SteveG

If you are asking, I'm afraid you are in trouble: don't make emotional decisions here. I really hate to see it put out of its misery, but that might be the humane thing for you, if you know what I mean. (Yes, that is what I meant to say) How many miles on the old girl?

The only bright spot I see is the intake is in remarkably good condition compared to the rest and that is prob not related to anything mechanical on this car. I will say that some point in the future I am looking for S3 cams, preferably low mileage.

You would be saving a shark, and could be a good DD, but a money pit for sure.

goffaramma

Its sad to see it in that shape, but I would pass.... unless you really think it has potential from your visit. I would guess there are better candidates out there for around the same price.

risaac928

Well I hear what your saying....but my emotions are saying something different. Got a good rapport with the old man, gonna try and start that thing and see what happens. Will post some videos but wont be well into the evening.....

I tried to get him to ket it go for 1k, but wouldn't bite....

Big Dave

$1,500 if it starts and moves under its own power.

Cosmo Kramer

It definitely needs some love. Looks like it has H4 headlights which is a bonus! You would be surprised how much better it would look if everything was cleaned up, it is REALLY dirty.

These cars are not a good financial investment on any level. If you want the challenge to try and make it live again I say go for it! The financial side of it is negligible if you have the means and desire to do it.

Landseer

If going for it, I'd hand-set to TDC.
The marks should be visible in the holes.
If not, walk.

Then tow it home without trying to start it.

F451

Agreed. Trying to start it with minimal prep can lead to a mechanical disaster, plus it can torpedo the deal.

You get it started and all of a sudden the price has risen. Seen it happen.

auzivision

I’m with Rixter, $500 as it sits.

no affiliation, but attached is a local (to me) runner with an asking price of $2500.
My guess is 2K or slightly more cash and this could be yours.
Sure it's an 82, but it’s a 5 speed with some decent looking update like wheels and headlights.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/2458592424.html

Hans and I could 'check this out' if anyone is interested.

risaac928

I agree 1500 with out knowing its mechanical condition is a huge risk. However if the car is mechanically sound then, this could be a steal. The seller has no idea that this puppy has a 5.0 32v engine.

I was told the prior owner was a wrench head, if so why did he let it go?

The car was taken from a used car lot that went under, so the current owner bought the cars. 22 of them and this 928 was one of them.

From what I was told the car went into his hand running, but this guy is and has been in poor health and never ran or started it.

He lives on 88 acres and you can't see the car from the highway, can you say pickers.

Man I want this thing but you guys are right I have no idea on how to propery prep this car for a long over do start. WHAT DO I DO....

Landseer

I'm pretty into saving them. Have rescued an 85 and 86.

This wouldn't be a candidate.
Much worse condition and twice the miles of mine at about the same money.
Its not the buy-in price so much, its what it needs.


Engine says 32V V8 right on the plenum, BTW, hard for your seller to miss.

He knows exactly what he has.

dcrasta

Man I feel your pain. I have a soft spot for those S3s . That car could turn out to be a real stunner with a lot of hard work and time and attention. You seem to be a bit of a newbie tho, and the 32 valve cars are a real challenge, and a bit unforgiving as far as the timing belt / valve issues.

I think this one may be outside your reach unless you are gifted and have the space, resources ($$), time , and ability to spend the hours you are going to need to bring that neglected baby back.

I think the H4 headlights are a sign (to me anyway) that someone has modified the car, and it could be an indicator of hidden gems or agony.

I agree with some of the posters here, as far as checking it out'

If it were me I would

1-Manually set the car to TDC and inspect the cam pulleys for the timing marks. (ALWAYS in the normal clockwise direction!) the notches on the back of the cam shaft wheels are aligned with the dimples in the backing plates. You should be able to peer into the inspection holes, but if not you may have to remove the timing belt covers.

2-If you confirm the pulleys are all lined up, take a look at the tensioner/water pump pulley. The tensioner rubber boot/cap should be intact, and the copper band/wire for the tensioner alert should be intact. Look out for excessive oil, grease, or dust.

3:- Check the crank pulley seal, the camshaft seals, and the oil pump seal for leakage.

If you get this far put a fresh battery in, pull the plugs and crank it over watch for the belt tracking.

If you get past that I would toss a compression tester in and check all the cylinders (this could show if there are any bent valves from previous valve damage.

If you get good compression then I would check the rear trans for leaks, visible damage, Ie: Rust. Take a magnet check the rear quarters behind the wheels for rust repair. If the body is straight, complete, and not too bad underneath I say 1500 is still too much, but if your emotions are triggered by this car and you have the resources and time to restore its your decision.

Just be aware these cars are very very very demanding as far as time and $$ to restore, and in the end you will lose $$ (not an investment opportunity).

All said and done you would be better off spending 10k for a well sorted s4 than 1500 for a basket case, but Since I did pretty much the same thing myself (bought a basket case S3 ) I can say that I do not regret it and you probably wont either (After you get past the shock to your wallet.)

Best of luck

jeff spahn

$500 is too much for this car.

risaac928

Man....ugh huh....looks like me and my 82 928 with 230k are going for another 2nd road trip. This old man is not going to budge. Going to give my ol'girl and nice detailed bath...and drink a beer and eyeball her basking in the sun.

Xross your fingers forum if I get it for 5....I am bringing her home and counting on you fine people for a step by step restore....

Bill Ball

Cue up Jim Bailey...."It's only $10K away from being a $5K car."

Cosmo Kramer

Ahh no... He could sell the H4 headlights and S3 cams, then junk the car and make a profit if he got it for $500.