f3nr15

Hi 928ers,

I usually lurk in the air-cooled forums owing to my '93 964 Carrera 2 -



Although an Aussie, I've accepted a job in Auckland starting later this month, and after trawling through NZ used car ads for Audi Avants and Bimmers, I've gotten stuck on a lovely looking '92 928 GTS -



It's going in to Motor Science for a PPI next week. A Japanese import with only 51K kms on the clock. Although I'll feel a bit guilty about daily driving such a nice car, with no garaging, my run to work will only be a 24km round trip.

The workshop have already given me somewhat of a reality check -

"Japanese imports here that have not been driven here, will always break down as in Japan they have usually done very little “real driving” mileage.

Will probably need:

ˇ Engine mounts
ˇ Cam belt water pump.
ˇ Knock sensors and breather lines and fuel pressure regulators on manifold
ˇ if the AC does not work, this can be big $$$ to fix."

After hearing that, I'm looking at Subaru Foresters as a sensible alternative

I'm also aware of the potential thrust bearing issue, and the Bosch LH. I'm happy to listen to any other advice about preventative maintenance or daily driving.

Finally, who do you Kiwis use for car insurance?

Thanks!

Imo000

The last Japanese 928 I was working on had fairly low Kms and it needed a lot of work because it wasn't driven much overseas. The biggest issue was the transmission that had to be replaced. Radiator went, torque converter bearing, engine mounts were some of the few. You might be luckier but that mechanic is telling the truth.

Adamant1971

I seriously doubt a forester is going to put a smile on your face during your commute. If you can afford the repairs to freshen up the 928 go for it.

Hilton

Wait and see what Peter says at Motorscience. He's factory trained in 928's and used to work for AFN in London in the late 80's - his PPI of my 89 was spot-on and he has the tools to properly check out the GTS. When he did my PPI, he asked if I minded paying for a new oil filter, so he could cut up the old one and examine its contents - I'd recommend doing the same.

As to whether its worth it - with only 51k kms on the clock, there's actually a good chance the sensors etc. are all fine, as they haven't been cooked much. You might find it only needs new fluids (decent 20W50 oil - not the dealer recommendation of 5W40), new hoses and some driving! Just be wary of the oil consumption and especially any oil in the intake at the throttle plate.

As an aside - nice GTS. Here are its options - no sunroof too is good Not many of them around with that few miles.

WP0ZZZ92ZNS800535
1992
927
C18
M28.50
A28.18

130 Labelling in English
193 Version for Japan
239 Change of tyre manufacturer at production (not customer selectable)
249 Automatic transmission
323 Sticker, without ESE-Regulations
403 Pressure cast 17" wheels
418 Protective side mouldings
423 Cassette container and coin box
437 Comfort seat left
438 Comfort seat right
483 Right hand drive
492 H4 headlights for left hand traffic
538 Right seat with positrol and lumbar
564 Without Airbag
567 Windshield green graduated tint
573 Air conditioner
595 Rear spoiler painted to match body
912 Vehicle without identification plate
930 Seat cover rear LLL
983 Leather seats front

James Bailey

Interesting no airbags I rather like that...

Hilton

The advert is here with more pics for those who don't know where NZ cars are listed for sale:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-621217236.htm

James Bailey

asking $32,500 N Z which converts to $26,721 U S ...and that is ASKING price not selling price...

sendarius

If you don't find ways to make that daily commute longer, then you aren't a REAL Porschephile.

f3nr15

Wow, thanks for the welcome, you're giving me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Is that cheap?

The only two GTSs for sale in Oz currently are a '95 for $86,500 and a '94 stick shift for $69,000...

daveo90s4

New Zealand has had rational laws re private / business importation of used cars, unlike Australia. That is a big reason for the price differential in used car prices between these two countries.

When / if Australia flows suit and stops using flawed economics to support an unsustainable domestic car construction industry then we will find similar benefits here.

Just don't hold your breath waiting.

Dave

jon928se

It's probably on the money for NZ - unlimited Jap imports whereas essentially impossible to import a newer than 1 Jan '89 anything unless you are immigrating to Aus and have owned it and used it somewhere else for a year whils't not living in Aus.

Even ignoring the ease of importing used from Japan 928 leading to increased numbers in NZ, IIRC 928s were disproportionately more numorous relative to population than in Aus for some reason.

Doesn't seem like a bad deal to me but I'ld I go with the verdict from Motor Science.

f3nr15

Hilton, this is great info! How did you find out the VIN? I didn't see it listed...

The non-sunroof non-airbag spec is quite appealing, and although I love the G50 transmission in the 964, I'm lead to believe that the slush box in the 928 is well suited to its personality as a GT car.

midget 31

Try John Barley of Barley Insurances Ltd Auckland.Phone 09 827 7269. e-mail insure@barley.co.nz.
John specialises in classic car insurance and is happy to insure for an agreed value --- I had real trouble with my usual insurance co. who didn,t want to know about insuring my 1988 S4 and found John a breeze to deal with in comparison.
It,s great to find a fellow classic car owner who actually knows what car he,s dealing with rather than a clerk who is looking at a list, talking with a supervisor and neither of them really want to know.
Great service,a friendly and knowledgable guy --- highly recommended.
BTW -- welcome to NZ.
Terry.

Dave928S

The giveaway in the ad was ... Porsche only built 2904 of the GTS version between 1992 & 1995. This car is number 535.

Note that the VIN ends in 535.

Nice car and cheap by Australian standards. Sounds like you have the right mechanic doing your PPI ... hope it's as good as it looks.

No sunroof ... nice

ROG100

Automatic as well - does not get any better than that - steal of a deal.