weissbrewer

Hi I thank all for the great advice and support in the community. I have been lurking for a few years and have finally decided to pull the plug. I am considering a 5spd 87 s4 in diamond w/ most records and tbelt services w 145k in western Ma. I am also considering an 85 euro in saratoga ny. w/ 65k on the clock records for last six years. both are over four hours from Northern Nh where I live . asking 13k and 6.9k respectively. I would welcome any opinions and especially suggestions on shops around Springfield Ma and Saratoga NY for PPI prior to spending two days driving around.
Cheers
SJ

jeff spahn

Buy the most sorted car mechanically. Minor cosmetic stuff won't cost you as much as major mechanical. Be sure to check for collapsed motor mounts. Oil pan shouldn't be resting on the crossmember. I would be unless they have had them replaced, the mounts will be bad.

weissbrewer

Thanks Jeff, def needs cv boots and ps resiv. parts included w sale sounds well sorted 3 owners (the s4) gonna drive down and check it out...no all about the sorted thing recovering land rover addict (down to 4) and owned other p cars and grey stuff as well. Looking for a ppi garage in that area, should I have the dealer do it?

SteveG

Assuming you don't find a recommendation for a shop nearby, I know there is a check list here, try the new visitor thread. Do you have manuals or CDs? This may sound obvious, but Saratoga is 130 miles from the nearest mechanic on my list. There is a pic in the WSM of the inspection hole in bell housing and how to inspect clutch, best you can do w/o removing cover; get a look at TB thru the cam covers to see tracking of belt; look at the CEP to see if any butchering there; drive it, floor it. Don't expect transmission to shift lightning fast, you have to wait on it esp. if cold. The mileage shouldn't scare you if it has been maintained. At this price it better have some docs and look clean under the hood.

Is the euro A/T? I don't think the flex plate is as much of an issue on OB, but I would ask if it has been checked. Wish I could offer more.

Mrmerlin

on the S4 if the intake refresh has not been done figure 2K to do it,
and another grand for motor mounts and oil pan gasket
13K for the miles on the S4 a lot of things should already have been done T belt WP, MMs OPG,Intake refresh possibly a new clutch.
You may have a better deal on the older Euro its a fun car and its lighter similar issues with one as well but not so much about the intake refresh, .
As with anything we need more detailed info about each car and pictures of the cars and underhood will also be a great way to see issues

AO

Just a grammer note...

Pulling the plug usually refers to abandoning your idea/quest

Pulling the trigger usually means going through with the plan (and leaving your wife)

As to which one to go for will greatly depend on condition. The '87 seems a bit high for the mileage, but depending on overall condition, it might be okay. I recently sold an '87 auto in excellent condition with 93k miles for $11k. I think David Lloyd is in your area and may be able to help you with a ppi either through him or a reputable mechanic.

weissbrewer

Thanks for all the help...i meant pull the plug on the cash!
I appreciate the input and will def throw some pics up when i have a moment i need to talk w the owner tonight of the 87 5spd about the intake, i was imagining 10500 was a fair price and plan on 4-5k for work over the next year . I really like diamond blue!
The euro 5spd car is short money but having trouble getting the owner to send pics of the interior and engine bay. Should anyone like to view the car in that area and let me know if it is worth the drive, I would be most appreciative.

weissbrewer

some pics of the s4

linderpat

very nice looking car, and I love the wheels.

mickster

Very nice!

Marine Blue

Looks really nice!

Post up a few pictures of the engine and close up shots if you have them.

928mac

IMHO get the S4

Mrmerlin

from an external view i would say get the S4 the price will depend on the records and an underhood shot would be a good thing before you
PULL the Trigger on buying the car.
Sorry never heard of the term pulling the plug on the cash..


Just a quick thought the oil pressure seems a bit low on the S4, i wonder if the cam block off plugs were swapped out for the new block off pins, pull the dipstick drip the oil onto some black cardboard and look for metal specs in the sunlight

danglerb

Mason has a 90 GT for sale, no affiliation or knowledge, just saw it listed.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...0-gt-sale.html

And Smudaar has this 80 Euro

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...-300hp-fs.html

rixter

that mileage may very well be "post importation" if the odo was replaced as required