Veon Ake

Hi,

I really love the 928 and am thinking of buying a 928s4. There are a few in my local autotrader averaging around $10,000. Is this a good price or what should I try to get them to come down to? Also what are the major things I need to look for when I go look at any of these cars? The two main 928s I am interested are a 1987 928s4 for $10,500 obo that says looks and runs very good, needs minor TLC. The other one is a 1988 928s but it has new 18" custom wheels, new Zrated tires, freeflow exhaust and other mods, it is also $10,500 obo. What do u guys think of those two? Any help would be very appreciated

Thom1

What are the mileages, receipts for maintenance?

I would have a ~100 point inspection done before I purchased either. That is absolutely essential! You should check for the cars' histories online, I think. I have not tried this, but it seems prudent.

Kaz

Do as thorough a research as possible into the histories of both cars. Ask for all the records since new if possible. If they don't have them, then get the VIN number, call up the dealership it was sold from and then any others and run it by their service dept for the history. I did that with mine and have records since new. Also, on those records, look for recurring problems when the car was still a young pup and under warranty. Anything that keeps popping up back when it was new will most probably be a nuisance now that the car is older.
Personally I'd favor the 88 and a car with mods is nothing to be afraid of provided the owner was fanatical about upkeep. My 88 has much of the same modifications, 17 inch rims though, and I can show you all records since new. After two years of ownership I can tell you how many cranks my engine will take to start at any given time of day depending on current temp and wind conditions. (laugh) but that's just me.
Just remember, be prepared to walk away. Get as thorough and inspection and history as you can. Get that inspection at YOUR respected and trusted 928 mechanic, not his/hers. There are too many people on this board that will help you find a great 928 for you to get stuck with anything crappy. Just offhand, for 10,5 I'd guess the miles on those cars to be around 160k? All the 87's 88's I've ever seen had anywhere from 69k to 99k and were around 16 or so. Don't be afraid to walk away. If it feels bad it is bad.

Veon Ake

I have to make sure I can come up with the money so I havent contacted either of the owners yet. The 1987 has 100,000 miles, cant believe I forgot to put that. The 1988 mileage isnt specified. I am emailing the owner now about it. Any key things to ask him before I send it out besides the receipts and history? Do you know how much online history reports are?

SHunter

Hello,

Well the first thing you need to do before even considering a 928 is have it checked out by a Porsche 928 mechanic. This is A MUST for any 928 purchase. A 928 mechanic will be able to tell you what is really wrong with the car, if anything. It is worth its weight in gold, because the repair costs of a 928 can be very $$$$ EXPENSIVE $$$$ !!! A car that is selling for $10,000 may need another 5-6k in repairs. Or it may need nothing at all. And make sure the pre-purchase inspection by the mechanic is not a buffy-tootie inspection (i.e. needs paint, carpet, etc.) you can look at that on your own. You want the full low down on the mechanical condition of the vehicle.

Also, if the previous owner has records of the work performed in the past....Tbelt, water pump....then great!! If not, prepare to replace them ASAP!! (most shops are around $1,00 for this work) If you jump a Timing belt, your looking at about 5k minimum in repairs. Especially in the 32V cars.

Drive a few 928's and when you find one that your really like....have that inspection done. If everything looks good buy it, and get ready for the ultimate driving nirvana!!! A Porsche 928!!!!

Just my $9.28 worth


S.Hunter
cyber5-0@swbell.net
87 928 S4

Veon Ake

Wow lots of replies already, I have to go pick up some food then I'll be back with more questions. Thanks a lot.

Jim_H

I probably wouldn't use a Porsche dealer. Post where you are from and people can get back to you with good mechanics that know the 928, you won't find many of those at dealers. Unless they have been replaced your motor mounts are probably long overdue, cv boots and fuel pumps are a few of the common things you see needing replaced in the 80-100K range. Seems like a pretty low price so be careful. Stick or auto?

Jim

Veon Ake

I am from San Diego, CA. It is an auto. I heard that sticks are hard to find in 928's. Is that correct? Is it possible to convert it later to manual?

Edit: From the reading I have done on 928 sites I have not seen any 1988 928s. From what I can tell that model ended in 1986. Does this person really have a s4 and its a typo? or is there a 1988 s?

Randy V

If you have any specific questions about shops in San Diego for a pre-purchase inspection, let me know Veon.

When you finally buy that 928, you're invited to attend the regular get-togethers of about 20 San Diego 928 owners.

Thom1

1986.5 is an S3 - has 85, 86 engine, and 87 suspension components - at the least brakes.
S4 starts in 1987 - more horsepower

DougM

If you have trouble coming up with $10,500 for an s4, then do not buy it. At $10,500, which is cheap for an s4, you will likely encounter many future $$$$ in repairs. I can guarantee you will not be getting a clean, well maintained car. With a good 928 purchase, you should be able to buy the car and have about $3000 left over for any unforseen maintenance and repairs for the first year. With a max budget of $10k, I would opt for a really clean, well cared for '85-'86.

Veon Ake

Well you can read my other posts and find a little more about my situation. Doesnt look like ill be getting a porsche unless I can do some convincing. Also the owner made a type and it was actually a 1984 928s not a 1988.