Michael Witz

I'm considering buying an S4 (87-89)

what's considered reasonable mileage? When/what are the major problems/repairs that occur after 100K?

Is a 100K+ mile 928 a problem (money pit) waiting to happen?

The wife has an 87 S4 with only 66K miles and she has had it in the shop several times over the past 5 years for the engine computer (replaced twice)...

thanks in advance

Michael
'89 C4

Big Dave

My 85 has 79K miles (73K when purchased). I'm told that 928s, when maintaned should last upwards of 300K. Cars with too little mileage should be examined closely--they can have a myriad of problems associated with the lack of their use.

100K-125K seems average to me. Perhaps the others here can give you more info about which items to watch for. For that matter, I'm interested in finding out, too.

Moss928

What's considered low mialage?

Tabor

I have never owned a 928. But I assume that I can get 200,000 miles out of one of these "special" aluminum engines. For that reason, I consider 150,000+ high and anything less than 50,000 low. But I have a skewed perception.

Eric

Did anyone see the "low mile" 928 in the DuPont Registry---200 miles!!!If I remember correctly, I think they were asking $68,000. Now, how about all the rubber pieces which will need replacing from having sat for so long?

Eric

Ed Ruiz

At one time (maybe still) there was a fella in GA who had two 928 with what most of us would consider "high miles". One had over 600k on the odometer while the other had over 400k. Both were still running strong and neither engine had been rebuilt at that time.

YMMV.

Michael Witz

Thanks,

My reason for asking was that I know 100K miles is not that big a deal with the 911 models...

based on the feedback it seems 100K for a 928 is not a major negative so long as have good maintenance records

any thoughts on when a transmission (automatic) rebuild would need to occur

thanks a bunch

Michael
'89 C4
& shopping for a 928

Kaz

Someone over at German Auto Art has a 81 928 with over 280,000 miles on the odometer which has stopped working. Before restoring the exterior of his car his only qualification was that a leakdown test be performed. If the engine passed, he'd start the restoration, if not, that was it for the car. It passed with flying colors and the exterior was repainted.

On a recent 200 mile loop ride and drive in So Cal with 16 928's taking part, this 81 held it's own with the S4's and GT's that were taking part.

Don't be afraid of a lack of miles, be afraid of a lack of service or records.


K

Nicole

I would say that if a car has been driven less than 3-5k miles per year, it can be considered a low mileage car.

Kaz

I meant, don't be afraid of miles on the car. Low mileage cars can be problematic because of all the dried up seals and rubber bits. They're definately happier driven. By the way, my 88 S4 has 105,000 miles on it.

K

DougM

Engines and trannys, if maintained properly, are bullet proof and will last forever. It is the electricals, motor mounts etc... and other PITA fixes that creep up.

Jerry 87 928S4

I am up to 79k on mine. It is still very tight and performs great. I am beginning to believe that it ages at half the rate of American cars.

Seems like 5k miles a year is the least these Sharks like. Less seems to cause them problems. Many people say even at 120k there is no issue.

Have to drive them and maintain them!

2V4V

Mike,

I currently have 165K on my 84S - the motor anyway. I did replace the trans on my car at 162K, but that was mainly due to the fact that I could update to a GTS a/t cheaper than fixing what was wrong with it.

I had hot and cold comp and leakdown done on my car at about 155K. The compression was all within 6PSI, and the leakdown was very uniform at 5-7% on all cylinders.

I would agree with everyone who says that it is not the miles, its the records. If you maintain it, it will run.

The interior leather is IMHO the most annoying issue you will run into. The rest of the mechanical and electrical issues are (generally) no more complicated or expensive than fixing a new Acura. (IF you can do some things on your own and don't shop the Tweeks catalog for parts.)

Greg

928 Brothers

99.9% of the pre-89s have been rolled back. Trust me, I have had over 20+ 928s. That is why pre-89 cars are so cheap. Everyone knows how to roll them back, it's VERY easy. I would look for other things. 1. Check the seats. If they are bad or even have wear, the car has over 120k (no exceptions). 2. If the motor mounts are bad. If they are, walk away. All 928s with under 100k should be VERY smooth. So if you feel any vibration, you know. 3. Check the -pod-. If it's a little loose, it has been removed. Most people don't bother to put all the bolts back because it's to hard.

A 928 with under 100k is bearly broken-in . Most 928s are have way over 160k. So remember, forget the odometer and the stories.

If you think that's bad, 911s are worse. The speedo is mechanical until it's final year (1998). They get rolled back almost every other year unlike the 928, wich gets rolled back maybe twice in it's life time.

PatrickP

My '85 had 150k+ when I bought it about a year ago. Drove from CA to TN after replacing a fan clutch. Now up to about 165K. One previous owner and well maintained. Dittos to everyone who emphasized MAINTENANCE over MILEAGE.