Did I Buy the Wrong 928 From a Rennlister ?
#1
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Did I Buy the Wrong 928 From a Rennlister ?
I have learned a lot from the many responses and I appreciate all the inputs. I agree that the previous owner is a good guy at heart who probably got carried away a bit with enthusiasm over his really nice car. I don't agree with any who think that it is even close to alright to make claims that you know or should know are not correct. I strongly disagree with the few that think in a civilized world that it is OK to not return phone calls just because the sale is complete.
Last edited by LGL; 12-12-2010 at 01:59 AM.
#2
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Rennlister seller or not, due dilligence is a requisite for these cars.
I'm sorry the car didn't meet you expectations, really.
I hope you and the seller have a chance to talk it out.
I would still prefer to buy a 928 from a RL'r, only a few exceptional examples would not require a PPI.
I'm sorry the car didn't meet you expectations, really.
I hope you and the seller have a chance to talk it out.
I would still prefer to buy a 928 from a RL'r, only a few exceptional examples would not require a PPI.
#5
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Identify the problem and look for the cause.
I can see why you are angry that the car was not as stated, but it is yours now, just work through the problems.
Very few 20+ year old cars do not have issues.
I have had mine to zero issues several times, only to have something pop up again.
#7
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There are lots of definitions of a perfect car. A "seller's" car that's perfect would not be sold unless there's some serious external need, something completely unrelated to the car itself. Otherwise, even perfect cars have issues for buyers. Face it, the cars are typically 25 years old, so unless it just popped new out of the time machine, even that "perfect" car is going to have age-related stuff independent of wear. I'll go out on limb here and say that your car was very carefully described. Some important details were left out, obviously. The ones you shared so far are things that even a cursory inspection might have revealed.
The odo issue is one where the true miles may not be known. You can probably piece together some history with miles reporetd on repair documents and annual inspections, if that stuff is available to you. No matter what, replacing the odometer gear is a must to get it working again. The heat/AC issue is almost undoubtedly related to a failed/missing/unplugged temp sensor in the left front wheelwell. There are some ohm meter tricks for inding the problem, but it's also relatively simple to pull the wheel and the fender liner and take a look. Radio can be anything, but if it's the original you probably want something more current anyway. Power steering hoses leak; plan on replacing them as wear/age items, along with the reservoir. Racks sometimes leak, easy to check with your fingers and eyeballs just behind the front wheels. Locations of puddles will guide you. Bent rails are common when a car has been 'serviced' by someone who believes it's OK to lift from what appears to be a frame rail.
Your sig line shows you are not a 928 virgin; some of these things are 'should have known better' issues for someone who's got some ownership experience. In my opinion anyway. I'm the same guy who preaches that ANY 928 on the market needs at least $5k in parts to make it safe and reliable as a driver. My own car probably needs a lot of that too at any given time, since things that weren't replaced yesterday are old used parts that need replacement. Anything beyond half-life gets new when I buy a car, so you get my meaning.
Good luck with the car, and getting the info from the seller.
The odo issue is one where the true miles may not be known. You can probably piece together some history with miles reporetd on repair documents and annual inspections, if that stuff is available to you. No matter what, replacing the odometer gear is a must to get it working again. The heat/AC issue is almost undoubtedly related to a failed/missing/unplugged temp sensor in the left front wheelwell. There are some ohm meter tricks for inding the problem, but it's also relatively simple to pull the wheel and the fender liner and take a look. Radio can be anything, but if it's the original you probably want something more current anyway. Power steering hoses leak; plan on replacing them as wear/age items, along with the reservoir. Racks sometimes leak, easy to check with your fingers and eyeballs just behind the front wheels. Locations of puddles will guide you. Bent rails are common when a car has been 'serviced' by someone who believes it's OK to lift from what appears to be a frame rail.
Your sig line shows you are not a 928 virgin; some of these things are 'should have known better' issues for someone who's got some ownership experience. In my opinion anyway. I'm the same guy who preaches that ANY 928 on the market needs at least $5k in parts to make it safe and reliable as a driver. My own car probably needs a lot of that too at any given time, since things that weren't replaced yesterday are old used parts that need replacement. Anything beyond half-life gets new when I buy a car, so you get my meaning.
Good luck with the car, and getting the info from the seller.
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#8
Judging by your signature, I think I know who's car you have. If it is the one I am thinking, he is the type of guy that did a lot of his own work and the car has had some exceptional care. The paint job and interior alone is worth at more then 1/2 of the price you paid.
The repairs you have mentioned are typical repairs on these cars and can be fixed for not a lot of $$ if you can turn your own wrench.
Good luck and enjoy!
The repairs you have mentioned are typical repairs on these cars and can be fixed for not a lot of $$ if you can turn your own wrench.
Good luck and enjoy!
#10
Race Car
Ain't that the truth. The PO of the C32 I bought recently said all these things were replaced, including the supercharger bearing. Well, I found a brand new bearing in the glove box. So yeah, I guess replacement means putting it anywhere in the car... yeah that's it. I really didn't care, because I knew I could put a new one in in 15 minutes.
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft
#11
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Before you ask, yes I have called him and left eight pleas for a call back over the last two weeks. And a had a mutual acquaintance text message him, all to know avail. First, I paid well above market for the car ( $19000 for a 1987) because he was a Rennlister and his character and car were vouched for on Rennlist. Here are direct quotes from the E-Bay ad: "Ice-cold A/C, everything functions properly, odo shows 134.8 K, documented over 50000 in maintenance.The car is issue-free and amazing.Bought from original owner who is a retired admiral.
Here is the reality: ....
Here is the reality: ....
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#12
I know which 928 you bought and yes the seller has a decent rep here (I don't know him personally) but I would just post up the details here.. Sometimes that is the only way to get a response out of folks...
#13
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A well sorted, fresh car, especially a early 87 with tons of new parts done by a pro is worth more than that IMHO.
Others will pay more for a car with old parts that has not been driven, different strokes I guess.
#14
Three Wheelin'
I agree with the OP, the car was described as flawless. To me that means everything works, just fill it up with gas and go.
However, the interior work, engine rebuild (don't know if it was a complete rebuild), the real GTS rear quarter panels, GTS mirrors, and the paint job have probably cost far more than $19000 if done right, this does not even include the purchase price of the car from the original owner. He could have easily paid more than $19000 back when he bought the car.
From the pics I have seen, you bought a very nice car at a decent price.
However, the interior work, engine rebuild (don't know if it was a complete rebuild), the real GTS rear quarter panels, GTS mirrors, and the paint job have probably cost far more than $19000 if done right, this does not even include the purchase price of the car from the original owner. He could have easily paid more than $19000 back when he bought the car.
From the pics I have seen, you bought a very nice car at a decent price.
#15
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I agree with the OP, the car was described as flawless. To me that means everything works, just fill it up with gas and go.
However, the interior work, engine rebuild (don't know if it was a complete rebuild), the real GTS rear quarter panels, GTS mirrors, and the paint job have probably cost far more than $19000 if done right, this does not even include the purchase price of the car from the original owner. He could have easily paid more than $19000 back when he bought the car.
From the pics I have seen, you bought a very nice car at a decent price.
However, the interior work, engine rebuild (don't know if it was a complete rebuild), the real GTS rear quarter panels, GTS mirrors, and the paint job have probably cost far more than $19000 if done right, this does not even include the purchase price of the car from the original owner. He could have easily paid more than $19000 back when he bought the car.
From the pics I have seen, you bought a very nice car at a decent price.
As far as a flawless car, not sure I have ever seen one.