Getting out of the Army, considering a 928, need advice..
06-26-2008, 07:21 PM
#61
Nordschleife Master
Tom,
That is not right is it??? The 32V part... Weren't all the Euro S cars 16V heads? We had the 85/86 smog car 32V 5.0L here in the states, but I thought everyone else had the 16V cars up to the intro of the 32V S4 model...
Did I miss something?
That is not right is it??? The 32V part... Weren't all the Euro S cars 16V heads? We had the 85/86 smog car 32V 5.0L here in the states, but I thought everyone else had the 16V cars up to the intro of the 32V S4 model...
Did I miss something?
06-26-2008, 07:59 PM
#63
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Mine is an S2 - a Euro 86.5. It has the S4 brakes and a 32v 4664cc engine. It was built literally weeks before the S4 came out; it was cheaper than the S4 by quite a bit and was originally a demonstator for AFN ltd. It's got sports seats and a trick auto gearbox with a lower top gear (the same as a manual 5th gear rather than the usual higher 4th gear of the auto). Higher fuel consumption but better acceleration past 100 mph and a higher top speed (the usual auto 4th gear doesn't hit the peak of the power band). But yeah, if you guys think the US 86.5 is good, you should try a Euro 86.5.... 20 hp more 
06-26-2008, 08:40 PM
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What's one of those Jim? I've said I don't wrench. Most I've actually done under the bonnet is check coolant and add oil. (blush!) I still have that rubber fuel pipe.... I really should get round to fitting it or more likely when it goes for its annual checkup, get it fitted!Edit: it was 928 rus who sent me the pipe.... not Jim
06-26-2008, 08:43 PM
#66
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06-27-2008, 03:43 AM
#67
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Go for it! I was 23 when I got out of the Finnish Defenceforces. (2 years ago) And one month after I had my S4 on my driveway.... 
Age is not a problem. I think it´s good that young people have 928´s too, and proving to everyone that it is not only old man´s car and not all guys of our age are ricers! It is wonderful alternative for a Corvette of it´s age...and I think when you drive one you´ll love it more than your dad´s 964, IF you are 928-person. Floor it down on a highway at 60mph, kick-down into 3rd and you are blown away over 120mph, still in 3rd. Then you´ll know which one you want!
Never been regret it. (even the LH-system has been fighting against me quite hard....)
Age is not a problem. I think it´s good that young people have 928´s too, and proving to everyone that it is not only old man´s car and not all guys of our age are ricers! It is wonderful alternative for a Corvette of it´s age...and I think when you drive one you´ll love it more than your dad´s 964, IF you are 928-person. Floor it down on a highway at 60mph, kick-down into 3rd and you are blown away over 120mph, still in 3rd. Then you´ll know which one you want!
Never been regret it. (even the LH-system has been fighting against me quite hard....)
06-27-2008, 04:24 AM
#68
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Wow, still more replies, I am impressed. And it seems that a few more of you guys are telling me to go for it, which splits me even more!! I think the biggest deciding factor which will determine my decision will be where I end up going to college, which will be either in Texas or Colorado. I will probably get the wife's car first, drive that around while shopping for cars and deciding, and then figure it all out. I have until January to sort things out while I am in the Army and August of 09 until I start school. I will be able to apply to schools this fall and probably will get letters of acceptance early next year. Then I will be able to make a much better decision.
James, I really appreciate the offer and will most likely take you up on it. Matter of fact I really considered PMing you and asking if that would be ok, but since I am so new I didn't feel comfortable. I would really like to come by for a chat and hopefully if it is alright a drive. Talking to a very experience 928 owner would really make my decision alot easier to make. I will most likely be in the Austin area checking out the UT campus in the Spring, so that will probably work out pretty good.
Its funny, never did I think I would base my college decision on a particular vehicle, but, like I said before--I have the sickness. Financially it would make better sense to live in Texas while going to school, plus my family is there and everything, but I have always dreamed of going to school and living in Colorado. I hope the colleges make the decision for me, via acceptance or denial, haha. But seriously, I am now leaning a little bit towards the "go for it" attitude, especially after reading some of the latest replies. What do you guys think? I would most certainly have a backup vehicle (most likely an inexpensive motorcycle or beater) and a fun and fast hobby. I was actually depressed for a few days after I first started this thread while I was getting it into my head that the 928 would be a stupid, improbable move, but now there is hope. Am I right to be thinking like this now?
-Doug
p.s. No, I wasn't driving that tank when that happened, although I was there. I was a driver for about a year, but now I am a Sergeant and a Tank Gunner, which is a helluva lot cooler...
James, I really appreciate the offer and will most likely take you up on it. Matter of fact I really considered PMing you and asking if that would be ok, but since I am so new I didn't feel comfortable. I would really like to come by for a chat and hopefully if it is alright a drive. Talking to a very experience 928 owner would really make my decision alot easier to make. I will most likely be in the Austin area checking out the UT campus in the Spring, so that will probably work out pretty good.
Its funny, never did I think I would base my college decision on a particular vehicle, but, like I said before--I have the sickness. Financially it would make better sense to live in Texas while going to school, plus my family is there and everything, but I have always dreamed of going to school and living in Colorado. I hope the colleges make the decision for me, via acceptance or denial, haha. But seriously, I am now leaning a little bit towards the "go for it" attitude, especially after reading some of the latest replies. What do you guys think? I would most certainly have a backup vehicle (most likely an inexpensive motorcycle or beater) and a fun and fast hobby. I was actually depressed for a few days after I first started this thread while I was getting it into my head that the 928 would be a stupid, improbable move, but now there is hope. Am I right to be thinking like this now?
-Doug
p.s. No, I wasn't driving that tank when that happened, although I was there. I was a driver for about a year, but now I am a Sergeant and a Tank Gunner, which is a helluva lot cooler...
06-27-2008, 04:39 AM
#69
Burning Brakes
Doug--
Congratulations and much gratitude to you on your service to our country, and best wishes on your college journey.
A few things to consider:
1) Have you ever driven a 928? They look amazing but they drive much differently than the 911 family, or the boxster family. I love GT cars so the 928 is a good fit for me, but they are not to everyone's taste.
2) Life changes a lot during college. I remember going to college thinking that I really, really needed a car (I saved all through high school to buy one in my senior year, a Honda Prelude) but when it came to college the car sat in my parent's garage. No time for it.
What may feel like a necessity now may become a liability when you matriculate.
I would wait at least a semester before buying. In the meantime, if you really need the transportation, buy a $2K Honda Civic. If you still want one second semester, and can afford it, go for it.
I am a relative newbie to the 928 family (I've been obsessed since 1986 but an owner for only a year.) I keep my car in California and I live in New York. Immediately upon purchase ($4800) I had to replace boots, seals, WP, TB, clutch, recharge the A/C, etc. On top of that were luxury items-- Robert Budd interior, new carpeting, respray front and back bumpers, etc. Total about $20K. (Of course, my colleagues who don't know Porsches think I'm driving a 2008.) I could have had a running car for about $7000.
From a novice perspective, the nice thing about these older cars is that since they were built so beautifully to begin with, they are actually *worth* restoring. A new car starts deteriorating from the moment that it leaves the lot. The '86 is better than it was when I bought it, and it will continue to get better. It is a new "friend" and it is a wonderful hobby.
Just make sure that between college and your wife you have time (and money) for this hobby.
Best of luck!
Congratulations and much gratitude to you on your service to our country, and best wishes on your college journey.
A few things to consider:
1) Have you ever driven a 928? They look amazing but they drive much differently than the 911 family, or the boxster family. I love GT cars so the 928 is a good fit for me, but they are not to everyone's taste.
2) Life changes a lot during college. I remember going to college thinking that I really, really needed a car (I saved all through high school to buy one in my senior year, a Honda Prelude) but when it came to college the car sat in my parent's garage. No time for it.
What may feel like a necessity now may become a liability when you matriculate.
I would wait at least a semester before buying. In the meantime, if you really need the transportation, buy a $2K Honda Civic. If you still want one second semester, and can afford it, go for it.
I am a relative newbie to the 928 family (I've been obsessed since 1986 but an owner for only a year.) I keep my car in California and I live in New York. Immediately upon purchase ($4800) I had to replace boots, seals, WP, TB, clutch, recharge the A/C, etc. On top of that were luxury items-- Robert Budd interior, new carpeting, respray front and back bumpers, etc. Total about $20K. (Of course, my colleagues who don't know Porsches think I'm driving a 2008.) I could have had a running car for about $7000.
From a novice perspective, the nice thing about these older cars is that since they were built so beautifully to begin with, they are actually *worth* restoring. A new car starts deteriorating from the moment that it leaves the lot. The '86 is better than it was when I bought it, and it will continue to get better. It is a new "friend" and it is a wonderful hobby.
Just make sure that between college and your wife you have time (and money) for this hobby.
Best of luck!
06-27-2008, 05:00 AM
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Dear Doug,
If you sre still thinking to go for it or not, my advice is NOT to drive one. It will take your heart, again if you are 928-type person. I made this 'mistake', thinking "I haven´t ever driven one, I have to find out if it is my type of car or not"...and was not seriously interested to buy one. After test drive I was sold. My mind was telling me that it is VERY stupid to buy 20 years old Porsche which haven´t been driven for at least 3 years for a money which I could have quite good about 5 years old very reliable 'mainstream' car.
But I was totally sold after the test dirve....
I don´t know how much college will cost you money or time, but you have to keep in mind that these babies aren´t any Mazdas, Hondas or common American cars which parts you can get cheap from every part stores. Owning a 928 will require (at least) you 3 things:
- mechanical/electrical skills and/or money to pay someone to service your car
- backup car if something happends and you need to go school and don´t have a bicycle
- time to service your car (if you are able do it yourself)
Those are facts you need to consider, even how much you want one.
If you sre still thinking to go for it or not, my advice is NOT to drive one. It will take your heart, again if you are 928-type person. I made this 'mistake', thinking "I haven´t ever driven one, I have to find out if it is my type of car or not"...and was not seriously interested to buy one. After test drive I was sold. My mind was telling me that it is VERY stupid to buy 20 years old Porsche which haven´t been driven for at least 3 years for a money which I could have quite good about 5 years old very reliable 'mainstream' car.
But I was totally sold after the test dirve....
I don´t know how much college will cost you money or time, but you have to keep in mind that these babies aren´t any Mazdas, Hondas or common American cars which parts you can get cheap from every part stores. Owning a 928 will require (at least) you 3 things:
- mechanical/electrical skills and/or money to pay someone to service your car
- backup car if something happends and you need to go school and don´t have a bicycle
- time to service your car (if you are able do it yourself)
Those are facts you need to consider, even how much you want one.
06-27-2008, 08:18 AM
#71
Interesting point. For all but freeway driving, I'm avoiding putting my 49 states 86.5 auto selector in the "D" position. Fourth gear is a dog below 80 mph and cuts in way too early. 3'rd has a far higher range than any speed I'll employ except on the interstates.
06-27-2008, 10:02 AM
#72
Just do it (affordably).
As an "enabler" I have to chime in again.. I'm all about fiscal responsibility and being able to truly afford a car (the 928 is reliable enough that you probably can.. in comparison to a few other cars)...
Just also bear in mind.. there will NEVER be a perfect time to buy a 928. First it will be "well I need to save for a house". Then it will be "well the house needs a roof", and then "well we need to redo the kitchen (EVERY WOMAN i've ever met has uttered this at one point or another)".. and then "No the baby is on the way" and then etc. etc. etc. There will always be something ahead of the car that you want. If you wait to do the all cash 30 thousand dollar, I can "safely" spend it on a toy car you will be in your fourties or fifties and wondering why you didn't do it before. Get a cheapie without expending a significant portion of your funds, use it.. enjoy it.. and then upgrade to the GTS or other "perfect" car at a later time.
I think you'll find that you will find a way in life to go where you want to go regardless of whether or not you get the car (within reason.. don't blow it ALL on the car ;-) ).
All the best!
-The Enabler
Just also bear in mind.. there will NEVER be a perfect time to buy a 928. First it will be "well I need to save for a house". Then it will be "well the house needs a roof", and then "well we need to redo the kitchen (EVERY WOMAN i've ever met has uttered this at one point or another)".. and then "No the baby is on the way" and then etc. etc. etc. There will always be something ahead of the car that you want. If you wait to do the all cash 30 thousand dollar, I can "safely" spend it on a toy car you will be in your fourties or fifties and wondering why you didn't do it before. Get a cheapie without expending a significant portion of your funds, use it.. enjoy it.. and then upgrade to the GTS or other "perfect" car at a later time.
I think you'll find that you will find a way in life to go where you want to go regardless of whether or not you get the car (within reason.. don't blow it ALL on the car ;-) ).
All the best!
-The Enabler
06-27-2008, 01:11 PM
#73
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And not just a new wife, but a new wife who is new to the country, too. You will have your hands FULL, my friend. A 928 is a hobby and a distraction, not transportation. And it can become a real problem for you when both the wife and the car need attention.
Good luck with whatever you decide...
06-27-2008, 01:32 PM
#74
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+1
And not just a new wife, but a new wife who is new to the country, too. You will have your hands FULL, my friend. A 928 is a hobby and a distraction, not transportation. And it can become a real problem for you when both the wife and the car need attention.
Good luck with whatever you decide...
And not just a new wife, but a new wife who is new to the country, too. You will have your hands FULL, my friend. A 928 is a hobby and a distraction, not transportation. And it can become a real problem for you when both the wife and the car need attention.
Good luck with whatever you decide...
Doug, buy the car as soon as possible and make sure your wife knows that it's something you have to have. Soon enough she'll be hanging out with a group of friends that you both have made and when the wives GTG they will talk about the guys and their damn toys. You want your car in the garage before this happens!
06-27-2008, 01:39 PM
#75
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Doug you WANT a 928...you do not need it. An old 928 is a liability not an asset. If you get one it will suck up your money and suck up your time and energy . Because you "need" to fix it , you probably will try to work more to make more all of which will pull you away from school. You are also largely responsible for the happiness of your wife . Who will be in a new place with no family , no friends , no classmates to become friends . She is going to need a good bit of your already limited time and attention. You may come home after a day of classes and maybe a few hours of work and she has barely spoken to anyone all day. You are going to find that competition for grades might be a lot tougher that what you have experienced in the past and good grades as well as participation in clubs ,school government, are what many employers are looking for. I worked fulltime and more during college , lived off campus , got married before my senior year.....all of which were mistakes 