Things to consider on '89 S4
05-31-2010, 10:57 PM
#1
Track Day
Thread Starter
Things to consider on '89 S4
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.
Last edited by matvrix; 05-31-2010 at 11:07 PM. Reason: formatting
05-31-2010, 11:11 PM
#2
Race Car
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) (Me: Why? What happened?)
- Requires paint job (That can run anywhere from $2K-10K and up)
- Couple of bubbles on the door (Oxidization-my body shop quoted $600 for fix but you said it needs painting--what color?)
- Paint peeling on the fender an 2sq inch of metal missing..disintegrating ?! (Missing metal? Did you run an Autocheck or Carfax? Accident?)
- Breaks are very poor : It has been suggested that it's because the break master cylinder needs work (That could be part of it or it could be lines, brake fluid, or nearly anything)
- Most of the electrics works - passenger window doesn't roll up and down (could be an easy fix, relay/fuse or switch, or harder, motor)
- Few cracks on the dash (Do you want to replace the dash?)
- Over all the engine is strong..if there's constant throttle. If the rev goes below 1k, it stalls (Could be a number of issues from dirty fuel injectors that need cleaning or replacement, bad grounds, bad fuel pump/lines, Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF-go see the link below for acronyms), low-idle or a tune-up etc.))
- Bad battery..since, it was in storage [Simple fix-unless it's something beyond the battery-check the date of manufacture and whether you get good voltage with a replacement battery]
Immediate concerns - the breaks and stalling. Are these easily fixable ? (Depends on what you mean by easy-see below)
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) (Me: Why? What happened?)
- Requires paint job (That can run anywhere from $2K-10K and up)
- Couple of bubbles on the door (Oxidization-my body shop quoted $600 for fix but you said it needs painting--what color?)
- Paint peeling on the fender an 2sq inch of metal missing..disintegrating ?! (Missing metal? Did you run an Autocheck or Carfax? Accident?)
- Breaks are very poor : It has been suggested that it's because the break master cylinder needs work (That could be part of it or it could be lines, brake fluid, or nearly anything)
- Most of the electrics works - passenger window doesn't roll up and down (could be an easy fix, relay/fuse or switch, or harder, motor)
- Few cracks on the dash (Do you want to replace the dash?)
- Over all the engine is strong..if there's constant throttle. If the rev goes below 1k, it stalls (Could be a number of issues from dirty fuel injectors that need cleaning or replacement, bad grounds, bad fuel pump/lines, Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF-go see the link below for acronyms), low-idle or a tune-up etc.))
- Bad battery..since, it was in storage [Simple fix-unless it's something beyond the battery-check the date of manufacture and whether you get good voltage with a replacement battery]
Immediate concerns - the breaks and stalling. Are these easily fixable ? (Depends on what you mean by easy-see below)
Looking forward to hear sound advice gauging the actual essence of these problems.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...irst-post.html
1. Why a new engine and transmission-what happened? The car has only 88K miles?
2. How long has the guy had the car?
3. Any maintenance history?
4. How much are they asking?
5. Are you planning on doing repairs yourself and do you have a good mechanic?
6. Are you going to have a Pre-Purchase inspection (and check for Thrust Bearing Failure)? (yes to both)
7. How much are you willing to spend on paint?
8. Interior?
If money is no object you can go with this car or go find a well-sorted maintained one. I know of 2 here on Rennlist, an 88 and an 89 as well as an 86.5 all for sale.
Good luck and share more info,
Michael
05-31-2010, 11:17 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
First, congrats on posting here before buying...............too many others post after the fact.
I would really question the engine/gbox change at such a low mileage.
The no idle could be many of very expensive parts.
I'd steer clear of this car or find a local very knowledgeable 928 wrench to eveluate.
I would really question the engine/gbox change at such a low mileage.
The no idle could be many of very expensive parts.
I'd steer clear of this car or find a local very knowledgeable 928 wrench to eveluate.
05-31-2010, 11:21 PM
#4
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
If I had to guess, car has more than the stated mileage. Have you run a carfax and checked the maintenance history.
What is your ultimate purpose and goal for this car? Restore, race, drive daily or just weekend driver/hobby car? Do you mind if the car isn't road worthy for a year? Are you picky about the cosmetics or not?
What is your ultimate purpose and goal for this car? Restore, race, drive daily or just weekend driver/hobby car? Do you mind if the car isn't road worthy for a year? Are you picky about the cosmetics or not?
05-31-2010, 11:24 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
- Requires paint job
$3-5K plus whatever body work to fix the bubbles and missing metal.- Couple of bubbles on the door
see above- 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
New master cylinder for the brakes
- Most of the electrics works - passenger window doesn't roll up and down
could be a switch, or a motor or wiring or?????????????????????
- Few cracks on the dash
New dash = big $
- Over all the engine is strong..if there's constant throttle. If the rev goes below 1k, it stalls
Most likly the idle stabilizer valve, means pulling the intake more $- Bad battery..since, it was in storage
Or because it has a constant drain due to other electrical problems.
IMO you need to keep looking, unless you do all your own work and are looking to take on a project. When done you could easily have $12-15K in a $5K car.
$3-5K plus whatever body work to fix the bubbles and missing metal.- Couple of bubbles on the door
see above- 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
New master cylinder for the brakes
- Most of the electrics works - passenger window doesn't roll up and down
could be a switch, or a motor or wiring or?????????????????????
- Few cracks on the dash
New dash = big $
- Over all the engine is strong..if there's constant throttle. If the rev goes below 1k, it stalls
Most likly the idle stabilizer valve, means pulling the intake more $- Bad battery..since, it was in storage
Or because it has a constant drain due to other electrical problems.
IMO you need to keep looking, unless you do all your own work and are looking to take on a project. When done you could easily have $12-15K in a $5K car.
05-31-2010, 11:32 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
A few pictures would help folks here gauge it, but you are describing a car that also might be worth far less than the asking price, so be careful.
05-31-2010, 11:33 PM
#7
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Smitten and first Porsche, and if that first Porsche is a 928 in need of a lot of repair, it usually does not end well.
My advice is to find a better example unless you have a lot of time, a lot of car knowledge and a well equipped shop.
The folks here can help you find the right car, but this one does not sound like it at first glance, just taking care of the idle problem alone could be very expensive.
My advice is to find a better example unless you have a lot of time, a lot of car knowledge and a well equipped shop.
The folks here can help you find the right car, but this one does not sound like it at first glance, just taking care of the idle problem alone could be very expensive.
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05-31-2010, 11:35 PM
#8
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Dave C. said you are going to have 30 grand in a nice looking, reliable, drivable, 928, as time goes on I believe he may have under estimated that.
06-01-2010, 12:01 AM
#9
Team Owner
I would be checking for thrust bearing failure is the car hard to start when its hot??
pull the dipstick and drip some of the oil onto a black piece of cardboard do this in the sunshine, see if there is metallic particles in the oil
From your description i would say your looking at a 3000.00 car If the intake has not been refreshed figure 2500.00 figure 5K for a paint job and another 45t00.00 for all the other things you mentioned. My6 suggestion add up all the money you want to spend on a 928 then add another 80% of that to figure a final cost then if you can do that amount ,
then find a car thats priced for that amount and get a PPI then buy that car if it passes muster
EG buy price 5K + 80% = 9K . Pictures would help.
I would suggest you run from this car also it would be helpful to know where in the world your located
pull the dipstick and drip some of the oil onto a black piece of cardboard do this in the sunshine, see if there is metallic particles in the oil
From your description i would say your looking at a 3000.00 car If the intake has not been refreshed figure 2500.00 figure 5K for a paint job and another 45t00.00 for all the other things you mentioned. My6 suggestion add up all the money you want to spend on a 928 then add another 80% of that to figure a final cost then if you can do that amount ,
then find a car thats priced for that amount and get a PPI then buy that car if it passes muster
EG buy price 5K + 80% = 9K . Pictures would help.
I would suggest you run from this car also it would be helpful to know where in the world your located
06-01-2010, 12:14 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
I have an 89 s4. This example seems to have many problems it should not have if it was looked after even remotely well. I would run away. There are a lot better 89's out there and you will pay way more repairing this one, even if you do it yourself.
06-01-2010, 12:36 AM
#12
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Unless you are a DIY guy, with plenty of time for wrenching, reading, and detail oriented work, you would be wise to keep shopping. If you are a DIY guy, this forum, and the tools and equipment avail here make it possible to take care of all these issues except maybe the paint for nothing more than parts cost.
If you are getting it at a substantial below market price, you can still consider it, but be warned, these cars can kill you with death by a thousand cuts. I bought a GT for $6k, and spent about the same getting it sorted out fairly well, sans new paint. Add the paint to that, and I was just about at the market for the car in good condition. Which proves there is no free lunch to be had with the 928.
If you are getting it at a substantial below market price, you can still consider it, but be warned, these cars can kill you with death by a thousand cuts. I bought a GT for $6k, and spent about the same getting it sorted out fairly well, sans new paint. Add the paint to that, and I was just about at the market for the car in good condition. Which proves there is no free lunch to be had with the 928.
06-01-2010, 12:38 AM
#13
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I like driving more than fixing, so my head hurts just thinking about it. Maybe you like the opposite?
There seems to be no shortage of better options for sale these days, probably for less than it would cost to sort everything out.
Good taste in model year tho.
There seems to be no shortage of better options for sale these days, probably for less than it would cost to sort everything out.
Good taste in model year tho.
06-01-2010, 01:49 AM
#14
Track Day
Thread Starter
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.