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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:06 PM
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Default Need 928 purchasing advice

OK…here is my dilemma. I recently sold my 99MY 911 and am in the hunt for a 928. I thought I wanted to get a 4 dour luxury liner but have re-thought that decision. In years past, I have owned a 912, a 914, and 3 different 911’s. I am now in the hunt for a 928 and am torn about which model and year to focus on.

I think I want the latest technology and best ride…which probably means a 94-95 model GTS. But it appears that there are more parts and upgrades/mods available for the S4 model……

One of my main concerns is how the 928 rides. I am hoping for a touring ride with a sports car handling. The 911 is more of a thoroughbred sports car and less of a touring car. I always felt like the 911 was the kind of car that you had to focus 110% of your energy in order to drive…..Meaning, that long trips in the 911 left me very tired as I had to concentrate so much that by the time I arrived where I was going, I would be worn out.

Is drivning a 928 going to be the same or is it more touring oriented?

In you're opion, what Year Model should I be looking for and what should I expect to pay for it?

Thanks in advance for your comments.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:11 PM
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I think the best bang for the buck is a 89 GT, a few less options but a kick *** motor and 5 speed, plus put on an X pipe and add some new shocks and tires and your tready to go coast to coast as fast as you want............Plus you have the option of having your favorite SO fall asleep in the passenger seat with the windows up and the AC on as you cruise along at ___ MPH`s......... Try that in a 911
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:19 PM
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Where do you live?
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:29 PM
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After 10 hours of triple digit speeds you may wish to stop for dinner and then resume your drive until you begin to get weary of the headlights coming at you. Then you'll get a motel room and wonder why the TV shows are so boring, thinking you prefer to be out driving your 928 more often. Then the next day you can do it all again. (at least that's what a little birdie told me.)

Get a V-1 though if you don't have one.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:48 PM
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You can drive a 928 all day without great weariness or aches or pains - yet it still can be fun.

Last year I drove 1000 miles home from Denver in a day (a long one) - and it was still enjoyable... Mine is a manual - I guess autos could be even more relaxing if you want to forget about shifting - doesn't bother me a bit though.

Since you had a '99 yes - go for the newest you can find/afford. Be aware 928 GTS's are a lot more rare than 911 Turbos so you will have to take some time & maybe travel to find a good one.

You say S4's have more upgrades available? - to do what? - make them into GTSs...?

Really other than the specific GTS evolutions (wheels/tires/torque/HP...)
they are a very similar car - 95% the same so most upgrades can be performed on a GTS too.

Welcome... its a very different car... oodles of torque at all rpms. The most fun for me is hitting the gas at 90mph and watching the rest of the cars dissappear in the rearview mirror - the 928 comes into its own at desperately illegal speeds

Alan
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 10:16 PM
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Thanks guy's...I appreciate all the comments.
Can anyone provide me with some guidance regarding late model pricing?
Say 94-95 values vs. 89-93 models?

Because I don't have as much time as I used to...and because I have the funds to back me up, I am going to be very picky with respect to condition. Whatever I buy is going to have to be at least a 7 on a scale of 1-10 and I am not interested in a fixer upper.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 10:20 PM
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I bought my car 2 years ago with 38K miles for 24k. No regrets, it's is a wonderful 60-120mph GT ride. Love it! Good luck, Mac
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 10:25 PM
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Chrisp3-

Where are you? You can probably find a demo ride from a nearby Rennlister, irrespective of your locale. If you're in SoCal I'd be happy to illustrate some 70-XXX pulls.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 11:38 PM
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Rob- I am located in Knoxville TN. Unfortunately I don't think that there are too many left in this area. But if there is someone in the area who could afford the time to allow me to look at their car I'd sure appreciate it.

I will be travelling to Southern Ohio this weekend and then to the West part of the US next week but unfortunately not quite as far as SoCal (Vegas)....but maybe there is someone in Vegas I could hook up with.

I am not in a hurry to purchase...but I do need some first had experience so that I will know what a good deal is when I see it.

also, pm sent
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 11:53 PM
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Ah ha - OK ... Calling Tony in Vegas !!

That would be a wild ride... Tony has a SC'd S4.

Alan
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Chrisp3
Because I don't have as much time as I used to...and because I have the funds to back me up, I am going to be very picky with respect to condition. Whatever I buy is going to have to be at least a 7 on a scale of 1-10 and I am not interested in a fixer upper.
Sounds like you're going to be looking for something from Willhoit or an equivalent specialist in terms of interior/exterior condition. Then you just need to get someone qualified in 928ology to make sure the mechanicals are as they should be

No affiliation (I'm in Australia for gawd's sake), but I happened to come across this earlier courtesy of google while I was doing a search for a replacement instrument panel for my car:

http://marksusedcars.com/showcar.cgi...mo_389_1002092

There's also an auto '95 GTS in there somewhere, for ridiculous money.
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 10:49 AM
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In answer to your questions, check the model history info here. I would suggest a 1987 (S4) through 1995 (GTS) model. You can see what the differences are at the site.

Some points to consider (price estimates assume very good condition and 60k to 80k miles)

1) 1987 & 1988 S4 model years lacked dash computer, 1989-1991 S4s have them (I like mine)... $14k - $17k
2) 1989 GT had the mechanical LSD (generally preferred) but no tire-pressure warning system (often noted as the most desirable pre-GTS model)... $25k
3) 1990-1991 GT had electronic LSD and troublesome tire-pressue warning system... $22k - $25k
4) 1993-1995 GTS models were more powerful and more cush all around, but I've heard some negatives about the engine design. Nevertheless, many people seem to sell their pre-GTS cars and step up to the GTS at some point - they can't all be wrong! $30k - $50k (assumes lower miles than noted above)

A significant premium (20-30%) applies to pre-GTS cars with 20k - 35k miles. Check the 928registry.org "for sale" listings for more accurate GTS pricing.

Good luck!!
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 12:04 PM
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Default Cars for Sale

Places to look: autotrader, cars.com, parcars.com (NYC area but not exclusively), craigslist.org, 928gt.com
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 01:00 PM
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I don't recall, but did Chuck's GTS sell? I thought I remember seeing that one of his GTS's were for sale. He has some of the nicest cars...

Roger
87s4
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 01:14 PM
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I'm guessing that since your looking at mid-nineties MY, that cost isn't an object. You may have fewer problems than many of us DIYers. When you close in on a prospect, if the model is an automatic include in the PPI a Flex Plate/Trust Bearing check. Anecdotally, it sems that more powerful autos have greater incidences of this issue. See if the owner will let you take it for a day to check out some systems for consitent operation including:
1) air conditioner fan operation at all fan speeds. Great "hot" time of the year to make sure that the fan control bi-metal strip is allowing all fan speeds to work correctly
2) shift (if manual) linkages are tight and the shifter centered. Linkage connector "cups" can wear and disconnect. Check action of lower gear synchros and the clutch. Both are very expensive to replace.
3) any whine in the torque tube
4) electronics should operate properly, but check for developing problems like cracking of the rear hatch latch case (the portion that inserts into the rear hatch receiver). Does the remote hatch opener pull-**** open the hatch every time? Does central locking work exactly as designed? (have the owner demonstrate this to you). Check window switches for any signs of sticking or peculiar "press" resistance while making the windows operate
5) Is fresh air directed through the specific vent selected? Is blown air ambient temp if neither a/c or heat are selected? (no to either indicates vacuum sealing issues)
6) Doubt that motor mounts will be an issue in a car as recent as what you are looking at, but this is easily inspected and a good 928 mechanic should be able to tell you about how much operational life you may have left in them
7) fuel lines should be carefully inspected. This is not a normal part of most PPIs. Fuel line under the engine oil inlet can chafe and be subject to cracking
8) any sign of water leaking down onto the Central Electrical panel? Is the plastic cover at the rear of the engine compartment intact, so as to shield the CE panel?

Good luck! These cars are good for very long cruising (4000 mile trip in 9 days).

Mike
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