My car arrived, this may go very badly
04-27-2012, 11:47 AM
#61
Burning Brakes
I think at this point OP realized that he needed to do PPI. No need to keep stressing it over and over, time to lend some help to a fellow owner. Did anyone stepped up to help out yet? Is there a "let's fix it" party this weekend - if you guys need a pair of extra hands, I might convince my wife that we simply have to be in DC this weekend lol. Seriously.
04-27-2012, 12:14 PM
#62
Team Owner
I`ll say it again before you buy a 928 please read the FAQ at the top of the page,
it will make things clearer about what you should expect for what you pay
If you have been lurking here then you might get a clue that most of these cars get purchased for small money,
then an equal or possibly double the amount is then needed to make things right.
Its been said before that its better to buy a sorted car than a project if you want to start driving right away, that said the sorted cars will be quite a bit more than the low buck buy in models.
Now some owners like to buy projects because they like to turn wrenches, others can only write checks because they dont have a tool box.
Since your responses lead me to believe your not really wrench handy , you better learn how a big tool box works or have a good blue writing ink pen to fill out checks to your mechanic.
Still most of the issues you report may be minor to repair
Alt brushes 2.50/ install them yourself
Electrical ground cleansing/ free if you do this yourself, NOTE every car needs it.
Clutch arm bushing 1.20/ install this part yourself
adjusting the I plate 120.00/ free if you do this yourself
bleed the clutch and brakes 80.00/ free if you do this yourself
Swap in a output seal for the trans part 14.00, free if you do this.
Of course every system should be inspected
find good used seats and install them, 400.00
BTW here is a car I went through a few years ago is now for sale its an 86.5 and it was very nice and i went through it so all of the big ticket items were fixed,
MM,OPG,TB/WP, Console refresh ,
interior cleanup, doors resealed looks like the AC might need some work, thats minor in the grand scheme
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...26-2012-a.html
it will make things clearer about what you should expect for what you pay
If you have been lurking here then you might get a clue that most of these cars get purchased for small money,
then an equal or possibly double the amount is then needed to make things right.
Its been said before that its better to buy a sorted car than a project if you want to start driving right away, that said the sorted cars will be quite a bit more than the low buck buy in models.
Now some owners like to buy projects because they like to turn wrenches, others can only write checks because they dont have a tool box.
Since your responses lead me to believe your not really wrench handy , you better learn how a big tool box works or have a good blue writing ink pen to fill out checks to your mechanic.
Still most of the issues you report may be minor to repair
Alt brushes 2.50/ install them yourself
Electrical ground cleansing/ free if you do this yourself, NOTE every car needs it.
Clutch arm bushing 1.20/ install this part yourself
adjusting the I plate 120.00/ free if you do this yourself
bleed the clutch and brakes 80.00/ free if you do this yourself
Swap in a output seal for the trans part 14.00, free if you do this.
Of course every system should be inspected
find good used seats and install them, 400.00
BTW here is a car I went through a few years ago is now for sale its an 86.5 and it was very nice and i went through it so all of the big ticket items were fixed,
MM,OPG,TB/WP, Console refresh ,
interior cleanup, doors resealed looks like the AC might need some work, thats minor in the grand scheme
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...26-2012-a.html
04-27-2012, 12:41 PM
#63
Burning Brakes
If you do want to sell, PM me. My brother may consider this car.
If not I'm in Richmond and I would be willing to print the PPI sheet found on this forum meet and go through it with you. At a minimum we can clean the grounds test the battery and alternator.
If not I'm in Richmond and I would be willing to print the PPI sheet found on this forum meet and go through it with you. At a minimum we can clean the grounds test the battery and alternator.
04-27-2012, 12:46 PM
#64
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That car looks great in pictures. You may have some 'minor' issues. A bunch of minor issues can be discouraging however the 'alternator' and 'brakes' may be minor. (Alternator brushes... Bleed, maybe rebuild some calipers.) .
In any case, I live in DC, and although I have a serious workload on my own car, if you're car is a driver PM me we can talk about a get-2-gether. I am 'planning' to pull my automatic this weekend for some much needed work at a garage bay I rent with my friends (this is my weekend..).
PM me and lets talk.
In any case, I live in DC, and although I have a serious workload on my own car, if you're car is a driver PM me we can talk about a get-2-gether. I am 'planning' to pull my automatic this weekend for some much needed work at a garage bay I rent with my friends (this is my weekend..).
PM me and lets talk.
04-27-2012, 01:04 PM
#65
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Folks, I need your help and advice.
My car arrived today, I went for a 20 min drive and got home 3 hours later.
I was promised a car that was mechanically stable and I think I have anything but.
The seller claimed it had a battery drain, well the car arrived in the evening and I took it out for a drive and after 20 mins everything started to go dim and I realized she was running out of power. It stopped on me.
I suspect I have a bad alternator, not a drain at all.
Second, there is very little clutch left, it only grabs at the very top. Worse still, the gears crunch like a bowl of granola in 2nd and 3rd and if I recall in 4th as well. Seems like synchrnos.
The engine seems rough. It seems underpowered. I wonder if I can judge this with the alternator problem. I will reserve judgement, I wonder if you guys might know.
Next, the tach doesnt seem to rev properly, may be related to the alternator, again, I will reserve judgement.
Also, the brakes, they seem vague, is this just compared to a modern car? It doesnt seem to stop very well, I wonder if thats just me?
There seem to be more problems, I wont list everything I noticed. The real worry for me is a transmission problem.
Should I go ahead an open an ebay claim on it? I am new to this, but this certainly not the car I anticipated getting. I can really use a hand here working out what I should do.
My car arrived today, I went for a 20 min drive and got home 3 hours later.
I was promised a car that was mechanically stable and I think I have anything but.
The seller claimed it had a battery drain, well the car arrived in the evening and I took it out for a drive and after 20 mins everything started to go dim and I realized she was running out of power. It stopped on me.
I suspect I have a bad alternator, not a drain at all.
Second, there is very little clutch left, it only grabs at the very top. Worse still, the gears crunch like a bowl of granola in 2nd and 3rd and if I recall in 4th as well. Seems like synchrnos.
The engine seems rough. It seems underpowered. I wonder if I can judge this with the alternator problem. I will reserve judgement, I wonder if you guys might know.
Next, the tach doesnt seem to rev properly, may be related to the alternator, again, I will reserve judgement.
Also, the brakes, they seem vague, is this just compared to a modern car? It doesnt seem to stop very well, I wonder if thats just me?
There seem to be more problems, I wont list everything I noticed. The real worry for me is a transmission problem.
Should I go ahead an open an ebay claim on it? I am new to this, but this certainly not the car I anticipated getting. I can really use a hand here working out what I should do.
The time to begin participating on a car forum is BEFORE you buy the car.
Hope it works out for you. Lessons learned.
04-27-2012, 01:13 PM
#66
WELL, I'VE LURKED THIS POST LONG ENOUGH, THOUGHT I'D THROW YOU SOME FELLOW IGNORANT NEWBIE ADVICE. I BOUGHT MY 78 EURO A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. NOT PRETTY, BUT LOW MILEAGE, AND LOOKED/FELT VERY SOLID.
FUNNY I NEVER NOTICED IN 2 OR 3 MILES OF DRIVING BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE OWNER, THE F'ING ODOMETER DIDN'T WORK. LUCKILY MY 23K MILES SEEM PRETTY ACCURATE AS IT'S GOT SO MANY OEM PARTS IN GOOD SHAPE. I DIDN'T FIND THIS SITE UNTIL AFTER I BOUGHT UNFORTUNATELY, BUT IT HAS HELPED TREMENDOUSLY LURKING AROUND ALL THESE KNOWLEDGEABLE FELLAS.
MY SUGGESTIONS/"WHAT I DIDS"-
RUN IT! I RAN SOME SEAFOAM THROUGH MINE, IT HADN'T BEEN RUN MUCH IN 3 YRS, MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN IDLE, ETC
GO THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL PANEL IN THE FOOTWELL, CLEAN/SCUFF ALL FUSES, APPLY DE-OX
OPEN UP THE AIRBOX, CLEAN OUT GUNK, SPRAY SOME CARB CLEANER THROUGH IT
WHILE THE ENGINE'S RUNNING I HIT A FEW SPOTS WITH THE CARB CLEANER TO LOOK FOR VAC LEAKS
DRIVE IT
DRIVE IT
HOPE THIS HELPS, I FELT THE SAME AS YOU, BUT THE MORE I TINKER WITH THIS THING, THE MORE I RESPECT IT, AND WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER (MAN THAT SOUNDS LAME DOESN'T IT..)
AS I'M SURE SOMEONE HAS MENTIONED READ THE FAQ QUESTIONS FOR NEW BUYERS, IT'S GOT A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF INFO IN THERE
FUNNY I NEVER NOTICED IN 2 OR 3 MILES OF DRIVING BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE OWNER, THE F'ING ODOMETER DIDN'T WORK. LUCKILY MY 23K MILES SEEM PRETTY ACCURATE AS IT'S GOT SO MANY OEM PARTS IN GOOD SHAPE. I DIDN'T FIND THIS SITE UNTIL AFTER I BOUGHT UNFORTUNATELY, BUT IT HAS HELPED TREMENDOUSLY LURKING AROUND ALL THESE KNOWLEDGEABLE FELLAS.
MY SUGGESTIONS/"WHAT I DIDS"-
RUN IT! I RAN SOME SEAFOAM THROUGH MINE, IT HADN'T BEEN RUN MUCH IN 3 YRS, MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN IDLE, ETC
GO THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL PANEL IN THE FOOTWELL, CLEAN/SCUFF ALL FUSES, APPLY DE-OX
OPEN UP THE AIRBOX, CLEAN OUT GUNK, SPRAY SOME CARB CLEANER THROUGH IT
WHILE THE ENGINE'S RUNNING I HIT A FEW SPOTS WITH THE CARB CLEANER TO LOOK FOR VAC LEAKS
DRIVE IT
DRIVE IT
HOPE THIS HELPS, I FELT THE SAME AS YOU, BUT THE MORE I TINKER WITH THIS THING, THE MORE I RESPECT IT, AND WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER (MAN THAT SOUNDS LAME DOESN'T IT..)
AS I'M SURE SOMEONE HAS MENTIONED READ THE FAQ QUESTIONS FOR NEW BUYERS, IT'S GOT A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF INFO IN THERE
04-27-2012, 01:28 PM
#67
Yea, doing the CE panel and grounds refresh is super easy and helps with a lot of issues. I did my CE and a few grounds and I got stuff working that the first owner never got working o.o
04-27-2012, 03:13 PM
#69
Rest in Peace
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I still have ugly paint and started @ $3500.00 with at least 6X the purchase price in parts & labor, mostly many many transmission adventures, lots of parts on the shelf, and frame correction and one fender replacement. I quit counting numbers and just go on multiples of the original purchase price. The net result is I have a strong running car, and has never let me down, and has gotten me home before asking for service/repairs.
04-27-2012, 03:33 PM
#70
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If THE most beautiful, sexy, fun girl in the world wanted to be your soulmate....would you give her up cuz she had a slight stuttering problem?
Seriously, from the pictures, the car appears to be a real "looker" and whether we wish to believe it or not, there is a parallel in 928 ownership to the cliche "trophy wife" IMO
Get some hands on advice, as others have suggested, you may find your disappointment evolves into something else more palatable.
I wish you the best of luck,whatever your decision.
Cheers,
Adrian
Seriously, from the pictures, the car appears to be a real "looker" and whether we wish to believe it or not, there is a parallel in 928 ownership to the cliche "trophy wife" IMO
Get some hands on advice, as others have suggested, you may find your disappointment evolves into something else more palatable.
I wish you the best of luck,whatever your decision.
Cheers,
Adrian
04-27-2012, 03:59 PM
#71
Burning Brakes
OP thought he was getting a trouble-free car, and didn't. We can say that trouble-free cars are rare at $5,000, but that doesn't help his disappointment. And yes, he should have checked here first, but that's all water under the bridge.
If you want to get your hands dirty, there are enough resources here to fix anything yourself, depending on how much patience and time you have. I am a 'newbie' wrench myself, but am having fun learning the car and what to do.
What I would not suggest is handing the car over to a "non-928" mechanic and saying "fix it". That's a recipe for spending a ton of money on not much satisfaction. Someone here should be able to point you in the right direction. You may have to travel a bit, but it'll be worth it.
For what its worth, I have an 82. Not the fastest car made, even a 5 speed. My car really comes alive at 40 MPH or so. These are primarily meant as high-speed cruisers. Also, my brakes have a lot of travel and need bleeding, pads also. But when I need them. there's plenty of stopping power. Too much actually, I just locked my wheels and had a little dinger.
If you want to get your hands dirty, there are enough resources here to fix anything yourself, depending on how much patience and time you have. I am a 'newbie' wrench myself, but am having fun learning the car and what to do.
What I would not suggest is handing the car over to a "non-928" mechanic and saying "fix it". That's a recipe for spending a ton of money on not much satisfaction. Someone here should be able to point you in the right direction. You may have to travel a bit, but it'll be worth it.
For what its worth, I have an 82. Not the fastest car made, even a 5 speed. My car really comes alive at 40 MPH or so. These are primarily meant as high-speed cruisers. Also, my brakes have a lot of travel and need bleeding, pads also. But when I need them. there's plenty of stopping power. Too much actually, I just locked my wheels and had a little dinger.
04-27-2012, 04:29 PM
#72
Rennlist Member
Not that it matters much, but I have a panoramic photo of the OCIC 2009 convention center, taken from the upstairs, showing all cars parked inside. There are no black cars with black wheels. Doesn't mean the wheels haven't changed or he didn't come late or leave early...
PPI's are important, but I think it's reasonable to expect honesty in Ebay and other ads, and I think you are justified in being pissed. Hope the issues turn out to be minor.
PPI's are important, but I think it's reasonable to expect honesty in Ebay and other ads, and I think you are justified in being pissed. Hope the issues turn out to be minor.
04-27-2012, 04:59 PM
#73
Just came back from looking at an 85 5spd no sunroof euro S 132,000 miles two owners. Was told it was straight and nice paint. So when I saw the rear bumper pushed in about two inches and the right 1/4 wrinkled in front of the wheel well plus clearcoat flaking off all over the car. Missing front spoiler. I was a bit surprised. Did educate the seller that it was NOT anything like he said and no way worth the $6,900 he was asking ! Never even bothered to look inside of it.
04-27-2012, 05:32 PM
#75
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What do you want out of this? A refund? Money to fix the car from the seller? I can guarantee you the second option is not going to happen and a full refund is very unlikely. At this point best to cut your losses, do some research on how to get the car up to 100% and enjoy what looks like a very nice 928.
Lesson be learned, a $250+ PPI before buying would have prevented all of this.
Lesson be learned, a $250+ PPI before buying would have prevented all of this.
One look at the interior and I wonder why anyone, especially someone used to an A8, would think this is anything but a project. People who think these cars are low budget or cheap to own are out to lunch. That all being said, if you want to learn, you can and a lot of good tips have already been given.
The bright side - you have the early seats that can be made real purdy
The bright side - you have the early seats that can be made real purdy
My understanding is I was getting a discount for a bad interior. I can see the consensus here is that I got more or less what I paid for.
OP thought he was getting a trouble-free car, and didn't. We can say that trouble-free cars are rare at $5,000, but that doesn't help his disappointment. And yes, he should have checked here first, but that's all water under the bridge.
If you want to get your hands dirty, there are enough resources here to fix anything yourself, depending on how much patience and time you have. I am a 'newbie' wrench myself, but am having fun learning the car and what to do.
What I would not suggest is handing the car over to a "non-928" mechanic and saying "fix it". That's a recipe for spending a ton of money on not much satisfaction. Someone here should be able to point you in the right direction. You may have to travel a bit, but it'll be worth it.
If you want to get your hands dirty, there are enough resources here to fix anything yourself, depending on how much patience and time you have. I am a 'newbie' wrench myself, but am having fun learning the car and what to do.
What I would not suggest is handing the car over to a "non-928" mechanic and saying "fix it". That's a recipe for spending a ton of money on not much satisfaction. Someone here should be able to point you in the right direction. You may have to travel a bit, but it'll be worth it.
I am not so much disappointed in the car as the guy who sold it. I did do some reading on here and other forums and I sensed a strong community and generally with that community is honesty around the cars you own and sell. That didnt happen.
I tend to disagree based on buying many cars and looking at many many more. The vast majority of people when they decide to sell their cars grossly inflate the condition and rarely admit what the car needs. Some are ignorant but most simply try to get away with as much as possible and get the most money possible.
I wanted another car to have some fun with. I guess what is fun to many of you is not so much to me. I enjoy a project that has known quantities. In my hands now I feel like I have something that could be endless. I didnt want to get into that.
I agree guys, I was stupid to trust. Its generally not my nature to trust easily, but the pics looked great and the car just seemed solid. It very well may be.
I am going to give it a fair shake. If I have to redo a tranny and other major stuff, I will just let anyone interested know and sell it on and try not to lose more than the asking price as it appears the consensus is I still got a pretty good deal.
...
So let me ask... do I just contact the seller and tell him I am not pleased with this situation and strait up ask him for some money back?
I can be aggressive and leave negative feedback and open a paypal case but I figure I should give him a chance to own the fact that he didnt disclose a lot.
I also wish the other guy I mentioned that also got a car with undisclosed issues would have left negative feedback. There just werent any warning flags.