Harmonix8

Hello all, I'm relatively new to the forum but I've been driving a 944 for a while now. Or at least I was until its recently turned into my project car. Right now I'm driving around a motorcycle to get from place to place, but I believe I've found the owner of what looks like a pretty clean '85 928s that'd be willing to do a straight trade.
My question is, what kind of maintenance do they require to keep running, what sort of quirks can I expect, and what sort of things should i look for as warning signs before completing the deal?

Basically, what am I getting myself into?

I do intend to keep the car pretty much stock, so no real upgrades or any of that nonsense in store.

Thanks in advance for your help!

mickster

1. Do a search (this thread-guilty myself-appears over and over)
2. Do you plan to DIY or pay a mechanic?
3. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
4. Are there any service records.
5. If the car is not maintained, expect $5000 or more in parts the first year, labor additional (ask me how I know). If it is, $1000-2000.
6. Does it need interior work? Paint work?
7. Can you get a ride if the car goes down for a week-2 weeks?
8. Do you have AAA?
9. Run a CarFax & AutoCheck to be sure the car is clean (title/accidents/etc.)

Harmonix8

How do I phrase it when I ask them if i can get a mechanic to look at it. It always seemed a bit awkward. should I just be like " I like your car but I would prefer to have my mechanic look at it before completing this transaction?"

Thanks again for the advice.

VehiGAZ

What mickster said, plus this - a car that hasn't been driven significantly (a couple thousand miles a year, at least) and regularly will push you to the edge of sanity with all the things it can think of to break for no good reason at all. It will require that $5k over the frist couple of years,

A car that has been driven regularly but not maintained fairly "eagerly" will end up sucking up that $5k in maintenance money fairly quickly.

A car that has been driven regularly and maintained appropriately will be very good to you.

Good luck with your search!

RKD in OKC

Trading for the bike or the 944 project car?

Randy V

Everything you need to know is in here:

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...irst-post.html

Good luck!

Harmonix8

I'm gonna be trading the bike for the 928s. If the deal goes through.

You guys are awesome, thanks for all the help

bowerbird

Are you talking about the blue one on craigslist?

M. Requin

Beat me to it. Heed this advice, it will save you a lot of time.

stuofa2003

I'm also in Tucson and have seen the car on craigslist for a few weeks... based on the description it looks to be a good buy if your ok with an auto. I would start by getting the carfax from the owner and getting it inspected... I've worked with Radmacher Porsche locally (midtown, off Blacklidge). I currently have a 79 project car, and owned 2 others in the past... all OB 5 spds. I dont have any experience with the autos or the 32v. I would be willing to check it out with you if that helps

Harmonix8

Yes, It is the blue one up on craigslist. Funny, should've posted the listing to start off with just didn't think to do that. Good to know there are a few other 928 fans in town. I'm not particularly bothered by it being an automatic, would always prefer a 5 speed but luckily the 944 is a manual so that makes it less of a problem for me. I might take you up on that offer if the deal progresses much further.
I took my 944 to european auto tech a few times and didn't have any problems but I'll check out radmacher too.

stuofa2003

sounds good, good luck with the trade

mickster

Just ask for a pre-purchase inspection as a condition of trade.

You have a wealth of great people in the area or nearby and some amazing shops as well from what I understand.

Hilton

Might also want to read these:

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...g-a-928-a.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ed-advice.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...questions.html

blown 87

You look them square in the eyes and say "I absolutely have to have a pre purchase inspection done before I will buy a 928"
If they even finch then this is not the car for you.

I have seen guys that were professional mechanics who had owned 928's before get taken to the cleaners because they did not have a pre purchase inspection done.

While needed on any used car, it is critical on a 928 for it to be inspected by a "Real" 928 mechanic on a lift, and I am going to suggest to use Dave C's pre purchase inspection guide.