Stephen Porter

Hi all,

I'm starting to seriously consider purchasing my first 928 after a bunch of 944-based cars (mostly 951's and S2's with a couple 924S's) and one Boxster S. However--I've never even driven a 928! I have always admired their looks and the very enthusiastic following they seem to have. They also might fit my lifestyle a little better since I'm now past the big "6-0" ;-).

I had pretty much focused on getting an S4, but recently ran across a nice-looking very well-maintained 1985 "S", and also remembered a forum thread from somewhere that recommended these earlier cars as having some advantages over the later S4's, including the fact that they were non-interference engines (?).

Budget considerations limit me to an S4 on the top end (unless I got a stupid-great deal on a GT). GTS's seem to be well out of reach.

I really got interested when a very, very nice S4 appreared for sale, but would have been a stretch at $15K. But it was fully sorted and gorgeous to boot. (Car is probably well-known here!) The '85 had a $7K asking price with sub-100K miles and I started thinking that at that price I could probably get in and out without losing big $$ if I wanted to either bail or upgrade.

Car would be used as a semi-driver, weekend PCA fun car. I also currently have an '88 924S that I bought with the same idea (driver) in mind, but, although it's in great mechanical shape, it needs paint and it just doesn't float my boat. I may keep it as an auto-x "learning" car, or just move it. Also have a very pristine '90 CRX Si which a good grocery-getter, run-around car that gets 35 mpg, to cover the function of utlitly vehicle.

Anyway, I thought I'd throw this out for public comment and see what more experienced 928 guys have to say, rather than listen the gears rattling around in my head.

TIA.

linderpat

Hi Stephen - I think you'll love the 928. You should get together with a few shark owners in your area and ride in (or drive if you can) one or two to get the feel. An S4 is an excellent choice. The 85 is good too, but it does have an interference engine. You'd need to go 84 or earlier (the 4.7l or 4.5l engines were non-interference). An 85 has a 5l 32 valve interference engine - gobs of power, but more difficult to work on with the enhanced plumbing on top of the engine. the 86's suffer from the same issue. More room on an S4 IMHO. Another advantage of the earlier models (84 and earlier) is that thrust bearing failure is generally a non-issue if you are getting an auto tranny. The later years have this issue.
Anyway, lots of good resources here. Happy hunting!

kraabel

Do what I did ... buy them both.

G Man

As Ed stated the 85' is the 32V interference engine. It also has the pre S4 body style. I have been considering parting with my 68K mile 84' if you are interested in an S model. Shoot me a PM if you are interested and I can get you details.

pcar928fan

S4 all the way...nicer look, more up to date I think. Of course others feel differently about that. The S will be lighter and make just about the same power (I have friends with S's that make more power than my S4 in fact, but they have done some tuning and replaced the injectors and stuff...if I did all that to my S4 it would probably make more power than their S's). The interiors are the same so that is not anything to consider.

Put newer 911 wheels on an S4 and it could be a new car! I suspect you can find a really nice S4 driver in the $13k range, maybe less than that. There have been a few here on the boards for right around $10k that look good, but you can only see so much from an internet pic and everyone's idea of "PERFECT" is different.

Good luck and we look forward to pics of your purchase!

cold_beer839

S or S4, they both look great.

86.5 and all S4's has have slightly better brakes and power.

I had an '87 S4 and really liked it.

If the S4 you are talking about for $15k is IcemanG17's, then you have a good eye. It's by far the best sorted car currently available IMHO, if he hasn't sold it yet.

pcar928fan

Forgot about Iceman's car... Man that would be THE S4 to have FOR SURE! A real beauty! All you will have to do is supply the gas and the miles of fun driving! Isn't there a black one that is just about as nice out there too? Ryan's car maybe....I have slept since reading that post, so I could be way off, but damn there are some NICE S4's available right here for good money. Enthusiast owned and well sorted which is ultimately what you want when you are looking for a 928. A neglected 928 is going to cost BIG MONEY (9 times out of 10 anyway) to bring up to par...

Joe Dyer

What's your budget? Buy my GTS for $25k....

sidehatch

The 85 is the best year for the ob, especially the euro model so im told.

pcar928fan

Joe, you are KILLING ME! I can't even believe you have not sold that car for $5k more than you are asking! Really makes me sick...that car is worth SO MUCH more than $25k!

earlymidlifecri

I just rode in Joe's supercharged GTS. That car is a steal for $25k. It is a wickedly fast car. I'm pretty confident it's faster than my 996TT. My car felt like a corolla after riding in his car. The overall condition is excellent (inside and out), too. It's an amazing deal if you don't have smog laws

IcemanG17

Damm thats a good deal......on a well sorted GTS....but smog issues for us "republic of Kalifornia" is always a problem :>(

Of course I'm biased to S4's....but one thing to consider in pre 86.5's is they have the smaller "S" brakes and suspension, not the later S4 suspension...

Stephen Porter

Yep...that's the one! It really is just about perfect as far as I'm concerned. Fully sorted and not much more than also-rans. I hope that it might still be around when I am ready to pull the trigger.

Stephen Porter

Joe,

I saw your car advertised and read the thread(s) about it. It sounds like an awesome car and deal, but I'm in the market for something more pedestrian.

Marine Blue

Stephen,

Brian's S4 is a smart choice. The price really isn't that much higher than what other S4's are selling for and you will not need to worry about an unknown maintenance history and a long list of maintenance updates. The car is ready to enjoy!

Good luck and let us know when you pull the trigger.