Should i go for it?
09-01-2002, 04:44 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Should i go for it?
Greetings fellow Porsche owners! 
Iīve been offered to buy a 928 S4 with some history behind it...
Question is, should I go for it?
Itīs a -90 year model silver with blue interior, no sunroof, AC that needs to be filled, everything electric works. three owners, two users (in germany).
One owner in Sweden who imported it two and a half years ago registered it here with a blank protocol (error free). He then had the car fixed up with new brakes, new timing belt and just about every little filter and fluid you can think of.
After that his (and mine) mechanic finished that work he parked it outside the shop. The owner never came to pick it up and when I asked if it was for sale the mechanic said that it sure would be nice to get rid of it since itīs just been standing there for all this time.
Hasnīt been moved since the last service... Not even a tax mark on the licensplate.
According to the papers and the ODO it has been driven 17 kilometers since brought to Sweden more than two years ago! Total mileage is 100.000 kilometers (62.500 miles). It seems to be in perfect shape but could need some cleaning, also there is a mark on the right hand front fender.
It has not been started in 2― years standing outdoors so it obviously needs a new timing belt and tires and a really good clean/polish of the paint.
Also, the service book is missing, but I've checked the history with Porsche AG and it all seems to be true. The previous owner had to sell the car to be able to finance a divorce, when he found out that the car was sold to a non-german he freaked an refused to leave the history and spare keys. I traced the this guy and found out he has passed away a year after the car was sold... There goes the hope for any maintanance records..
So, should I go for it..? Or is any of you guys interested in this car, what do you reckon itīs worth?
Regards,
Anders
Iīve been offered to buy a 928 S4 with some history behind it...
Question is, should I go for it?
Itīs a -90 year model silver with blue interior, no sunroof, AC that needs to be filled, everything electric works. three owners, two users (in germany).
One owner in Sweden who imported it two and a half years ago registered it here with a blank protocol (error free). He then had the car fixed up with new brakes, new timing belt and just about every little filter and fluid you can think of.
After that his (and mine) mechanic finished that work he parked it outside the shop. The owner never came to pick it up and when I asked if it was for sale the mechanic said that it sure would be nice to get rid of it since itīs just been standing there for all this time.
Hasnīt been moved since the last service... Not even a tax mark on the licensplate.
According to the papers and the ODO it has been driven 17 kilometers since brought to Sweden more than two years ago! Total mileage is 100.000 kilometers (62.500 miles). It seems to be in perfect shape but could need some cleaning, also there is a mark on the right hand front fender.
It has not been started in 2― years standing outdoors so it obviously needs a new timing belt and tires and a really good clean/polish of the paint.
Also, the service book is missing, but I've checked the history with Porsche AG and it all seems to be true. The previous owner had to sell the car to be able to finance a divorce, when he found out that the car was sold to a non-german he freaked an refused to leave the history and spare keys. I traced the this guy and found out he has passed away a year after the car was sold... There goes the hope for any maintanance records..
So, should I go for it..? Or is any of you guys interested in this car, what do you reckon itīs worth?
Regards,
Anders
09-01-2002, 06:48 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Well, it sounds like you have researched all the history possible and no real problems. If the T-belt was changed 2 years ago and no driving, it might be servicable til 5 years, but I would'nt trust it without a look see. If you trust the mechanic, maybe he will check the tension for free to get rid of it. You are taking some risk, they (owner or mech) should either give good deal or offer free T-belt r&r. Don't know Swedish law on import/licensing but you indicate it is clean and legal as is. Is it the Swedish owner/ importer who died? I'm wondering why the owner had detail work done and has left it with the mechanic. Who has the title? It all depends on what the asking price is.
09-01-2002, 08:44 PM
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
Steve:
They previous owner died, the current owner is alive. I havenīt meet him in person, all communication has gone through my mechanic.
According to the mechanic, who is acknowledged as somewhat of a whiz/specialist, the owner is a bit special and has quite a few interesting cars in his collection. He was taken for a drive in the 928 just after it was brought here and it really scared the **** out of him...
While I was told this my mech. was wearing a big grin on his face and described with words and body movements how he had drifted the car in speeds well over 200 km/h on some pretty empty roads... Since I know of how that guy can drive I donīt doubt the thruth in the story, but it is a bit strange to import a car without having driven it just to leave it be for that long...
And I believe a belt job should be done before even starting the car...
/A
They previous owner died, the current owner is alive. I havenīt meet him in person, all communication has gone through my mechanic.
According to the mechanic, who is acknowledged as somewhat of a whiz/specialist, the owner is a bit special and has quite a few interesting cars in his collection. He was taken for a drive in the 928 just after it was brought here and it really scared the **** out of him...
While I was told this my mech. was wearing a big grin on his face and described with words and body movements how he had drifted the car in speeds well over 200 km/h on some pretty empty roads... Since I know of how that guy can drive I donīt doubt the thruth in the story, but it is a bit strange to import a car without having driven it just to leave it be for that long...
And I believe a belt job should be done before even starting the car...
/A
09-01-2002, 10:30 PM
#6
Anders,
Go for it!
T belt is on your head, I'm in agreement on the re-tension.
Fool's rush in where angel's fear to tread...
Ask the owner to suggest a price as you would not wish to insult him.
If the mechanic's story is even close to the truth, the owner know's cars, correct?
He should also know that leaving a precision piece of machinery to languish for 2 1/2 years.
OUTSIDE, IN YOUR WINTERS.
Beacoup electrical work ...what with the damp and all...the poor injectors/fuel system... seals drying out -tranny/diff./engine/c/v's- tires?
although I'd bet a few buck's that your mutual friend the mechanic has been ...shall we say...looking after it
Sounds like nothing is wrong with it but does the owner know that? Let him suggest a price, if it's to high for you to haggle down.. just walk away...
Good luck though. Sounds like a winner. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Besides how many offers has he gotten in the last 2 1/2 years? Have you seen it advertised? One last thing, if the mechanic is an unshakeable go between HE may have designs on the car as well.
Go for it!
T belt is on your head, I'm in agreement on the re-tension.
Fool's rush in where angel's fear to tread...
Ask the owner to suggest a price as you would not wish to insult him.
If the mechanic's story is even close to the truth, the owner know's cars, correct?
He should also know that leaving a precision piece of machinery to languish for 2 1/2 years.
OUTSIDE, IN YOUR WINTERS.
Beacoup electrical work ...what with the damp and all...the poor injectors/fuel system... seals drying out -tranny/diff./engine/c/v's- tires?
although I'd bet a few buck's that your mutual friend the mechanic has been ...shall we say...looking after it
Sounds like nothing is wrong with it but does the owner know that? Let him suggest a price, if it's to high for you to haggle down.. just walk away...
Good luck though. Sounds like a winner. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Besides how many offers has he gotten in the last 2 1/2 years? Have you seen it advertised? One last thing, if the mechanic is an unshakeable go between HE may have designs on the car as well.
09-01-2002, 10:53 PM
#7
Race Director
Thread Starter
John:
The car hasnīt been touched since serviced. According to the mech it has not even been unlocked. It was quite a feeling to unlock it and open the door.
We attached a fresh battery and tested the elctrics on it, didnīt start the engine - did not dare to since the whole belt thing is worrying.
Kind of cool to start the stereo and listen to a radio that has been off for two years. :-)
Should I give a bid of $9000 and save $2000 for tires and belt/service/recond?
Or would that be to cheap..?
/A
The car hasnīt been touched since serviced. According to the mech it has not even been unlocked. It was quite a feeling to unlock it and open the door.
We attached a fresh battery and tested the elctrics on it, didnīt start the engine - did not dare to since the whole belt thing is worrying.
Kind of cool to start the stereo and listen to a radio that has been off for two years. :-)
Should I give a bid of $9000 and save $2000 for tires and belt/service/recond?
Or would that be to cheap..?
/A
Trending Topics
09-02-2002, 02:32 AM
#9
That would be cheap.
Which is why I would always suggest that a buyer permit the seller to make his price known.
That way you don't insult him/her. Who knows the guy might really be expecting even less than your first offer - good for you.
In any case, his price could be used as a floor
- baseline - for haggling, just as your first offer could be used as a floor for him to haggle upwards - you could lose that $2000.00 cushion for odds and ends. I think you would have the luck of the Irish to pull off a coup like a $10,000 or $12,000 90'MY 928.
GO for it!
Which is why I would always suggest that a buyer permit the seller to make his price known.
That way you don't insult him/her. Who knows the guy might really be expecting even less than your first offer - good for you.
In any case, his price could be used as a floor
- baseline - for haggling, just as your first offer could be used as a floor for him to haggle upwards - you could lose that $2000.00 cushion for odds and ends. I think you would have the luck of the Irish to pull off a coup like a $10,000 or $12,000 90'MY 928.
GO for it!
09-02-2002, 04:53 AM
#10
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ft. Lauderdale FLORIDA
Posts: 5,248
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
You know something, I'm not an expert on Swedish laws, and perhaps I read the posts wrong, but did you say that the owner disappeared and that the mechanic-
(who doesn't technically own..)
the car is trying to sell it to you? Perhaps you should ask a lawyer what the ramifications would be if the owner shows up at the repair shop the day after you buy it and demands his car back...
Normy!
'85 S2 5 Speed
(who doesn't technically own..)
the car is trying to sell it to you? Perhaps you should ask a lawyer what the ramifications would be if the owner shows up at the repair shop the day after you buy it and demands his car back...
Normy!
'85 S2 5 Speed
09-02-2002, 05:17 AM
#11
Race Director
Thread Starter
Normy:
The owner is still very much in action, itīs just that he hasnīt been using the car. He still owns it and since the mech. has done work on his other cars he hasnīt bothered to mention that the 928 is taking up his space...
/A
The owner is still very much in action, itīs just that he hasnīt been using the car. He still owns it and since the mech. has done work on his other cars he hasnīt bothered to mention that the 928 is taking up his space...
/A
09-02-2002, 08:03 AM
#12
Racer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First thing I would check if the owners thoughts about selling the car are the same as the mechanic's. Second, don't bid on a car, which hasn't been started in years. You really need to drive and feel the car. (at the owners risk of breaking t-belts etc.) You cant make a bid if you dont know what expenses should be made to get the car in good shape. Even better; get a second opinion instead of your mechanics and let a Porsche 928 mechanic do a check up. I know this; storing a Porsche for quite a while is bad for the car. It needs to be driven.
If they cant agree to these terms dont do it. Maintenance on a Porsche is expensive. Repairs even more.
If you don't want to hear these things because you're in deep love with the car, forget I said it. Just look at this as your conscious talking......
If they cant agree to these terms dont do it. Maintenance on a Porsche is expensive. Repairs even more.
If you don't want to hear these things because you're in deep love with the car, forget I said it. Just look at this as your conscious talking......
09-02-2002, 10:33 AM
#13
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hotlanta - NE of the Perimeter
Posts: 12,269
Received 266 Likes
on
153 Posts
Andre brings up a VERY important point here...these cars are made to be driven. The more that they sit, the more that goes wrong with them. I know a fella who managed to obtain an 87 S4 a couple years back that had 18K miles on it. The car was (and still is) immaculate. However, since the car had been stored in a climate controlled gagage and hadn't been driven he noticed a few problems after he got the car - dry rotted vacuum hoses and a shrunken oil pan gasket where a few items that he had to get repaired. All in all, with this car being out in the weather for 2 years, there are likely to be problems similiar to these awaiting you in the near future. I echo Andre's comment of driving the car before any attempts are made for purchase as you really cannot get a good perspective on what may need to be corrected.
There are several writeups on what to look for when purchasing a used 928 - you would do well to have a copy of one of these lists the next time you decide to go look at the car.
hth-
There are several writeups on what to look for when purchasing a used 928 - you would do well to have a copy of one of these lists the next time you decide to go look at the car.
hth-
09-02-2002, 11:09 AM
#14
Racer
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anders,
If it's the car you want then go for it! but make sure you keep enough cash in reserve to allow you to cover unexpected repairs over and above basic initial needs such as timing belt and tyres.
Both of my cars were bought from previous owners that had not run them for a year and during that time both had been stored outside is a similar climate to yours.
From my experience these cars do deteriorate quite quickly if they are not used and you may find that various systems that work initially will tend to fail in the first year of being put back to work. Things to watch out for are rubber hoses and seals (Both my cars needed new radiators/hoses in the first 6 months) and electrical connectors that have become tarnished (MAF failure and all sorts of electrical gremlins). If it has been stored outside also check for water leaks into the rear footwells and spare wheel well.
I think it is worth the effort if this is the car you want, and are likley to keep for a few years.
Cheers
DaveW
If it's the car you want then go for it! but make sure you keep enough cash in reserve to allow you to cover unexpected repairs over and above basic initial needs such as timing belt and tyres.
Both of my cars were bought from previous owners that had not run them for a year and during that time both had been stored outside is a similar climate to yours.
From my experience these cars do deteriorate quite quickly if they are not used and you may find that various systems that work initially will tend to fail in the first year of being put back to work. Things to watch out for are rubber hoses and seals (Both my cars needed new radiators/hoses in the first 6 months) and electrical connectors that have become tarnished (MAF failure and all sorts of electrical gremlins). If it has been stored outside also check for water leaks into the rear footwells and spare wheel well.
I think it is worth the effort if this is the car you want, and are likley to keep for a few years.
Cheers
DaveW
09-02-2002, 03:45 PM
#15
Advanced
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Warsaw, Indiana
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I strongly agree with the caution over letting them sit. I bought my 82 sight unseen with 46K on it, the last owner, my brother, put on only 700 miles in 7 years. It blew clouds of oil smoke at highway speed for the first 150 miles, very scary, but then cleared up when the rings or valves reseated. I've got no corrosion or vacuum line leaks so far, but had lots of oil leaks I'm taking care of as time permits. The HVAC was full of mouse nest and acorns, which caught fire as chunks of debris shorted across the resistor block. Changed the belt and water pump, general service, and have put on 10K miles in 8 months - and I swear its true - the more you drive em the better they run. Best of luck.
RAS
RAS