pedro951

a friend of mine just found a 928 for sale for $2000. Its a '79 5-speed with 53,000 miles on the odometer. Aparently the car has been sittin on the lot since 95. When we went to look at it the battery needed to be charged. The salesman got it to turn over on starter fluid but it would only run for a few seconds then die. The body was in pretty good condition, and there were no puddles under the car. Dou you guys think its worth the investment to get it running, or should he just look for another car?

John Struthers

Pedro,
I think any car and really close tolerance numbers like the 928 in particular should not be left sitting for years on end.
Just for starters: dryed-out/dry rotted engine and transaxle seals. Gummed up, from front to rear/top to bottom, fuel system flat spots on wheel bearings/races. There have been a couple of days over the last 5 years in Texas where it got so hot that the wheel bearing grease liquified and dribbled past the caps. Radiator and all hoses. All vac. lines. I'll pause here... wonder WHY it came to be on that car lot?
Just as a clue make a list of the BLATENTLY, obvious things that need /should be replaced.
Post the list back here and I'll try to send you the approximate cost of replacement.
If it was me ... I would buy it for a parts/long term project car, but, if I were looking to own/drive a nice 928 I wouldn't consider it. Tell the salesman what it will cost just to get it driveable and not a total embarassment to be seen in. -The list-
Then offer him $300.00 to $500.00.
Keep looking, good luck!
John Struthers
1982 Weissach, Auto. 'Pattycakes'

Steven Swanson

Pedro- I just did that very thing..paid $3k for a garaged and covered '79 5 speed. I have since put $5k into it. My interior and paint were in great shape and needed most of the mentioned by Johns post. I have done most of the work myself and love the end result. If you are mechanically inclined, go for it, if not....well maybe not so good an idea.

steve

athenian

Hello....I just picked up a early project car myself for just a few bucks but it's a lot of work and many new fun experiences (well mostly fun!). You must be able to drive the car you're about to put your hard earned money on - unless the price is so low that you're willing to gamble...I drove mine before I decided that it was worth my time and money...If the dealer is ubable/unwilling to start the car, walk away and come back another time when the car is working....

I have seen a few early cars on eBay - yes eBay, going for about $2 - $3K...Most of them are drivable at this price range and appear in good shape on the supplied photos....You better off bidding on one of those next time..

So IMHO, drive any car before you buy, unless you're looking for a long-term project or willing to gamble...

Best of luck!

Hai

Let me toss my two cents in as a person who just bought a 928 project car. Do as much homework about the cost of repairs as possible before spending the money. I bought my car with the thought that it only really had some body damage and the interior needed to be updated. Well it needed a new exhaust and 4 tires to pass the inspection. The cheapest factory exhaust I could find was around $1000. More than I wanted to spend at the time and I was able to get a custom job done a lot cheaper.

I'm not saying to not get it or scare you. I love my shark, but it's not cheap at all to fix.

pedro951

Thank you all for the replies. After reading them and talking to his mechanic my friend decided not to buy the car.