Help - Looking at buying an 88 S4 Auto - Does anyone know this MA car, history/value?
01-24-2011, 03:09 PM
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Help - Looking at buying an 88 S4 Auto - Does anyone know this MA car, history/value?
Hi Everyone,
I am looking at a 1988 928 S4 being offered to me privately through a client of mine. It had been a trade to a local dealer here and was picked up at auction by my client. It did not run (battery flat) but we got it running. It is Guards Red/Black, Auto. Car is stock, except for an alpine multi disc changer.
It is tentatively being sold TMU but we have an indication that mileage as of 11/29/10 was 114,630.
There is some heavy curling to the interior trim around the rear side hatch windows, the luggage shade may be shot. Rest of interior was good. All lights operated as they should. Some small issues w/ paintwork, windshield was replaced at some point and car was VIN etched. Wheels are correct stock rims but need to be refinished as they are through the clear.
Car only listed the following option codes:
003 cali emissions
330 blaupunkt reno radio
418 Side protection moldings
494 additional amplifier (did not see)
570 rear a/c
650 electric sliding sunroof
I think that was all of them, possibly had 150 (no catalyst) and I did not see the code 220 for LSD.
Idle was low and car seemed to be running rich. It is too cold here in RI today for a test drive. My dad said he felt it had a faint noise in the motor like a rod or lifter.
Former owners name was Lou C. from Longmeadow/Springfield MA and the surrounding area. Had manuals and most if not all tools. Last MA license plate to be on the car was 92RN74.
VIN is WPOJBO924JS861822
We are in contact with my client, he is contacting the former owner and I am contacting the dealer that the car was traded into (who subsequently sent it out to auction). We are also getting a carfax run and I have a general porsche mechanic (not an exclusive 928 guy) who is close to my office that will do a PPI for me so I don't have to blow a ton of money towing it somewhere (I can actually drive it there safely).
I am trying to track service records but we don't have much to go on other than the fact that I can tell it appears to have been continuously insured and registered.
Please guys, I would appreciate if anyone that knows anything about this car, or its history would post, email or pm me. Even if someone already posted what you were going to say, at least let me know if you knew the car. I can buy the car for 4k which I told my dad I feel that is pushing it considering the market right now.
I know enough about the car in general to walk away if I have to. I currently run two range rover classics, my mint 89 944 and I am in the middle of a 67 XKE restoration, and my dad is running an 06 XJ, an 07 XK and a 72 Lincoln Continental Mk IV, so we are no stranger to going to the mechanic or working on our stuff.
Thanks!
I am looking at a 1988 928 S4 being offered to me privately through a client of mine. It had been a trade to a local dealer here and was picked up at auction by my client. It did not run (battery flat) but we got it running. It is Guards Red/Black, Auto. Car is stock, except for an alpine multi disc changer.
It is tentatively being sold TMU but we have an indication that mileage as of 11/29/10 was 114,630.
There is some heavy curling to the interior trim around the rear side hatch windows, the luggage shade may be shot. Rest of interior was good. All lights operated as they should. Some small issues w/ paintwork, windshield was replaced at some point and car was VIN etched. Wheels are correct stock rims but need to be refinished as they are through the clear.
Car only listed the following option codes:
003 cali emissions
330 blaupunkt reno radio
418 Side protection moldings
494 additional amplifier (did not see)
570 rear a/c
650 electric sliding sunroof
I think that was all of them, possibly had 150 (no catalyst) and I did not see the code 220 for LSD.
Idle was low and car seemed to be running rich. It is too cold here in RI today for a test drive. My dad said he felt it had a faint noise in the motor like a rod or lifter.
Former owners name was Lou C. from Longmeadow/Springfield MA and the surrounding area. Had manuals and most if not all tools. Last MA license plate to be on the car was 92RN74.
VIN is WPOJBO924JS861822
We are in contact with my client, he is contacting the former owner and I am contacting the dealer that the car was traded into (who subsequently sent it out to auction). We are also getting a carfax run and I have a general porsche mechanic (not an exclusive 928 guy) who is close to my office that will do a PPI for me so I don't have to blow a ton of money towing it somewhere (I can actually drive it there safely).
I am trying to track service records but we don't have much to go on other than the fact that I can tell it appears to have been continuously insured and registered.
Please guys, I would appreciate if anyone that knows anything about this car, or its history would post, email or pm me. Even if someone already posted what you were going to say, at least let me know if you knew the car. I can buy the car for 4k which I told my dad I feel that is pushing it considering the market right now.
I know enough about the car in general to walk away if I have to. I currently run two range rover classics, my mint 89 944 and I am in the middle of a 67 XKE restoration, and my dad is running an 06 XJ, an 07 XK and a 72 Lincoln Continental Mk IV, so we are no stranger to going to the mechanic or working on our stuff.
Thanks!
01-24-2011, 03:14 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Regardless of history you will want to release the flexplate clamp, and when released, measure accurately the crankshaft end play for S4 Automatic. Are you familiar with why? Do you want a link to the process?
01-24-2011, 04:54 PM
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nine
Have you been in the market for a 928?
Any recent work that you know of on it? TB/WP and flexplate should be 1&2 on your list of concerns. If its been sitting it will make some noise until oil gets circulated well, especially if its cold and has a heavy oil in it. Would look into that.
PPI is a must! Not sure of who is local to you that could help? Purchased my 88 knowing I would have to do a top end refresh and tb/wp and some other odds and ends. No real suprises once I got it home which was nice. Is well sorted mechanically now and I dont worry.
On a side note my 88 is my sons daily driver. He will attend school next year up on college hill there in Providence. Car will stay here in TX. 928 is a great car once bugs are worked out of them and mechanics are in order. This can take quite a bit of money on a car that has been neglected. Do your research. Is this the car you want to put $ and time into?
Your in good hands with these guys, have saved my rear over the last few years of ownership!
Have you been in the market for a 928?
Any recent work that you know of on it? TB/WP and flexplate should be 1&2 on your list of concerns. If its been sitting it will make some noise until oil gets circulated well, especially if its cold and has a heavy oil in it. Would look into that.
PPI is a must! Not sure of who is local to you that could help? Purchased my 88 knowing I would have to do a top end refresh and tb/wp and some other odds and ends. No real suprises once I got it home which was nice. Is well sorted mechanically now and I dont worry.
On a side note my 88 is my sons daily driver. He will attend school next year up on college hill there in Providence. Car will stay here in TX. 928 is a great car once bugs are worked out of them and mechanics are in order. This can take quite a bit of money on a car that has been neglected. Do your research. Is this the car you want to put $ and time into?
Your in good hands with these guys, have saved my rear over the last few years of ownership!
01-24-2011, 05:22 PM
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Sounds like you are on the right track.
There are too many 1988's available to go for one with obvious problems, high milage and no history.
If you shop around a bit, you can find a nice 928, with a history/reciepts, etc. here on the list or through something like Autotrader's web site.
Provenance was important to me as there are too many beat up, modified and run to death 928 out there. Finding a 928 with owner(s) who had the money to keep the car maintained is the key in my book. I have all the records of repairs on my car, reaching back to the orginal owner.
Deferred mainteniance is the killer...
Also, get a prepurchase inspection PPI, whatever you decide to do. It will save you money in the long run.
Joe
There are too many 1988's available to go for one with obvious problems, high milage and no history.
If you shop around a bit, you can find a nice 928, with a history/reciepts, etc. here on the list or through something like Autotrader's web site.
Provenance was important to me as there are too many beat up, modified and run to death 928 out there. Finding a 928 with owner(s) who had the money to keep the car maintained is the key in my book. I have all the records of repairs on my car, reaching back to the orginal owner.
Deferred mainteniance is the killer...
Also, get a prepurchase inspection PPI, whatever you decide to do. It will save you money in the long run.
Joe
01-24-2011, 05:36 PM
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blandis,
College Hill? He must be going to Brown then? I actually just finished my MBA in Management in Dec. 09 from URI (also have a BS in Finance and a BA in Economics from them from undergrad), I just turned 27 last Month.
No haven't been the market lately, but always thought about getting a 928 eventually (specifically an 85 or 86 S, but I think the S4 is pretty also) - but the 89 944 showed up first, along with a massive service history. That was 5-6 years ago, then I came upon the XKE a year or two ago...
Just like the 944, I know TB & WP are priority...I will have to see if we can let it warm up good to see if the noise goes away. If this car really has no history I honestly will easily let it pass. Car looks great but like I said had trouble idling, it was very low on gas w/low battery and it is freezing here today as well.
I am trying to get a PPI done by Wednesday or Thursday...we'll see who ends up doing it (in addition to the guy down the street).
Anyone feel that 4k is too much based on what we know so far? If it doesn't snow we will get it fully charged and then get it out on the road to see if it has any life in it.
Joe,
Yes - although this is more of a spur of the moment thing and I don't know a ton about 928s I know what to expect and where to draw the line based on my past autos (see my list of cars below). Right now we are viewing it as there are no records with the car, but since I have a line of contact to the prior owner (who looks like he had it for some time) I am willing to take a longer look at this one.
Will hopefully have the Carfax later tonight and if so, will post a further update!
College Hill? He must be going to Brown then? I actually just finished my MBA in Management in Dec. 09 from URI (also have a BS in Finance and a BA in Economics from them from undergrad), I just turned 27 last Month.
No haven't been the market lately, but always thought about getting a 928 eventually (specifically an 85 or 86 S, but I think the S4 is pretty also) - but the 89 944 showed up first, along with a massive service history. That was 5-6 years ago, then I came upon the XKE a year or two ago...
Just like the 944, I know TB & WP are priority...I will have to see if we can let it warm up good to see if the noise goes away. If this car really has no history I honestly will easily let it pass. Car looks great but like I said had trouble idling, it was very low on gas w/low battery and it is freezing here today as well.
I am trying to get a PPI done by Wednesday or Thursday...we'll see who ends up doing it (in addition to the guy down the street).
Anyone feel that 4k is too much based on what we know so far? If it doesn't snow we will get it fully charged and then get it out on the road to see if it has any life in it.
Joe,
Yes - although this is more of a spur of the moment thing and I don't know a ton about 928s I know what to expect and where to draw the line based on my past autos (see my list of cars below). Right now we are viewing it as there are no records with the car, but since I have a line of contact to the prior owner (who looks like he had it for some time) I am willing to take a longer look at this one.
Will hopefully have the Carfax later tonight and if so, will post a further update!
01-24-2011, 05:48 PM
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Landseer,
Link away then, please. BTW, my 944 is an automatic, so you are talking about a similar issue that occurs with flexplate on those, I'm assuming?
Link away then, please. BTW, my 944 is an automatic, so you are talking about a similar issue that occurs with flexplate on those, I'm assuming?
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01-24-2011, 05:52 PM
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Congrats on MBA. Yes Brown to play Lax for Coach Tiffany.
4K if its in decent shape and no TBF issues sounds like a decent start. Still way to many questions to say for sure. Can you get some pics and post them here. That will help.
Make sure they drop exhaust and cover and check end play. Will cost a little extra to have them pull it apart, but the car with a bad motor is not worth much! Here is one how to: http://dwaynesgarage.norcal928.org/1...0Procedure.htm
More info you can gather better these guys can help. Good luck and welcome!
4K if its in decent shape and no TBF issues sounds like a decent start. Still way to many questions to say for sure. Can you get some pics and post them here. That will help.
Make sure they drop exhaust and cover and check end play. Will cost a little extra to have them pull it apart, but the car with a bad motor is not worth much! Here is one how to: http://dwaynesgarage.norcal928.org/1...0Procedure.htm
More info you can gather better these guys can help. Good luck and welcome!
01-24-2011, 06:10 PM
#10
Nordschleife Master
I'd say $4k for an S4 with decent paint and decent interior and running is a steal (again, as long at no Thrust Bearing Failure...that means a ruined engine and complete replacement as the block will be shot.)
TBF does not occur in 944's because that series does not make enough Tq so it seems to hurt them. We don't see it in the Pre '85 US S models either...or have not yet seen it anyway. Only the 300lb-ft+ cars seem to have the problem.
TBF does not occur in 944's because that series does not make enough Tq so it seems to hurt them. We don't see it in the Pre '85 US S models either...or have not yet seen it anyway. Only the 300lb-ft+ cars seem to have the problem.
01-24-2011, 06:21 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Its possible to dupe a prospective owner on this (for about a week) by setting the crankshaft back in the block and locking down the flexplate prior to a sale. Nothing like this on a 944.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...pictorial.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...pictorial.html
01-24-2011, 06:27 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
One more
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ilure-tbf.html
Few shops would know about this type of failure, therefore a "PPI" won't find it unless its a very 928-savvy shop.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ilure-tbf.html
Few shops would know about this type of failure, therefore a "PPI" won't find it unless its a very 928-savvy shop.
01-25-2011, 12:42 PM
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I am getting a general look over first - but going for the "928" PPI if that check comes out good. I can stay local with German Motors, D&F Motorsports, a few other RI Guys, but does anyone have a reccommendation on 928 guys if I stay in RI or take it into MA? Please remember I would be driving the car or having it towed from Providence (depends on distance), and weather is not good here right now.
I did find out it was driven back from the auction and drove with no problems.
In fact it is snowing again, with a possible snowstorm tomorrow, so my guys are putting the car on the triclke charge overnight, we are putting a 2 or 3 gallons of 93 octane in tomorrow maybe with some general fuel injector cleaner (car has very little gas in it now and I suspect it has been sitting) so tomorrow or Friday we will start it and let it run and "fully" warm up because of the cold.
I did find out it was driven back from the auction and drove with no problems.
In fact it is snowing again, with a possible snowstorm tomorrow, so my guys are putting the car on the triclke charge overnight, we are putting a 2 or 3 gallons of 93 octane in tomorrow maybe with some general fuel injector cleaner (car has very little gas in it now and I suspect it has been sitting) so tomorrow or Friday we will start it and let it run and "fully" warm up because of the cold.
