Iwanna928

I believe the 5 speed was more common in the earlier years. So I am not sure about the value compared to a auto. If you are buying for value I would probably look somewhere else as when it is all fixed up you will be upside down in the car!

If value isn't your concern and you want a great car to fix up go for it. The car looks a hell of a lot better than what I started with. Take all the above suggestions. I would put it in order though. Not sure TB is all that important on this model. I would check it and if it looked ok I would leave it and spend the money else where. Also if you don't mind not having a/c for now then that could wait to. Fuel lines would be top of the list for me!, From the front to the back. Syncro's will be a weak point but the car can still be driven for yrs in that condition.

Low ball them and see what happens, these cars are not selling like hot cakes.

Also these cars really wake up w/ exhaust mods. If you feel like more add some euro stuff and the car will fly.

I personally love the simplicity of the OB"s the price's that they are available is so low it is funny. With some time and money you could have a absolutly beautiful car for under 15k. That is not a lot of money for a sweet car. My premiss is you do this because you love the car and are going to hold onto it for yrs and enjoy, not to flip or make a buck.

LUCKYJACKASS

Car looks decent. In my opinion, I'd offer about $2800 to $3200 for it as is. At that price, even if it winds up being trash, you could at least part it and get your money plus some out of it. Looks like it would be a pretty nice base to start from, but will need plenty of work. Hell, I'm a newbe bottom feeder, so what the **** do I know. Good luck with your decision.

bowerbird

Lucky, First off..The avitar is awesome! "Get away from these cans!"

I took a second look today after the fuel line was "fixed" and was disappointed to learn the AC does not blow cold and the odometer isn't working. Add that to the so-so repaint and the tired interior, and your suggested offer seems more than reasonable. I don't think its a bad car but after a year and a half of searching, I have set my hopes a bit higher. I'm willing and able to spend a bit more on a fine example and think it will be worth the wait to find a 928 already in the condition I want.

z driver 88t

Nice clean original car. I like the polished phone dials. Don't think I've ever seen them. non-sunroof early 5 speed would be very cool.

Yes it could still need a lot of stuff - but they almost all need a lot of stuff. The previous owner of my car was really meticulous and had literally $19,700 in receipts from 2 1/2 years of restoration - and yes he went over board replacing evey little sensor and mechanical peice he could. But even at that, my car still needs the Paul Champaigne treatment inside.

My point is that a good clean well maintained early 5 speed even at $4900 is not bad. But then I don't worry much about getting every penny back out of a car I can.

Drive the car, make sure its smooth - torque tubes can be pricey. If everything else checks out, I'd go for it.

It won't be as fast as the S4s, but there are some nice upgrades you can do to improve the old 16Vs, and I really like having a non-interference engine for peace of mind.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

bowerbird

I spoke to the owner today who says he will go to $4100 and no lower.

Interior needs to be reconditioned. Ac is not currently cold, Car has been repainted, Odometer does not work. Timing belt not replaced since 1997 but has less than 12K on it.

Clutch completely rebuilt/replaced. First year 5 speed. Clean body, repaint looks good.

dcrasta

4100? Cough.. did he offer you a drink, flowers, dinner, movie, and spooning later? Cause sounds like he is trying to get laid.

Oh wait.. maybe he means 4100 after he Fixes the Odometer (35$ part plus labor), Timing belt, AC, (remember, AZ ...100 degrees.. Hot..), and throws in some spares like spare interior...

Ok.. Enough small talk.. Run, not walk RUN far from this guy. Take the 4100 you would have spent, put it in a bank account. Keep looking . A car sold here not too long ago for around 5k that was much nicer than that one.

If he is the 'Area 928 Guy' he should know better.. Shame Shame Shame..

z driver 88t

After your more detailed description it does sound like you could do better. Better to pay $10K for a car that needs nothing, than $4K for a car that may need $10K.

The market on 928s does seem to be turning a corner though. I've only had mine for 2 years and searching the usual places for good deals on well maintained cars (especially manual trans) is getting harder and harder. Nice ones seem to be really holding their value at this point.

LUCKYJACKASS

Thanks. "He hates these oil cans!" Keep looking...there are deals out there to be had, even in the lower price range, you just have to be ready and willing to pull the trigger. Model research, a good looking over(or PPI), and willingness to take a gamble are essential steps to picking up something in the lower strata of 928's. My '83 Euro needs plenty more work to make it pristine, but it's been a great daily driver for the 3 months I have had it. I just keep doing a little at a time, and have a 2 year plan on making my initial $3200 investment into a prime example of a 27 year old supercar. Best thing about it is that it's mine, and not the bank's, so I can afford a monthly parts bill in lieu of the payment. Another great point is that when it's all said and done, I will be able to say "I made it into what it is!" Good luck with finding something that will fit your budget and plans.

danglerb

A lot of repaints look nice as long as you don't look too closely. Unfortunately Porsche owners sooner or later will look closely, best to make it sooner. Look near the edges of the paint, around trim, rubber bits, and have somebody that really knows paint take a look too.

Where are these guys coming up with the prices? $4100 for a project 78?

bowerbird

There were indeed paint blemishes around seams and edges. Subtle but apparent flaking. The repaint concerned me because the body seemed to be completely ding fee. I was worried about the amount of Bondo possibly lurking beneath and was able to find a patch of body filler along the beam beneath the Driver's side door.

I believe a lot of the high pricing on otherwise tired cars may be due to the owners trying to offset repair costs. One gentleman had a amazing 81 being worked on at the same shop. (65K miles, 5 speed, beige interior and exterior, condition was the best I have personally seen). I offered him 6K for it but he declined. His best price was 10K. His reasoning was to make $.50 back for every dollar he spend on work done in the last 18 months. 20 K in repairs! If I found him sooner, I would have tried to convince him to give the car to me. He would be 10K ahead today.