance characteristics get a 928. If you are looking for just high performance (and not much else), get a type 911.
Hmm, do I sound a bit biased - hah!
For a very comprehensive checklist of what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for a 928, I recommend taking a look at Dan Brindle's 928 site (see attached URL). Click on PPI to go to the Pre Purchase Inspection checklists.
Dan Brindle's 928 Site
If you want a luxury car with high performance characteristics get a 928. If you are looking for just high performance (and not much else), get a type 911.
Hmm, do I sound a bit biased - hah!
08-20-2001, 06:29 PM
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Hi Windsor,
I agree that you should be able to find a newer model for $13K. You can usually put down a good faith deposit, and head straight to a qualified European repair shop for a thorough inspection. You should also get them to estimate needed repair costs. Maintenance records are good, but current condition overides all other concerns.
I agree that you should be able to find a newer model for $13K. You can usually put down a good faith deposit, and head straight to a qualified European repair shop for a thorough inspection. You should also get them to estimate needed repair costs. Maintenance records are good, but current condition overides all other concerns.
08-20-2001, 06:57 PM
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Thanks everyone for the help. I am really going back and forth on this one (not to mention I realized I can get a really nice 944 Turbo for about the same cash.... argh!! decisions decisions!!! )
I think my main desires break out like this
1) Cheap to buy
2) Cheap to own (well, relatively, this is a Porsche afterall, and I'm not naive...but something that doesn't break down every other day, as this will be my only car)
3) Great fun as both a daily driver and a weekend car.
My current car is too expensive and nice to have in the city (2001 A4). I could get away with out owning a car if I really wanted, so I just want something "inexpensive" I can enjoy and work on myself, and something that I don't feel bad about parking on the street at night (since my options are limited to... well, thats my only option). That's my main hurdle in looking for cars, is most of them are "too nice", pampered in a heated garage, and I feel bad about having to drive them through snow and rain on a daily basis. This is probably why I am leaning towards this 928 I found (BTW it's an 82... I was a little out of it this morning... monday you know...) because its not that much to buy and seems well taken care of.
Maybe I'm rambling, sorry, but I'm having trouble figuring out the best balance between performance, everyday drivability and reliability. Any help anyone can throw my way would be greatly appreciated, as I'm sure some of you have had to grapple with these decisions...why did you all decide on the car you bought? I'll post this on a new thread if I need to, but thanks for the time, you people rock!
)I think my main desires break out like this
1) Cheap to buy
2) Cheap to own (well, relatively, this is a Porsche afterall, and I'm not naive...but something that doesn't break down every other day, as this will be my only car)
3) Great fun as both a daily driver and a weekend car.
My current car is too expensive and nice to have in the city (2001 A4). I could get away with out owning a car if I really wanted, so I just want something "inexpensive" I can enjoy and work on myself, and something that I don't feel bad about parking on the street at night (since my options are limited to... well, thats my only option). That's my main hurdle in looking for cars, is most of them are "too nice", pampered in a heated garage, and I feel bad about having to drive them through snow and rain on a daily basis. This is probably why I am leaning towards this 928 I found (BTW it's an 82... I was a little out of it this morning... monday you know...) because its not that much to buy and seems well taken care of.
Maybe I'm rambling, sorry, but I'm having trouble figuring out the best balance between performance, everyday drivability and reliability. Any help anyone can throw my way would be greatly appreciated, as I'm sure some of you have had to grapple with these decisions...why did you all decide on the car you bought? I'll post this on a new thread if I need to, but thanks for the time, you people rock!
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08-20-2001, 08:01 PM
#8
David,
While certainly deferring to others with more expertise, I think you could do much better 928-wise with 13k than an '82. I think '85 was the first year they came out with the 32 valve engine. I lucked out ealier this year and got my '85 for 6k from the original owner. The freeway miles were high, but is has performed like a champ since I got it and i have taken it on several trips, driven it cross country and use it as a daily driver. I have fixed a few things but nothing I would consider unusual for a 16 year old car. There was a very nice looking '86 auto that just sold on Ebay for $9200 and, according to the seller, also had the recent water pump, etc. maintenance. Nothing wrong, IMHO, with a 911 or 944 if you want an "oh, there goes another one" car. The 928 performs AND is a comfortable car for road trips. My motto: "Not every Porsche is a 928 ... they just all want to be!" Use your 13k to find a good one and I doubt you will ever look back. Hey, make sure you let us know!
While certainly deferring to others with more expertise, I think you could do much better 928-wise with 13k than an '82. I think '85 was the first year they came out with the 32 valve engine. I lucked out ealier this year and got my '85 for 6k from the original owner. The freeway miles were high, but is has performed like a champ since I got it and i have taken it on several trips, driven it cross country and use it as a daily driver. I have fixed a few things but nothing I would consider unusual for a 16 year old car. There was a very nice looking '86 auto that just sold on Ebay for $9200 and, according to the seller, also had the recent water pump, etc. maintenance. Nothing wrong, IMHO, with a 911 or 944 if you want an "oh, there goes another one" car. The 928 performs AND is a comfortable car for road trips. My motto: "Not every Porsche is a 928 ... they just all want to be!" Use your 13k to find a good one and I doubt you will ever look back. Hey, make sure you let us know!
08-21-2001, 04:21 AM
#9
Windsor,
I'm probably going to get hammered for this...BUT!
First, I'm not a purist nor am I finiky about the company I keep.
Second, I'm all for having a sunday go to meeting 928 and a let's see what you got, street brawler.
Third, I'll talk up the aesthetic and performance merits of the 928 with or to any reasonable person. While not perfect -what is- they look, sound, and perform ...GOOD!
Having said that and realizing Porsche only made ,,,what 60,000, 80,000 units I could
not help but say "I wouldn't want you around my daughter either".
Daily driver in Boston, parked on the street,
nasty winters with plenty of salt, O.K., they do drive worse in Paris, all of Italy, and Fort Hood,Texas. Parking is worse in Paris and Chicago. I've driven from the Airport to town. Exhilarating to me, terrifying to a seasoned Diego to L.A. commuter. Boston's streets are no worse than
rust belt metropolitan areas but, again, no better. On of my nightmares, and I only have two, is someone trashing my sHARk because it's beautiful and they don't have one!
Windsor, don't do this to a precision machine. Just in one year the suspension and body is going to get hosed from the weather, salt, and daily surface road pounding.
Read these posts and the archives, vacuum leaks, old corroded electrical terminals, high dollar tires, wheels, great suspension system - it ain't a dump truck - , people will bust into it because it's a cool car and there must be something of value to steal. And where are you going to do this maintenance you were talking about?
Yeah there are a lot of nice older 928's out there. Want to know why? Because these were expensive cars when new. MOST were pampered, garage kept, maintained and ENJOYED cars which is why there are still enough around at a fairly, low price for someone like you and me to buy and enjoy. My opinion and I don't mean this vindictivly, "Hang onto the A4 and trash it instead. Don't condemn another 928 to the junkyard in 4-5 years."
John S. 82' Weissach, Auto. 'Pattycakes'
I'm probably going to get hammered for this...BUT!
First, I'm not a purist nor am I finiky about the company I keep.
Second, I'm all for having a sunday go to meeting 928 and a let's see what you got, street brawler.
Third, I'll talk up the aesthetic and performance merits of the 928 with or to any reasonable person. While not perfect -what is- they look, sound, and perform ...GOOD!
Having said that and realizing Porsche only made ,,,what 60,000, 80,000 units I could
not help but say "I wouldn't want you around my daughter either".
Daily driver in Boston, parked on the street,
nasty winters with plenty of salt, O.K., they do drive worse in Paris, all of Italy, and Fort Hood,Texas. Parking is worse in Paris and Chicago. I've driven from the Airport to town. Exhilarating to me, terrifying to a seasoned Diego to L.A. commuter. Boston's streets are no worse than
rust belt metropolitan areas but, again, no better. On of my nightmares, and I only have two, is someone trashing my sHARk because it's beautiful and they don't have one!
Windsor, don't do this to a precision machine. Just in one year the suspension and body is going to get hosed from the weather, salt, and daily surface road pounding.
Read these posts and the archives, vacuum leaks, old corroded electrical terminals, high dollar tires, wheels, great suspension system - it ain't a dump truck - , people will bust into it because it's a cool car and there must be something of value to steal. And where are you going to do this maintenance you were talking about?
Yeah there are a lot of nice older 928's out there. Want to know why? Because these were expensive cars when new. MOST were pampered, garage kept, maintained and ENJOYED cars which is why there are still enough around at a fairly, low price for someone like you and me to buy and enjoy. My opinion and I don't mean this vindictivly, "Hang onto the A4 and trash it instead. Don't condemn another 928 to the junkyard in 4-5 years."
John S. 82' Weissach, Auto. 'Pattycakes'
08-21-2001, 10:45 AM
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Thanks guys,
John, I've always thought that Porsches (and ALL sports cars for that matter) are meant to be daily drivers. The great Dr. himself said a sports car should excel in ALL ways, not just power and handling. I also refuse to believe that any car created in Germany is not meant to be driven in the winter.
That is why I am looking at these ranges of cars. Look, any car I buy, be it a 944, 911 or 928 will not be a concours winner, it will be a well maintained, well cared for machine, which I will continue, even with a few months of winter with perhaps 2 full weeks of snow on the ground and the occasional ski trip. What I don't want is an absolute flawless museam car. I just want to have a car I can enjoy every day, which I don't think is unreasonable.
The A4 will be history soon, and I need another car. I want to have and enjoy a Porsche while I can (young, single), I am not afraid to turn a wrench and get my hands dirty, and I am prepared for the extra "hassle" that goes into owning one of these wonderful cars. I know how much I want to spend (really would prefer ~9000) and what I can get, so it really boils down to 911/928/944T. Don't make me buy a Japanese sports car!
And John, I am sure your daughter would LOVE me!!!
John, I've always thought that Porsches (and ALL sports cars for that matter) are meant to be daily drivers. The great Dr. himself said a sports car should excel in ALL ways, not just power and handling. I also refuse to believe that any car created in Germany is not meant to be driven in the winter.
That is why I am looking at these ranges of cars. Look, any car I buy, be it a 944, 911 or 928 will not be a concours winner, it will be a well maintained, well cared for machine, which I will continue, even with a few months of winter with perhaps 2 full weeks of snow on the ground and the occasional ski trip. What I don't want is an absolute flawless museam car. I just want to have a car I can enjoy every day, which I don't think is unreasonable.
The A4 will be history soon, and I need another car. I want to have and enjoy a Porsche while I can (young, single), I am not afraid to turn a wrench and get my hands dirty, and I am prepared for the extra "hassle" that goes into owning one of these wonderful cars. I know how much I want to spend (really would prefer ~9000) and what I can get, so it really boils down to 911/928/944T. Don't make me buy a Japanese sports car!
And John, I am sure your daughter would LOVE me!!!