Do you guys think I can find a nice 928 with the asking price about $8,000 and still be a very reliable daily driver, I would make sure the normal stuff was done recently, timing belt and stuff. Is this possible to find?

 

I do not know! Looking for the same thing.

 

I make no claims, but saw these today the price range is right.

<a href="http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/sfc/car/10534052.html" target="_blank">http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/sfc/car/10534052.html</a>

<a href="http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/nby/car/10342604.html" target="_blank">http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/nby/car/10342604.html</a>

<a href="http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/nby/car/10346918.html" target="_blank">http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/nby/car/10346918.html</a>

 

If you would like I can provide you the phone number for the place I saw this S4 and I can even go get some snap shots for you and post them here if you like. <a href="http://www.pacificnw928.com" target="_blank">(Click here to see the post I am referring to)</a> <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" />

 

Short answer...yes! <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" /> Probably around an 86 or older in decent condition or a newer model with higher miles and in less condition. You didn’t mention which model year you might be interested in so I assume you are in prelim research at this moment.

Of course, the amount of car you end up with for that amount budgeted will depend mostly on three things, personally, I group the 928 in this order...previous performed maintenance with maintenance history documented…period…as this can really kill your pocket book...no verbal promises here…the model year and, miles including overall condition of the car both interior and exterior accompanied by a CarFax at your expense. PPI is mandatory regardless of which year unless you are only buying as a track car...period...skip this and get burned!

It is possible to find "that gem" once in awhile although not as common as possible a low miles example that's needs some catching up on the maintenance as you often see on EBAY.

You need to study the 928 and the pros and cons of the various years before deciding to purchase any particular model year so as to suit your needs the best.

The 928 by no means is no mystery regarding maintenance but effects it’s resale value COMPLETLY... it's pretty simple as most of the requirements are listed in the owners manual, or can be accessed and handled through the official Porsche manual set that’s available for each model year but the real catch is "you cannot skip any required maintenance" period...no if's and's or but's. If the previous owner skips maintenance, then the next owner will foot the bill, which is often the reason for low 928 valuations, a direct correlation to various costly repairs as required if performed by a “high dollar shop”.

Some 928 parts time out as do helicopter parts…only so many hours/days or miles can be put on particular parts…you may only drive say maybe 2k a year, so the part doesn’t time out in miles but will in time…timing belt as an example, the Achilles heel to the 928 as rotor blades on a helicopter…been sitting there too long…it’ gone…Mother Nature has taken her toll on the various components requiring replacement…sun…smog…dry or salt air…sure…it still works but one can only guess when it will fail…blades on a helicopter…I fly at least 4 hours a day and don’t want that kind of risk nor would I expect a 8 yr old 928 timing belt 32v to be too safe…maybe…maybe not.

928’s are like kids…if you analyze, understand and stay a step ahead of them, you get a lot of bang for your buck…drop your guard and you’ll pay dearly.

I do love my shark. It’s doesn’t leak a drop of oil, beats anything half it’s age in every arena, hits 165MPH with out whining snapping your neck all the way there as your eyeballs do a 360 looking for the chippies and when resting, sharkey is constantly asked if it’s a new Porsche…I simply smile and say…GOD NO…****! YOU THINK I’M CRAZY…THE LAST OWNER PAID $70K FOR THIS NEW IN 1988 AND I GOT IT FOR $18K PLUS $7K IN RESTORATION MAINTENANCE W/ ONLY 36k MILES…FOR GOD SAKES NO…IT’S…not a lease!!!

So yes…you can find a nice shark within that price range but you will have to compromise with maintenance issues, miles and model year. Porsche 928’s are very reliable providing you understand them…not rocket science.

Keep us informed on your purchase.
<img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

 

This is some basic information I've put together to help others along with what's listed above the 928 board...enjoy. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Here are a few additional sites to get you going. Some of the information will be repeated.

Couple of quick tips…

*Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection by a mechanic you trust and who KNOWS the 928 if you get REAL serious. If maintenance services have been missed…you’ll pay the price.

Big Ticket Items...
Timing Belt
Torque Tube
Motor Mounts
Steering Rack
Leaking Radiator (where plastic meets metal leaks)

Porsche 928 Model History
<a href="http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/classic/porsche.htm" target="_blank">http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/classic/porsche.htm</a>

928 Frequently Asked Questions
<a href="https://rennlist.com/main/areas/services/928_faq.htm" target="_blank">https://rennlist.com/main/areas/services/928_faq.htm</a>

General Information for New 928 Owners
<a href="http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/fornew9.htm" target="_blank">http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/fornew9.htm</a>

Porsche Option Decoder
<a href="http://www.kindel.com/Porsche/options.asp" target="_blank">http://www.kindel.com/Porsche/options.asp</a>

Porsche 928 Buyers tips
<a href="http://home.wxs.nl/~Jennit/Technical/BuyerTips.htm" target="_blank">http://home.wxs.nl/~Jennit/Technical/BuyerTips.htm</a>

Sources for Porsche 928s and Buying Tips
<a href="http://www.billsworkshop.com/P928S4/shopping.htm" target="_blank">http://www.billsworkshop.com/P928S4/shopping.htm</a>

928 Spec & Tech information
<a href="http://www.928gt.com/928specs/928specs.htm" target="_blank">http://www.928gt.com/928specs/928specs.htm</a>

Paint Codes
<a href="http://www.928gt.com/928specs/Paintcode.htm" target="_blank">http://www.928gt.com/928specs/Paintcode.htm</a>

Carfax
<a href="http://www.carfax.com/" target="_blank">http://www.carfax.com/</a>

Experian
<a href="http://www.autocheck.com/?ts=014045420" target="_blank">http://www.autocheck.com/?ts=014045420</a>

By no means is this a complete list but it will send you in the right direction.

One last tip!

DO NOT take a verbal answer as proof for timing belt service...if they don’t have paper work on the service then consider the service having not been performed. Broken or slipped belts can/are cause for expensive valve repair.

Also...coolant changes ARE VERY IMPORTANT every two years to protect against corrosion...again...paper work and not verbal proof.

Tim Delarm

 

Michaelss:

Dozman, a member here of Rennlist, is currently selling his black '85 S. He's done all of the scheduled mainetance and more.

I think he's looking for something more in the $9,000 range....a steal in my opinion given the work he's done to it. He's selling it because he's already bought another 928 that is receiving a supercharger.

If he doesn't see this thread, and you're interested, let me know and I'll get his attention for you.

 

$8000 for a "very reliable daily driver" might be a bit of a strech. You should be able to find a nice 928 for that much but I'm not convinced that "very reliable daily driver" and "928 for $8000" are best spoken in the same sentance. You are talking about cars that are nearly 20 years old or older. Are there any 20yr old cars that are reliable daily drivers?

I drive mine every nice day that there is. It has been dead reliable IMO. Though last week I had to chase a wire short that was taking out my gauges when it blew the fuse. I found it and repaired it easily but, count on the car requiring some attention now and then. I also have other vehicles availible IF the 928 fails for some reason. I think that is wise, even if it is just a cheap beater.

I think you need to accept that driving one of the worlds greatest supercars comes with a price. It means that you must be religious about maint. You must budget for the occaisional EXPENSIVE repair, like a couple grand. You must find a nice one and have it inspected PRIOR to purchase by a 928 expert. If you do these things, you will likely have a VERY enjoyable experience. If you do not have back up transportation, buy a "fixer upper", or neglect to do maint, you will hate your Porsche and it will bleed your bank account dry.

So...know that I have scared you <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> these cars are simply awesome and worth the occassional weekend in the garage pulling maint or a repair. The sound, the power, the look, the feel are second to none in the automotive world. I have owned and driven some pretty cool cars in my time, none compare to my 928, new or old. These cars ROCK <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

 

Daily driver? Why would you subject something as nice as a 928 to the daily drudge? While you're at work will it sit in the sun and rain(or hail) with its aluminum-skinned doors one ding away from a steel-doored beater? Buying a nice 928 is a commitment to keeping a nice 928...which means downtime for maintenance. How will you get to work while the 928 is offline? Buy a Honda Civic. Save your money, then buy a 928. Then you can choose which days to drive it to work and be the envy of all the poor Joes stuck in all the crap cars on the freeway. And on the weekends....oh! those glorious weekends!

 

I'm going to get a 928S4 as a daily driver.

That will give at least an hour of fun every day and not an hour of pain. Of course I'll use a beater when there is to much snow and ice around but otherwise I tend to drive my cars as much as possible.

These cars are built to be driven, not parked.

 

I drive mine daily because of the drudge of commuting to work. I'm lucky enough to park securely indoors next to other pampered cars (same cars everyday), so door dings aren't much of a concern.

 

Hmmmm, I am not going to contradict myself or others here by indicating that you should always anticipate spending some money to do maintenance on a used 928 unless the P/O simply was fanatical about doing everything every time anything appeared even slightly in disrepair. Granted, some P/O's do less than others and some of the others don't know what the hell they are doing and make matters worse with poorly done or incorrect repairs and maintenance.

A running 928 in any condition (especially a S4/GT/ or GTS)is the first part of a great deal, becuase there are many that are sold that are not or have severe behavioral problems from neglect. However, 928's are positively "bulletproof" and I would always stick with the advice that you should buy the latest model of Porsche that you can afford (within reason) and a $7000 S4 is postively a steal even if you have to put another $4-5K into some tools and some of your own BS&T (blood, sweat & tears) but in my humble opine the BS&T is the part I enjoy most about Porsche ownership and I enjoy it most when I am driving it after I have done the work (for example, this weekend I took on the seemingly easy and simple task of changing the plugs in my 996, after imersing myself into this job for the first hour I began to realize just how daunting a task this was and cussed my way through the nearly "5 HOUR" job on my back rolling around on a creeper, then after finishing it i drove the car for another two hours in happiness with my accomplishment).

Boiled down... do not expect to buy into any Porsche 928 or other without some level of commitment to performing maintenance on some or many areas of the car that may have been neglected by the P/O.

If you think I am kidding- visit my website <a href="http://www.patedwards.net" target="_blank">www.patedwards.net</a> and take a look at my restoration project of my 85. I bought what I thought was a decent low mileage 85S for 3K and to my suprise- it was an unspeakable horror of neglect and poorly done repairs, $5-6K and some BS&T later I found I had a beautiful car that I wished had the performance and the body upgrades the S4. I could have had that if I simply had followed my own learned advice and purchased the latest version of Porsche I could have afforded and did the work from there.

I am not trying to sell this guys car on the lot but for all the problems I noticed you can make a "silk purse from this sows ear" and, $7Grand is hard to pass up on any S4 even it had no engine (IMHO). I would just hate to see it go to some kid who will totally trash the car becuase it was easy for him to afford and it is a Porsche with a V8. And you JUST KNOW how bad things will get from there...3 foot rear deck wing...painted 60's groovy lite purple...coffee can exhaust...and the list goes on until it gets wrapped around a pole and sold for parts on ebay.

Just my .928 cents

 

I'd say 8,000 would buy a nice older shark. I'd stay with 84 on up.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by DG84S:
<strong>Daily driver? Why would you subject something as nice as a 928 to the daily drudge? While you're at work will it sit in the sun and rain(or hail) with its aluminum-skinned doors one ding away from a steel-doored beater? Buying a nice 928 is a commitment to keeping a nice 928...which means downtime for maintenance. How will you get to work while the 928 is offline? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Yer kidding. I've been daily driving my 84 for over 5 years. The more I drive it, the better it runs. And when it's down for maintenance, the 78 gets the duty. Neither will ever be concourse queens... I'm gonna drive them both until I'm too old to maintain them.

So, a daily driver for $8k? No problem. Just be prepared to turn some wrenches.

 

Wally made a comment in another post about newbies who turn out to be the ones providing information to a lot of people on the list.
He probably remembers yours truly pumping him for information both publicly and privately about a year or so ago. That was me, on an island. What I mean by that is that I was totally alone with my shark. My only resource for repairs was the Porsche mechanic dangling a running shark in front of my nose like a carrot. Of course that carrot was costing me about 80-100 bucks an hour in labor. Repair bills over 1000.00 per hit are not uncommon to 928 ownership when someone else does the work.
I have owned my 85 for about 5 years now. When I got the repair history of the car from the PO, I was scared to death! I am not in a high tax bracket and I definately was not going to be able to afford these kinds of prices for repairs.
I had a choice to make?
I either drove the car until it made me broke or I could learn how to do this stuff myself and keep my shark on the road. Well, its been 3 years since anyone but myself has wrenched on this car. No, its not a concourse example of a 928, I have plenty of things to fix / beautify to make it a prime example - - I'll get to it..........
The point is is that I wanted THIS car. I was not going to be denied my 928 because I didn't feel like bangin' a few knuckles and giving sacrifice to the skin god.
These cars were built by men - smart men, but men nonetheless. The resources are available to keep these cars on the road by yourself. Three of these resources are - Rennlist, The BIG3 and ebay. With these three resources, anyone who can type an email and turn a wrench can keep a 928 alive.
I believe you MUST have a daily driver. Why? because you will be forced to move quickly on repairs if it is your only drive. I have the luxury of shopping for weeks or even months if need be, to get the best possible deals and the most valuable advice I can before doing anything with this car. My little Fiero is my backup to the big shark. I paid 1750.00 for it and it gives me the freedom to do shark work how I want and when I want. The 928 is an awesome daily driver but have something in the wings so you can take your time to plot repairs carefully.
It has been my formula for years now and it WORKS.

BTW - My 85 cost me roughly 8000.00 US. It is bulletproof and has NEVER broken down. Its a really good car and I stay on top of the mechanics as best as I can.
I don't think there is a single noise on that car that I haven't logged in my brain for future work.

Good luck with a purchase and hopefully we will be exchanging tips in the not-too-distant future.