I've always really liked the looks of the 928, but have only ever had 911s, so I'm looking for some advice on what I should look for in a 928. I'm leaning towards an S4 -- a 5-speed would be my 1st choice but would be OK with an auto box.

Summer is too short up here for a "project", and I can't afford a 10/10 car, so what are the major items to be on the look out for in terms of mechanical / electrical problems in a 928? Are any there any particular years that are preferable, or ones to avoid?

Thanks,
Rod.

 

Rod, get the best 928 you can afford, then find some one who knows the 928 really well to do a very complete PPI on the year model of your choice.

I would suggest you drive some different cars, early and late model cars, 5 speeds and autos, they are quite different in feel.

That being said, if you like a analog dash, I would SUGGEST a 87, or if you like the digital dash a 89 S4, with the trans of your choice.
Be aware that you need to know which type of car you want as far as 5 speed or auto, cause swapping them out is not a easy or cheap thing to do.

The early 911 are better cars for short around town drives, while a 928, a well sorted 928 is almost impossible to beat on a longer trip.

Good luck with your search, and take my advice with a grain of salt, along with most of the other advice you are going to get.


Find a car that "Moves" you.

Greg Nettles

 

Rod,

Good luck with your quest! S4's are GREAT CARS! About 95% or more of the GTS for less than half the price. You only give up the cool flared rear fenders and aero mirrors (which are pretty easy to change out actually), so a great choice! My first 928 was an S4, now look where that took me!

Not sure what is in the Canadian water these days but we have had more and more of you guys from the Great White North joining the 928 Owners Club than I EVER would have imagined! Love to welcome you to the club when the time is right as well!

 

As I begin to work on my 928 for the first time, I am realizing just how important it is to find a car that has been well cared for. I cannot stress this enough. I've worked on a lot of vehicles, but this is one that can be a real headache if the previous owners weren't meticulous. Everything from the simplest stuff like proper coolant, to the way it was stored. I recently built a shop, and just having my car outside for a while has made it very clear that even little things like oxidation on the parts can make this car significantly harder to work on, and less valuable in the long run. Do not underestimate this. And the 32 valve models have potential dramatic issues of their own. There are a few crucial items that require the help of experienced 928 owners. Such as, crankshaft thrust bearing wear. So choosing a car through the help of this forum might be a good idea. I hope I haven't scared you off. All you have to do is find a clean one, and you'll have a good platform to work with. Good luck.

 

Good advice! Many first timers don't heed this advice and often it results in buyers remorse or worse, they think the 928 is an unreliable car. If the car was in the hands of the wrong owner it can be a nightmare to own. Alternatively if the car comes from someone who has maintained and paid attention to what the car needed then it will be reliable and a pleasure to own.

I really think you'll be amazed with the 928's instant and brutal power. It's very tossable although you wouldn't think it when you first start driving it.

Good luck with your search!

 

Also read the FAQs at the top of this forum - it will take a little bit, but you'll be well equipped to kow what to look for.

 

I don't know if I would consider the 928 a "modern" car. It is timeless in design and was certainly out front in terms of engineering for its time but there is more modern technology on a 2010 muscle car.

That said, the 928 is one fantastic car on many levels. The ability to travel great distances without fatigue just amazes me.

 

Rod...........we're not far apart, I live just 1 hr West of Lethbridge, so feel free to 'bend my ear' re. the 928 marque (9 year owner and many many projects on my 928 and others).

If your interested in a well sorted '88 S4 I have one for sale

 

The driving feel and interior are much more modern as compared to the early 911's right up through the 993. Certainly not as modern as a 987, 996 or 997 but build quality is certainly a step up.

Make sure you have a place to stretch a 928's legs, they are quite long.

 

And when you do stretch them you'll be amazed at how silky smooth her legs are.

 

Rod,

I am in Calgary - I have an '87 928 S4 auto. I am a relatively recent owner, but have the benefit of now owning a vehicle that has been in our family since new.

I would be happy to share any of my experiences ...

Jeremy

 

Hi Rod. Have you checked out either of the ones that are currently for sale in Saskatoon on Kijiji? There's a 89 for $10K and a 90 for $13K.

My advice after living with one here for the last 5 years is to pay whatever you have to to get one that's well sorted out & has had all the required maintenance done. Mine's been road-worthy for less than half of the time I've owned it. Definitely get a PPI.

 

^^^^ Selling your car Laird?

 

Well then you are certainly at the wrong forum.

lol

 

Not yet, Malcolm. Going to take one more run at making it a reliable daily driver.

There's a couple others for sale. Given that it's a relatively small city (225,000), Saskatoon always seems to have at least one 928 for sale.