Getting out of the Army, considering a 928, need advice..
06-25-2008, 03:29 PM
#47
Burning Brakes
Doug
After reading your last response you are wise beyond your years. I have no doubt you will find the perfect 928 when it is time. Between now and then you will have enough knowledge about 928's to be very happy with your choice. Looking forward to the day you will be here W/ your car.
After reading your last response you are wise beyond your years. I have no doubt you will find the perfect 928 when it is time. Between now and then you will have enough knowledge about 928's to be very happy with your choice. Looking forward to the day you will be here W/ your car.
06-25-2008, 06:42 PM
#48
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Doug, thank you for serving. My son just re-upped after 4 years in the Navy, for another 5 years. His 5 year plan is to get a EE degree, hopefully paid for with the GI Bill, the Navy or some combination. He's paying off a truck loan and will invest the rest of his reenlistment bonus.
That said, listed very closely to what Jim Bailey, Dr. Bob and others have to say, both about 928's and about life. Get a 4 year degree. Use minimal loans. Buy used textbooks. Pick a state to live in with no income tax (TX and TX for a sunny climate, AK or WY if you like snow and cold). It may take over 6 months to establish residency in order to get in-state tuition. Keep your costs low. You may be able to get a great deal on a Chevy/Ford/Dodge pickemuptruck with low miles given that gas is over $4/gallon. Otherwise, get a Toyota, Honda or maybe a Golf/Jetta. Buy cheap beer until you can afford better.
My first car was a VW Beetle, which was sold for BMW 2002 tii when I was in college. Spent almost every weekend working on cars during college. After college, I bought a sensible Toyota Supra, my first new car. But I always held a dream of owning a Porsche someday (a 911S or 914/6).
Hold onto the dream. After you get through college, after any loans are paid off, once you are settled into life, indulge a hobby.
I bought my GTS 5 years ago. It wasn't planned....I was looking at mid-90's 993's. My maintenance has varied, as Mr. Bailey can attest. Some years it's minimal, just an A/C recharge and an oil change. Other years it's tires, timing belt, water pump, shocks, springs, etc. This year, the steering rack decided to bleed all over place. I have other cars to get me around. My daily driver now is a 16 year-old Mercedes. The 928 stays in the garage during the winter and into early spring, also know as tax season, but is started and driven a little.
You never really know what lies down the road. Don't be so cautious that you don't have a fun trip. Don't be so eager to blow through your savings just yet either!
Go see Roger in Texas and his stable of 928's.
One day, you'll get a 928. Keep the dream alive and keep your wife happy.
Next month, I'm headed to CA to buy that 914/6 I've always wanted. My wife said I could!!
That said, listed very closely to what Jim Bailey, Dr. Bob and others have to say, both about 928's and about life. Get a 4 year degree. Use minimal loans. Buy used textbooks. Pick a state to live in with no income tax (TX and TX for a sunny climate, AK or WY if you like snow and cold). It may take over 6 months to establish residency in order to get in-state tuition. Keep your costs low. You may be able to get a great deal on a Chevy/Ford/Dodge pickemuptruck with low miles given that gas is over $4/gallon. Otherwise, get a Toyota, Honda or maybe a Golf/Jetta. Buy cheap beer until you can afford better.
My first car was a VW Beetle, which was sold for BMW 2002 tii when I was in college. Spent almost every weekend working on cars during college. After college, I bought a sensible Toyota Supra, my first new car. But I always held a dream of owning a Porsche someday (a 911S or 914/6).
Hold onto the dream. After you get through college, after any loans are paid off, once you are settled into life, indulge a hobby.
I bought my GTS 5 years ago. It wasn't planned....I was looking at mid-90's 993's. My maintenance has varied, as Mr. Bailey can attest. Some years it's minimal, just an A/C recharge and an oil change. Other years it's tires, timing belt, water pump, shocks, springs, etc. This year, the steering rack decided to bleed all over place. I have other cars to get me around. My daily driver now is a 16 year-old Mercedes. The 928 stays in the garage during the winter and into early spring, also know as tax season, but is started and driven a little.
You never really know what lies down the road. Don't be so cautious that you don't have a fun trip. Don't be so eager to blow through your savings just yet either!
Go see Roger in Texas and his stable of 928's.
One day, you'll get a 928. Keep the dream alive and keep your wife happy.
Next month, I'm headed to CA to buy that 914/6 I've always wanted. My wife said I could!!
06-25-2008, 11:08 PM
#49
Hi Doug;
Its late and I just got in from helping my son (10'th Mtn Inf Div.) drive his just-purchased '88 911 from Houston to Maryland, while on leave from Baghdad. I own an 86 1/2 928 with auto. I have now driven both on cross country trips and the cars are totally different as has probably been described. You can drive the 928 spirited and fast, but the experience can truly be laid back and relaxed touring is well. The 911 is anything but relaxed. In researching the 911, I advised my son to buy a 86-88 MY. Much of the mechanical quirkiness had been worked out by then. The 911 is by comparison a nervous terrier (maybe on steroids). The 911 slow starts from low RPMs and takes off above 3k. The 928 (prior to the s4) is not terribly quick up to 4k RPMs either. Even with a 928 automatic, you may find yourself manually shifting with the selector, if you want sudden acceleration for passing. The natural driving position in the 928 is laid back, Formula-1 position. The 911 requires an up right, engaged position with a firm grip on the steering wheel, as a response to bump-steer.
I'm willing to bet your wife would prefer the 928. It feels bigger than it is and has a reputation for passenger support in a crash. On the other hand, the 911 is much simpler. With either car, you will have to invest cash in getting them sorted out. I bought my '86 928 ( a good driver) for $6700 and have put several thou plus considerable labor in getting it to the point where I'm OK turning my wife loose with it. My son's '88 911 is a show-car and required little, but is simpler by architecture (no power for brakes, steering) and is air cooled.
My take on the 911 is that it is a definite guy's car. VERY firm brake and clutch pedal, and stiff non-power steering. I don't know if I could ever explain to my wife the marvelously anachronistic controls for a/c, variable wipers, heater and door mirrors. The 911 ergonomics were clearly designed to keep the car under the control of the guy in the partnership. It is also a very stiff rider. The 928 is a quite civilized car. I drove my '86 928 from San Francisco to Maryland in comfort. I helped my son drive his 911 from Houston to Maryland and I need a vacation after the vacation. My son just left to go to see Indiana Jones and he chose the 928 after our drive home in the 911. That says something.
Well, best of luck. Unless you plan on buying a totally sorted out car, plan on a fix up budget of 2-3k, not including labor. These are both great cars. If you are in Houston and still interested in a 911, I suggest visiting Victory Motors while you're there. They have the cleanest, best preserved examples. My son bought his there and it is like new. Feel free to tell them Mike Pate sent you. You and your wife are a cute couple. My best wishes....
Its late and I just got in from helping my son (10'th Mtn Inf Div.) drive his just-purchased '88 911 from Houston to Maryland, while on leave from Baghdad. I own an 86 1/2 928 with auto. I have now driven both on cross country trips and the cars are totally different as has probably been described. You can drive the 928 spirited and fast, but the experience can truly be laid back and relaxed touring is well. The 911 is anything but relaxed. In researching the 911, I advised my son to buy a 86-88 MY. Much of the mechanical quirkiness had been worked out by then. The 911 is by comparison a nervous terrier (maybe on steroids). The 911 slow starts from low RPMs and takes off above 3k. The 928 (prior to the s4) is not terribly quick up to 4k RPMs either. Even with a 928 automatic, you may find yourself manually shifting with the selector, if you want sudden acceleration for passing. The natural driving position in the 928 is laid back, Formula-1 position. The 911 requires an up right, engaged position with a firm grip on the steering wheel, as a response to bump-steer.
I'm willing to bet your wife would prefer the 928. It feels bigger than it is and has a reputation for passenger support in a crash. On the other hand, the 911 is much simpler. With either car, you will have to invest cash in getting them sorted out. I bought my '86 928 ( a good driver) for $6700 and have put several thou plus considerable labor in getting it to the point where I'm OK turning my wife loose with it. My son's '88 911 is a show-car and required little, but is simpler by architecture (no power for brakes, steering) and is air cooled.
My take on the 911 is that it is a definite guy's car. VERY firm brake and clutch pedal, and stiff non-power steering. I don't know if I could ever explain to my wife the marvelously anachronistic controls for a/c, variable wipers, heater and door mirrors. The 911 ergonomics were clearly designed to keep the car under the control of the guy in the partnership. It is also a very stiff rider. The 928 is a quite civilized car. I drove my '86 928 from San Francisco to Maryland in comfort. I helped my son drive his 911 from Houston to Maryland and I need a vacation after the vacation. My son just left to go to see Indiana Jones and he chose the 928 after our drive home in the 911. That says something.
Well, best of luck. Unless you plan on buying a totally sorted out car, plan on a fix up budget of 2-3k, not including labor. These are both great cars. If you are in Houston and still interested in a 911, I suggest visiting Victory Motors while you're there. They have the cleanest, best preserved examples. My son bought his there and it is like new. Feel free to tell them Mike Pate sent you. You and your wife are a cute couple. My best wishes....
06-25-2008, 11:27 PM
#50
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If you are planning to be in the Los Angeles area, PM me with your visit info. We are just north of downtown. Might have some old beer that needs destroying, or a glass of wine if your tastes are like mine. Also have a metric hammer if you need to tweak anything on the new car. All kinds of logistical support if I'm home.
06-26-2008, 09:48 AM
#52
06-26-2008, 10:00 AM
#53
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Way back in the olden day when I was in college I got a 914 because I wanted something fun and man I still don't regret it! Didn't cost much and never let me down. I think an older Boxster or Boxster S would be a similar car today both in relative cost and big fun factor. Then when the budget allows, jump the shark.
06-26-2008, 03:21 PM
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Hi Doug.
I'm 22 and have had my 928 now for 2 1/2 years. I've kept it through university and have now graduated. I'm doing professional legal qualifications in September for 2 years in order to practice law here in the UK.
I bought my 928 for £2600 - about $5200. It was a 1986 S2 - the 310 hp 32v Euro with 94,000 miles. When i bought it, it leaked fuel and had no brakes; the brake discs were worn 4mm past the suggested wear point. It was a bit of a shed - as you may predict buying off ebay.
I spent two weeks with my dad plumbing in new fuel lines, bought the parts (brake discs - rotors I think you call them are $100 each) and fixed it up. The cambelt change, wheel alignment etc were done at an independent specialist. Two tyres were $400, a new battery $100. I spent a couple of days fixing electrical faults - the interior lights didn't work, nor did the reversing lights, or the hatch.
Total spend, during those 2 1/2 years, including the purchase price was $9,000 plus about 3 weeks of my time. I did get back $1500 sueing the supplying dealer because of the leaking fuel lines.
If you do want to own a 928, make sure you set aside time BEFORE SCHOOL to fix it up so that its mechanicals are sorted. Mine starts first time every time.
It still has plenty of faults:
ABS brakes faulty (probably a sensor, but each wheel is $80 a pop)
Airconditioning faulty
paint flaking on bottom of drivers door (not obvious but I know!)
central locking works only on the passenger door - the car does lock ok though so this hasn't been a huge bother
hatch release doesn't work - electronics work but doesn't open... not sure what's wrong here
I think the thing is to have realistic expectations. Don't go for nice shiny new wheels and RMB's. I'd love some but it's money you don't have. That money needs to be spent fixing real faults not making it look nice.
Budget $1500 a year on servicing and consumables.
PM me your email address and I'll send you my journal - it runs to 22 pages about what I did to fix up the car. After the first year it was neglected, but still it may help you.
Tom
I'm 22 and have had my 928 now for 2 1/2 years. I've kept it through university and have now graduated. I'm doing professional legal qualifications in September for 2 years in order to practice law here in the UK.
I bought my 928 for £2600 - about $5200. It was a 1986 S2 - the 310 hp 32v Euro with 94,000 miles. When i bought it, it leaked fuel and had no brakes; the brake discs were worn 4mm past the suggested wear point. It was a bit of a shed - as you may predict buying off ebay.
I spent two weeks with my dad plumbing in new fuel lines, bought the parts (brake discs - rotors I think you call them are $100 each) and fixed it up. The cambelt change, wheel alignment etc were done at an independent specialist. Two tyres were $400, a new battery $100. I spent a couple of days fixing electrical faults - the interior lights didn't work, nor did the reversing lights, or the hatch.
Total spend, during those 2 1/2 years, including the purchase price was $9,000 plus about 3 weeks of my time. I did get back $1500 sueing the supplying dealer because of the leaking fuel lines.
If you do want to own a 928, make sure you set aside time BEFORE SCHOOL to fix it up so that its mechanicals are sorted. Mine starts first time every time.
It still has plenty of faults:
ABS brakes faulty (probably a sensor, but each wheel is $80 a pop)
Airconditioning faulty
paint flaking on bottom of drivers door (not obvious but I know!)
central locking works only on the passenger door - the car does lock ok though so this hasn't been a huge bother
hatch release doesn't work - electronics work but doesn't open... not sure what's wrong here
I think the thing is to have realistic expectations. Don't go for nice shiny new wheels and RMB's. I'd love some but it's money you don't have. That money needs to be spent fixing real faults not making it look nice.
Budget $1500 a year on servicing and consumables.
PM me your email address and I'll send you my journal - it runs to 22 pages about what I did to fix up the car. After the first year it was neglected, but still it may help you.
Tom
06-26-2008, 04:07 PM
#55
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While it will vary from person to person by quite a bit, the question that comes to mind is: Are you happy or unhappy you went through the process?
06-26-2008, 05:47 PM
#57
After completing various electrical work, completing the motor mount, oil pan gasket and cam plug R&R, and after sandblasting and repainting the intakes, along with a complete engine fuel system refresh; I can say that the silly hatch electronic opening mechanism repair effort is the single greatest labor per ounce failure that I have attempted on the car. The car was designed to be opened with a key. Hmmph!
06-26-2008, 06:03 PM
#58
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I'm late to this party, but I very surprised none of these jokers put 2 and 2 together...
C'mon guys. He's a Bill Cosby wannbe! Tank + 928 = Leonard Part 6!
C'mon guys. He's a Bill Cosby wannbe! Tank + 928 = Leonard Part 6!
06-26-2008, 07:14 PM
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I'd wish Doug the best and tell him to go and buy one. Sure there will be stuff to fix, but I don't think anything I've met (and stuff which is annoying me at the moment) is big stuff. Lots of niggles... I do want the AC fixed; it isn't desperately necessary over here in the UK but it would be nice. I'm afraid it will be a big and expensive job tho.....
06-26-2008, 07:15 PM
#60
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Now look at the picture below my sig line... If you are seeing Roger in D/FW come on a little further south to Austin and you can check out mine too. Between the two of us you will see all the variants in GREAT condition and different colors!
Enjoy your college years...they were the best of my life in MANY ways and I catch myself longing for them from time to time...can't complain now though either. I have always enjoyed the here and now but it is nice to look back on really great times and fond memories.