Hi guys. It's been a while. I have been on the board looking, but it might be time to touch again. I came across a beauty. One owner 1988 S4 with low miles (like 30k low). It's an auto and it is mint. I mean showroom condition. I am considering jumping back in.

Couple of questions.

1. Fuel lines - is their deterioration age or use dependent? The lines look as good as the day they left the factory (pictures). But looks can be deceiving. Am I going to need to replace them all, and what will that set me back with a fuel line replacement kit and a wrench to change them out?

2. Motor mounts - same question. But on these, I don't even have a picture. But the question is if they flatten out over time. 27 years, I would expect them to need to be replaced. Am I wrong?

3. Car has only run 500 miles since timing belt replacement in early 2013. Needs to be re-tensioned (light is on). All fluids (brake, trans, diff, coolant) were replaced at that time. Can I drive her home once i get the belt tightened? - long trip over 1500 miles.

4. Looks like prices have come up. Is $17000 too much to pay for a showroom condition, one owner '88 auto these days. It has the limited slip, the rest of the options are common. I know that low mileage 5 speeds are pulling big coin, but am I in the ballpark for the auto?

Thanks,

Cameron

 

Fuel lines - cheap insurance, I would just do them unless there is documentation of them being replaced in the past. Motor mounts, I wouldn't bother unless they were collapsed. However, they are a maintenance item. Others can say how long the originals are good for.

As to the timing belt and drive home - adjust it and go for it. There is simply no better way to get to know the car (assuming it otherwise passes some level of ppi). Take your AAA card just in case, but do it.

Price - this sounds like a really good example. If it is truly as described, that price seems fair. In just a few years, it will be a deal.

 

Yep prices are rising, especially on clean examples.

Fuel lines replace for sure as already mentioned.

Motor mounts, if you can get your fingers between the oil pan and cross member they are likely ok.

17K is on the high side for an auto, but if the records are complete, original paint etc. I would go for it.

 

It is all original. Original paint etc. One owner with full history. The vehicle did sit at times, hence low mileage. But it was apparently run every year for at least a few hundred miles.

I don't want to overpay. I want to get an idea of today's prices, not where they might be in a few years. I have seen some auto's with what would be considered low miles (50k - 75k miles) with very high asking prices (over $20k). Are those folks just dreaming? If so, what is a reasonable range for one owner, under 30k miles showroom condition S4 auto with timing belt done? I figured $16k - $18k but could be way wrong.

Thanks for the opinions, guys.

 

My opinion is if this car is as you describe it is in the ballpark price-wise. Need some pics!

 

Condition is everything. If it's as you say, then you are getting an $88,000 for ~$17k. Add in the desirable LSD rear end, good block and a dead reliable trans and I think it's priced right.

Fuel hoses were not meant for Ethanol laced fuel. Sitting with Ethanol fuel is also an issue. Change them asap no matter exterior condition.

Orig Porsche MM were pretty stout, but they do wear. Rev the engine hard, see if it moves. If no movement then time to repl.

Turn the timing belt adj 1/6 turn in(one wrench flat), then take a gentle drive long enough to warm it up. Recheck. Visual inspection is important too.

 

Welcome Cameron - I hope you join the Shark tank again !

 

Sounds great and the price is right is as described. I would replace the fuel lines immediately (Greg Brown sells mondo-last-set-you-will-ever-need fuel line replacements.

I'd also get a PPI by someone familiar with the 928 to include thrust bearing end play. That is the scourge and Ebola of all S4's.

 

I paid $750 - $500 parts and $250 labour.
They will need replacing. It's a big job and combines easily with replacing the sump gasket, which should also be done.
Others will know better than me, but I'd want that checked in a PPI.
Sounds like a very good buy, but, as you already know, a thorough PPI is a must.

 

Price actually sounds very low for what is described.

 

I (we) realize you want input.

In the end it's your money; you have to decide how bad you want it.
The process is a game. Do you know anything else about the seller's motivation? How long on the market, his financials, is he negotiable? Offer 15, meet in the middle, maybe. Good luck.

The TB light shouldn't be on at 500 miles, it isn't normally re-tensioned til 1200 or more, but having sat, it is a negative for him.
He needs to reassure you that the job was done right and is safe to drive or I would subtract $$ for shipping.

 

Interior and exterior colours?

 

Thanks for all of the input. It is truly appreciated.

There are circumstances relating to the sale - I know them but can't share details. There is motivation to sell and I plan to start well below what I would consider to be the right deal. The owner knows that he has something special, but I am not sure how much he realizes that super low miles does not equal no issues for the new owner. I am not trying to steal the car, I just want to buy it right given the unknowns associated with these vehicles.

I spoke with the shop that did the timing belt work. The car was well remembered. They do not 'specialize' in 928s, so I know that there is only so much meaningful info there. They replaced the waterpump when they did the timing belt but did not rebuild the tensioner as an example. They assessed the vehicle for other needs and found none. But these needs would have been 'obvious' needs in my opinion like tie rod ends, brakes, fluid leaks leading to an issue, etc.. as opposed to unique 928 needs like TBF, flappy valve etc. They also stated that the vehicle is in showroom condition top to bottom.

I realize that I will be taking on risk associated with a 27 year old vehicle with limited use. I have owned 2 of these ('90 S4 and '91 GT that I supercharged) - I am trying to get my head around the right market price for the condition and risk, and to assess if I could drive it a long way home with reasonable expectation of making it without seeing a flatbed truck.

Color is Marine Blue over Blue Interior.

Thanks in advance for all additional input and opinions.

 

I'd have the thrust play checked, put in the fuel lines and buy it then drive it. Lots of 928ers across the country willing to keep an eye out and help.

All the other stuff can be dealt with once it's in the garage.

 

+1.

If I would be looking for one, I would jump on this one for sure!
And it's blue...