kicker02

Hey guys just wanted to start off by saying hello. My name is Mat and I am currently in the market for a 928. Ive owned multiple Porsche's in the past but never the beautiful 928. Currently I am looking at an '85 928S in pristine condition with 78k miles as well as a '90 S4 with 98k miles with a few minor issues. Any suggestions on which one I should go with I'm stuck and cant decide hahaha. My buddy just bought a beautiful '91 S4 with GTS upgrades and I am hooked. Thanks guys and hope to be here for a while since Porsche's are a passion of mine.

Shane

Welcome to the addiction!

Do you have links to the ads for those two cars? Post 'em up if you do and we can give you a better more informed answer to your question. Also post up your location as we could point you to other 928s that might be available in your area.

Adamant1971

If paint and interior are good on the 90 go for it. Everything else can be fixed.

davek9

If your friend has a 91 I'd go for the 90, you would have more in common.
Unless you like the original Body style, no anti-lock brakes or knock sensors and a lighter 32v 5.0

Welcome,

Dave

Randy V

Welcome.

Our advice to 928 hunters is to always get the newest nicest condition example you can afford.

Buying a car with a few 'issues' will always end up costing more in the long term. Always.

Read through the New Visitor...FAQ thread (yes, all of it) posted at the top of this forum to get off to a good start.

James Bailey

The 1990 has a number of features which are better....brakes, suspension, computer diagnostics, the active limited slip. The digital dash and airbags appeal to some. Appearance is totally subjective but many seem to like the very early clean no spoiler look....I find the S spoilers to be true spoilers The S-4 I would probably paint the rear wing or remove it all together !!
The difference in odometer readings is pretty insignificant nether being so low that it is much of a premium or would preclude you from actually driving the car.

danglerb

How competitive are you and your friend? Think about what will make you happy long term.

Mongo

Welcome to the Shark Tank! There are some great deals on S4s out there pre-1990. Of course later cars have dashes that I believe don't crack (I have never seen a later model 928 that did have cracks in the dash). The digital cluster prevents you from worrying about self-destructing odometer gears and the central electric panel contains a warning system to notify you in the event of coil failure to prevent catalytic converter from igniting the underside of the car.

There are lots of threads on the ups and downs of ownership. There are mostly ups. If you're looking at an auto, be sure to have a PPI done or take a Rennlister with you. Crankshaft endplay checks are important on these cars to prevent you from buying a car that could potentially have thrust bearing failure in the near future.

Good luck on your search and keep checking on here for new adventures!

kicker02

Thank you for all the input guys it is greatly appreciated. All good points and gives me somethings to think about. I am located in California Central Valley, and I plan to drive the car daily. Might be a silly question and one that has been asked a lot but how man of the S4 options can be added to an S model? My buddy and I are no too competitive we are both just Porsche lovers!!!!! As well the owner of the S4 told me it has a cold start issue and AC does not work, with worn interior and paint is not great. The S however has original paint that looks like it just rolled off the factory floor with decent interior and the only known issue is the sunroof doesn't work.
Thanks again guys and I plan to be back here a lot to soak up all of the knowledge and experience from the Shark Tank!

James Bailey

You could update brakes (but no ABS) and suspension but it is pretty expensive...beyond that it is what it is...
Paint and interior work costs are part of the reason why 928s have such low resale values. It adds up very, very quickly. BOTH of the cars you mention will NEED several thousands of dollars in repairs just to be a RELIABLE AIR CONDITIONED daily driver. Especially if you have to pay others to fix it and you need it done quickly.
For most owning driving 928s is a HOBBY , many enjoy taking them apart some even put them back together You have to figure they need $2,500 or so per year and if they have been not used and neglected for 4-5 years.....just add up the $2,500 for each and every year !

Randy V

From the New Visitor ...FAQ thread referenced previously:

https://rennlist.com/forums/11212343-post56.html