SanDiego928

Im thinking of offering 1500.00 for a 1989 auto needing a motor pull/rebuild. Bent valves I am told. Black with white/linen interior. Looked in pretty good condition. Seats not real bad except for that common area on the drivers side. Not mint but looks darn good.

Any thoughts on the price? Maybe worth 3k to 4k I'm thinking in present condition? Thanks.

James Bailey

Much depends on how many miles on the odometer.......You can fix anything else but not the miles !

SanDiego928

I'll check now. I think it was just under 100,000, like 98k i think but I will make sure.

I have full access to lifts, air tools and some very experienced mechanics next door to my house. I maybe able to pull this off.

James Bailey

You need not pull the engine to do a valve job nice in many ways but not required. With the intake off you need to do the refresh ...idle stabilizer, knock sensors, all hoses etc. It all adds up rather quickly. pull the motor and it needs motor mounts, more hoses, reseal the bottom end etc...

Mongo

Since it's an auto, it wouldn't hurt to check crankshaft endplay as well just in case the motor is exhibiting symptoms of thrust bearing failure.

karl ruiter

I would say it depends more on the condition of the paint and interior than anything else. Nice condition, the car could be worth 10K easily when you are done, shabby condition more like 4K to 6K once running. Also, can you find out anything about the service the car has had in the past? You might do the motor just to find you need a radiator, break rotors, wheel bearings, torque tube rebuild, tires, AC, etc etc. Not any one major thing, but it all adds up.

justaguy

Just Time and money allow 5-7 Gs for parts you should have a nice car when your done. I would say 1,500 is a fair price. Used motor is 3,500 who knows what else it might need.

dcrasta

Ya offer 1500 if u can get it run away with the car.

If you have access to tools, and time and about 5-6k you will have a sweet car . I would check the option codes to see what other goodies it has.

IcemanG17

Assuming it has a clear title..... but keep in mind with a blown engine you can't test drive it..so there could be THOUSANDS of $$$$ worth of other things you just can't check... I also agree that $1500 tops...given the ????? surrounding it.... A replacement engine is about $3k which is cheaper than fixing the one thats in it....

rgs944

If the miles are right you could not go wrong at $1500. If it does not work out you can part it, or pass it on to the next project seeker.

Landseer

If they didn't maintain TB, what else didn't get maintained?
Bad sign. $1500 is high / non runner.

Mid-life refresh of rubber and sensors alone is $3000 parts.
Head / valve job.
Unknown trans?
Unknown thrust bearing?

If you love it, buy it. But its no "deal" at that mileage.

pcar928fan

Yea, if the paint and interior were near show condition it might be worth a few $$$$, IF you knew the rest of the car was running well at the time of the T-belt failure. If the paint and interior are so-so, it could be a long and expensive road leading to a car worth half or less than the money spent and the money spent could net you a REALLY NICE ALREADY RUNNING S4... Just saying...go in to it with your eyes WIDE OPEN! I'd be tempted to put in a decent/running used ending and call it a day!

SanDiego928

I guess it comes down to; start at 10k then minus what the estimate to the owner is to get it fixed, minus missed maintenance, minus interior and paint condition, minus another few thousand. Oh no, that might be a negative number. If negative, add 1K = make offer.

Not too keen on the black with white interior but dye works great since I just saw what can be done with my friends 928.

Thanks for all the great opinions, very much appreciated. Much easier to make decisions having good information and a good nights sleep.

Will post pics if it works out. You all are the best.

SanDiego928

More information:

Estimate from shop is 6k due to water pump froze - timing belt slipping - bent valves. Can this be repaired in the car or drop the motor? I won't be able to check end play where it is at. But could if the seller is serious about taking a low offer of 1K. I will take pics and get VIN (maybe someone could help me look it up?) later today.

Thanks

Mark

Landseer

I have an important question for you.

Do you intend to have a shop do the work, or do you intend to perform it?


(this work and work that follows)


My guess is you are looking at a minimum of $3000 parts only, at discounted prices, beyond the $4K work quoted, just to refresh the intake on this car and the critical sensors.

Then there is suspension / brake work likely needed, figure $250 per corner, parts.


The TB/WP job is mid-range $800-ish for parts alone. Valves are very expensive. So be sure the $4K includes the valves.
Fasten your seatbelt.

This is exactly the kind of car NOT to buy ... Unless you plan to do all the work yourself (farm-out heads to machine shop, of course -- you remove them and reinstall).