Landseer

On one that's "ok to drive home 200 miles" figure spending a nominal $6000 on parts (it won't be less)to perform catch-up maintenance. Test drive it carefully. Tow it home and tear it down for a complete timing belt / WP job before driving it around your neighborhood.

Without a PPI or a pro with you, its a dice roll. But if you have a bank account above 5 figures, which clearly you do, its really only a minor risk.

There are just so many things to be wary about. Mileage is the first. Was it ever aspirated and reversed? Dozens of things that scream PPI. Unless you like to roll the dice. Then its just fun.

$8000 or so would be a decent price for a refurbishable S4 5 speed, BTW. I'd love to have one.
Worth more if its better-maintained. Less if a basket case of course.

Good luck with the mission! Let us know what happens. Pictures of engine, body and interior could be helpful. Don't reveal its location (you already are savvy on that).

White Lightnin'

How many miles?
Last timing belt/water pump change? Cam gears too?
Leaks in oil, coolant, ps?
CarFax? Accidents?
All relays & fuses present? (removed suggests problems left to the next owner)

If you want a PPI from a knowledgeable 928'er... you need to post what city it is in -and ask for a favor of an expert inspection/opinion. Nobody here will swipe the deal from you.

BTW, for paint on a 24 year old car... a 10-footer may be asking a lot. Unless it has been garaged and well taken care of.... and that would also signify lower mileage and a higher asking price. $9500 is on the higher side for a common color combo and few options.

Good Luck!

rgs944

It sounds straight with no accidents. That something I need to see in person for myself. I believe it has been garaged. 109k is the miles. As far as history of belts that may not be known. I think it is a deal where if I can get the seller down to my price and the car represents itself well I will buy it. He said he has had a few insulting offers. Did not tell me what they were but I am guessing around $6000 to $7000. I am estimating the 5 speed to make the car worth $2000 over the auto. Does that sound right? As far as the interior color, a black interior is very important to me. Outside color not as important but I like red.

bosfan928s

Sounds like a great car. Make sure you get it checked out by an authorized mechanic. Don't know what the price of the car is but be prepared double it with repairs and upkeep.

Good luck.

rgs944

He did also tell me that it will leave a oil spot about the size of a quarter when parked for a spell. Sounds normal for a Porsche. I will need to look at it in person to see what fluid it is. I do believe the guy on the miles. He said he got it from a guy who left it parked most of the time and he has only driven it 4K miles himself. 4K miles would probably last me 5 years as well. As far as that being the correct miles, those are things that a guy can decieve you on the phone, but I feel confident that I will be able to see through any deception when I am inspecting the car and talking to the guy in person.

Landseer

You know the drill. If original red, its single stage and can be cleaned. 5spd is definitely more desireable. Motor mounts / pan gasket / steering boots is one campaign. Timing belt / WP / all pulleys and tracking stuff is another. Electrical is generally a mission --- generally easy if no rodent damage or bad melting. Intake refresh and associated buried sensors that affect timing is costly on S4 and needed, along with caps and wires. But if not abused, and only minor leakage, it might be a diamond in the rough. You will likely not make money on a resale, but can have a heck of a lot of fun with one of these.

Contact espritS4 for comparison of the 968 and 928, as he has both.

rgs944

Not looking to make any money on a resale. When I buy a car I keep it for life. I do like buying good cars when they are at or near the bottom, and my guess is the S4 has got to be close to the bottom. They sure are not going to make anymore of them. I feel like they are a popular car with low production #'s. That is always a good recipe for retaining value at the 25 year mark, isn't it?

White Lightnin'

Popular to want or look at... sure. Popular to own... never have been. That's why only slightly more than 60,000 units were sold worldwide in the 19 years of production... total. There are more Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes made than that every year.

Mine drove home after purchase from Dallas to Charlotte...
Paint was a repaint -so took it down to metal & done over
Replaced rack; shocks; springs; wheels; tires; brakes; interior (a PO smoker); half shafts; TB & WP; battery; starter; alternator; audio system; miscellaneous other electricals...

Spent 3-4x purchase price on repairs, replacements, upgrades... so far. But as many say... it's therapy.

rgs944

Is the S4 production # just below 16K? That is what I found but how many manuals were there? Also since some of you told me I should trailer the car home if I buy it, I am assuming this is an interference engine. What will I expect to pay for getting the belts up to date? Parts only as I will do the wrenching. Is the job harder than a 944? I am guessing it is.

White Lightnin'

Not sure of S4 production numbers... also remember 5-speeds changed to 'GT' designation in mid '89. So, manual S4 numbers would be on the lower side of most of the models.

Yes, it is an interference engine... without proof of timing belt change (usually water pump, cam gears, tensioner done at same time with that mileage), not wise to take the chance of ruining the motor.

TB/WP/gears/P-Kensioner job should be less than $1500 doing it yourself (Porsche just raised the price of cam gears significantly) or perhaps around $3000 for a shop to do it (?)

Landseer

70% or so were autos. Not intended to be a sportscar particularly.

Timing belt / WP job? Figure about $800 to $1200 for parts and tools. Cam gear source change and price increase has caused a bump in $.

Far more time consuming than 944 and somewhat more than 951, in my opinion. Not harder. But it is a symphony that requires some thought. Much time will be spent cleaning.

White Lightnin'

Good description there Chris... and one that applies to many of the issues with 928s.

I had estimated on the side of caution... with 109k on the clock, he may be well served to change the gears and upgrade to the PorKensioner for peace of mind. And, perhaps the Gates kevlar racing TB as well...

Landseer

I didn't see your estimate, but that might be more appropriate.
For me, stock tensioner and gates regular belt, though.
Rest of money for new rad hoses and plug, drills and timeserts for the broken wp bolts, flywheel lock (different), 32V'r tool, kempf tool for belt tension (also different than 944/51).

pcar928fan

If you go to www.928registry.com you may well find all the production numbers you are looking for.

All true above, except a good shop (like the one I use) only charges about $1200ish for a T-belt job. That said, my water pump was in great shape and not leaking so we left it alone. There are problems with some of the rebuilt units thus you either need to get the high dollar rebuilt or the factory pump, either way...EXPENSIVE! If the pump is working properly, looks good and is not leaking...you might just keep it. As long as it has been changed at least ONCE before that is. None of my cars are on their original pumps but I would go 2 to 1 on the belt and pump change personally.

Great cars! I LOVE my S4! Should have it back on the road by the end of the month (getting a transmission swap). GTS's are the ultimate though and I love those even MORE! I have over 10k track miles on my auto S4 and I can't tell you how many 951's and 968's I have passed over the years in DE events...now that isn't racing, mind you, but driving a 928 fast is easy and fun!

Landseer

I'd change the pump as its origin will be uncertain.

Timing belt on a 110k mi car will probably involve removing 60K mi of road grit and grease, plus lots of periphial work on oil pump seals, front main, steering pump rebuild, new 14 pin connector, tstat & seals, replace antifreeze, new block plug washers, harness repair due to broken insulation, broken bolts etc, etc. $2K labor if you bring it here. Half that for one of James' cars just getting a belt an minor other stuff.

Last S4 we did here in the basement took 5 full days. (no professional cleaning facilities)