icarrera

Here's the info on a 928 I am considering buying, asking $8k (Thanks in advance for your help -- I'll remove this post in a week):
1989 Porsche 928 S4
316hp 5.0 liter V8 automatic
153,000 miles
Red with black and tan interior
Current owner has owned it for 2 years
Recent maintenance/repair history:
07/08 152,919 Sun roof switch replaced, rear wiper motor replaced
03/08 152,258 Major interior bulb replacement exercise - tracked down all blown bulbs and replaced
11/07 151,658 Seals and bearings, front and rear; new Continental tires; window and sunroof switches replaced, lower pan replaced (plastic replaced with aluminum), rear lid shocks replaced
08/07 150,807 Radiator replaced (Behr)
01/06 145,565 Front spoiler replaced
05/05 139,699 Pads and rotors, sensors, etc.
08/04 132,625 Timing belt, water pump, roller, all other belts, etc replaced

No warning lights, air conditioning blows cold, digital diagnostic display.

Waiting on VIN. I've attached some photos.

Thanks!

danglerb

Always have a PPI done by someone expert in the 928 before offering any money.

5 years since last major service, so its ready for it now, might as well get a quote on that at the same time as the PPI.

Two things I don't like to see, very few miles by the current owner, and it looks like it was pressure washed (I see oil and dirt, so maybe it was just a MAJOR wiping, but looks like a pressure wash to me and thats not good for anything electrical in the long term).

Mileage, price, etc. seem about average.

What attracts you to this car?

Are you sure about a AT vs 5 spd?

Big question, are you sure this is what you want?

icarrera

Thanks for your comments, danglerb.
I've always been a fan of the 928 ever since I drove a friend's '79 Euro 5 spd in the late 80's. I'm not crazy about the AT, which is one thing that is holding me back, and your pointing it out is helping me decide. Thanks again.

danglerb

If you want a stick, playing with the shifter on an AT is not very satisfying. More than a few have convinced themselves the AT is ok long enough to buy it, but you either like AT or not and it doesn't seem to grow on you if you don't.

mcholdfast

I recommend this one.
If you think you'd like a 5 speed better, don't settle for an auto. You'll never be satisfied with it.

docmirror

General condition sounds ok, and price is suitable. Have the thrust bearing pressure checked before paying, and get ready for a timing belt, top end hose replacement, and motor mounts.

86'928S MeteorGrey

OK...an automatic lover has to pipe in here....

I have owned both. The auto and the manual have their merits. I will likely own another stick someday. Get a full PPI. If it all checks out, it looks like a pretty decent car to start with by the photos.

Drive it before you decide against an auto. I swore I'd never own one. Now I prefer the 928 with an auto over a 5 speed. Particularly because of the type of driving that is most common with this car. This car was built for long road trips. The auto puts the power down, but lets you be more relaxed doing it. If you have to drive in traffic alot you will grow to LOVE the auto... If you like to drive with the ladies, a free hand is a great thing. My wife loves to nap in my lap while we drive.

If I were going to be racing the car, of simply going to be a menace to society? Sure, give me a race seat, harness, a roll cage, and a 5 speed.... I guess it comes down to what you really want out of the car. Good luck with a purchase either auto or manual. Hope to see you around!

zoltan944

It seems to me the owner is selling because the Timing Belt needs to be done again (water pump possibly too).
That isn't a big deal, honestly it is why MOST people end up selling the cars because its time a few grand in service. The car looks real nice, just budget in for the TB/WP

perrys4

To bad you are so far away, I have a 90 with far less miles and has been kept up by the best mechanic there is for these cars. Have to let it go.....

icarrera

Thanks everyone, you are all very helpful. The seller wrote that the car was service by the prior owner by Carl's Place in Las Vegas (anyone?). He also says the car may need shocks, but not a timing belt since it was done 20k miles ago, but I trust you guys are right since it was five years ago (He then slips in how it is easy to replace the water pump at the same time, so I think you guys are right about his motivation to sell). Is the car a must have at $5.5k?

mcholdfast, your 928GT looks awesome, good luck with the sale! perrys4, any pics? price?

Tampa 928s

Have the flex plate checked first!
I have both a 5-Speed and Auto and like both for different reasons. My 86 is Super/Charged and the 5-Speed gives a lot of control. My 85 Euro is a pleasure to drive in traffic and never worry about shifting to get the proper power band. One thing I did was to install a kick-down bypass switch which makes it like a manual. When engaged it shifts to red line in each gear great for stop light fun. For me the manual has never felt correct for my tastes, never precise and after 40 years I still want to put it in reverse, it's an old corvette muncie thing.

KLVA

If you can get him to 5.5k then hand him the money and drive away quick !! Of course, then learn as much as poosible and get ready to spend another 5 grand to get everything right. If you really are gonna be into it, then that's only a little over 10 grand to own one of the best GT type cars ever made. Lots of great New York 928 guys around to help out. The AT rebuild guy is just in upper NY, Steve Cattaneo, somewhere up there...Orange County, I think reminds me ..I need to get ahold of Steve about my 88 S4 AT. Good Luck, hope you can talk that guy into under 6k

cold_beer839

Get a thorough PPI done by a KNOWN 928 wrench.

-The TB/WP are going to have to be done, it's been 5 years (parts and labor usually fall around $1500)
-Have the crankshaft end play checked (let's you know if there is possible thrust bearing failure)
-Check the oil pan and steering rack for leaks (bet that's why it was pressure washed)
-Shocks and alignment will run you about $1500 for Bilsteins and labor
-The intake looks like it needs an R&R, so figure $1000 in parts and $600 or more in labor
-Figure a tuneup more than likely $600 to $1000 parts and labor

If you get it for $5.5k figure another $5-7k for repairs and PM, more $$$ if you want to upgrade the wheels, repaint the exterior, or replace interior items.

Or buy a nicer car like McHoldfast's '90 GT and get a 5 spd that has a lot of the repairs and PM done. Plus it will be a rarer car that will hold resale value better.

Tampa 928s

I have rebuilt 4 of these and if you can do your own work your repair numbers will not even come close to 5-6K. Don't let them scare you away if you can get it for 5.5 K and the flex plate checks out go for it!
Everything else is maintenance and once replaced its good for as long as you own it.

cold_beer839

Not everyone can spin their own wrenches though.....