Things to consider on '89 S4
06-01-2010, 01:56 AM
#16
Three Wheelin'
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This is brilliant, chaps. But, I missed one crucial detail. This example had 188K (with the original engine, ofcourse). Later part of last year a 88k engine and transmission was bolted. Looked up the mechanic who did this, not particularly impressive. Apparently, this engine change was done in FL by a Merc Certified mechanic.
1. Why a new engine and transmission-what happened? The car has only 88K miles?
>> Active odometer has 189K; recently mounted engine had 88k
2. How long has the guy had the car?
>> Less than 8 months
3. Any maintenance history?
>> Thus far only for the last engine replacement;trying, to get more history
4. How much are they asking?
>> $7,800
5. Are you planning on doing repairs yourself and do you have a good mechanic?
>> I'm afraid it has to be thru a mechanic
6. Are you going to have a Pre-Purchase inspection (and check for Thrust Bearing Failure)? (yes to both)
>> Yes.
7. How much are you willing to spend on paint?
>> Not looking to spend any on TLC atleast for the next 8/12 months. Will attend to regular maintenance, though.
8. Interior?
>> Seat is good, hand-full of visible crack on the dash. Passenger window doesn't roll down, something to do with the switch, I've been told.
1. Why a new engine and transmission-what happened? The car has only 88K miles?
>> Active odometer has 189K; recently mounted engine had 88k
2. How long has the guy had the car?
>> Less than 8 months
3. Any maintenance history?
>> Thus far only for the last engine replacement;trying, to get more history
4. How much are they asking?
>> $7,800
5. Are you planning on doing repairs yourself and do you have a good mechanic?
>> I'm afraid it has to be thru a mechanic
6. Are you going to have a Pre-Purchase inspection (and check for Thrust Bearing Failure)? (yes to both)
>> Yes.
7. How much are you willing to spend on paint?
>> Not looking to spend any on TLC atleast for the next 8/12 months. Will attend to regular maintenance, though.
8. Interior?
>> Seat is good, hand-full of visible crack on the dash. Passenger window doesn't roll down, something to do with the switch, I've been told.
06-01-2010, 02:27 AM
#17
Under the Lift
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Keep looking. Buy the best car you can possibly afford unless you have tons of experience rehab'ing cars and WANT a project car. Even then I wouldn't recommend it. There are nice ones out there for not much more than this one. My car was near showroom condition when I bought it 10 years ago and I've never regretted it.
06-01-2010, 02:57 AM
#18
Nordschleife Master
Definitely pass on this one - the money is high for a car with no history, an inexplicable engine swap (190k miles is still before the engine needs a rebuild, let alone replacement), paint problems, and engine/electrical issues.
Sounds more like a $3-4k car from your description.
Sounds more like a $3-4k car from your description.
06-01-2010, 04:45 AM
#19
Instructor
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Absolutely forget it. Not just the 5-10 k that I see in the list you have identifed, but the other 5K+ that you don't know about makes this a 15-20k heartbreaker. You will be able to get a much better s4 for way less than the total 1-2 year cost of that car.
06-01-2010, 06:02 AM
#21
Nordschleife Master
06-01-2010, 06:49 AM
#22
Rennlist Member
There will be 100 of them up near Asheville on Saturday. Make the trip, talk to owners and refine your expectations there.
Last edited by Landseer; 06-01-2010 at 07:21 AM.
06-01-2010, 09:35 AM
#23
I would say that the car has just about reached or has reached the point where they should pay you to take it away.
They say yachts are like a black hole you can shovel money into, but a 928 can be very similar if you have to use a mechanic to do your work. TLC will not cut the mustard with a 928 that has not been looked after correctly with some history to back up the work done.
Keep looking and drive every model 928 that are available for sale until you find the right one to suit you budget and skills as a DIYer. The 928 was developed by evolution, not by revolution, so try and also get the latest model in the best condition.
Tails 1990 928S4 Auto
They say yachts are like a black hole you can shovel money into, but a 928 can be very similar if you have to use a mechanic to do your work. TLC will not cut the mustard with a 928 that has not been looked after correctly with some history to back up the work done.
Keep looking and drive every model 928 that are available for sale until you find the right one to suit you budget and skills as a DIYer. The 928 was developed by evolution, not by revolution, so try and also get the latest model in the best condition.
Tails 1990 928S4 Auto
06-01-2010, 04:01 PM
#25
Burning Brakes
Hello all,
I test drove a '89 s4 auto this evening and bit smitten by it. This is going to be my first Porsche , bit excited..equally worried. Following are the concerns
- New engine (88k) and transmission (good, I assume)
- Requires paint job
- Couple of bubbles on the door
- Paint peeling on the fender an 2sq inch of metal missing..disintegrating ?!
- Breaks are very poor : It has been suggested that it's because the break master cylinder needs work
- Most of the electrics works - passenger window doesn't roll up and down
- Few cracks on the dash
- Over all the engine is strong..if there's constant throttle. If the rev goes below 1k, it stalls
- Bad battery..since, it was in storage
Immediate concerns - the breaks and stalling. Are these easily fixable ?
Looking forward to hear sound advice gauging the actual essence of these problems.
I test drove a '89 s4 auto this evening and bit smitten by it. This is going to be my first Porsche , bit excited..equally worried. Following are the concerns
- New engine (88k) and transmission (good, I assume)
- Requires paint job
- Couple of bubbles on the door
- Paint peeling on the fender an 2sq inch of metal missing..disintegrating ?!
- Breaks are very poor : It has been suggested that it's because the break master cylinder needs work
- Most of the electrics works - passenger window doesn't roll up and down
- Few cracks on the dash
- Over all the engine is strong..if there's constant throttle. If the rev goes below 1k, it stalls
- Bad battery..since, it was in storage
Immediate concerns - the breaks and stalling. Are these easily fixable ?
Looking forward to hear sound advice gauging the actual essence of these problems.
Way to many issues! PASS PASS PASS
'89 S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black
06-01-2010, 05:23 PM
#28
Nordschleife Master
Here is an interesting one... "May have a blown head gasket"
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1769714009.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1769714009.html
