Comparable exterior and interior conditions from pics:

1. 1987 white S4 at 110k miles with salvage title for $6,500
2. 1991 dark gray GT at 145k miles with recent cv boots, timing-drive belts, tensioner, and engine cooler replaced for $18,000?

If you have owned one or both of these cars, along with your history of owning/enjoying/working on them, which one would you choose and why? Like to hear the opinions.

 

Is the S4 an auto or manual?

What is your intent with the car, keep for a long time and restore or just drive/enjoy?

Realize that you'll be putting a decent amount into either car to maintain and if you have any concern over resale you are better off with a rare GT with no salvage title.

 

The S4 is an auto

I would love to gain a sense of accomplishment with improving an already beautiful car that needs it, yet still keeping it for a longtime and driving it 2-3 times per week.

Not thinking of flipping cars.

 

I'd go with the '91 GT.

I like the 5-speed and the slate gray though, so I'm a bit biased.

 

I have a 1990 GT that I bought with 180k on the clock in 2010. I love the car, I was going to get an S4 but this came up for what I thought was a bargain..... full service history, recent timing belt change... I bought it and then spent a small fortune catching up on deferred maintenance and plain old aging.

I would spend as much as you can on the car... since you are planning long term ownership then definitely go for the GT since anything with a salvage title by default will always be treated with suspicion.

 

Thanks to all great advices!
Wow! That beautiful black GT with black tinted windows looks fearsome!
I can't get away with that kind of tint here in the cold-dark Northeast....

 

I own an '87 S4 currently. Have owned '90 S4 and '91 GT. And I put about 50k miles on each so both driven. The '87 S4 and '91 GT that you are considering have a very different driving experience. Could try to put it into words but somewhat pointless. Go drive each one and it will be clear to you which one is right for you.

 

Buy on condition. I'd go through all the receipts that areavailable with each car. Unless you're going to be doing all work yourself, you could spend a large part of the price difference on having things fixed. From the description, I suspect that the GT is the better buy, but only a good PPI will tell you.

Interior and bodywork can be very expensive. You said that they're similar, but not how much work is needed. I suspect that the GT will appreciate more by having interior and bodywork improved.

If I had the space, I'd buy both - one that I wasn't afraid to park anywhere and one to pamper.

 

I'd take the GT. You'll be surprised how much you will sink into a salvage.

Plus I just think the manual is more fun to drive......

 

Concur. Drive them both. If you like the 5spd, talk the seller down to $15K and buy it. If it hasn't had them already, it'll need a steering rack and an intake refresh soon enough, so that's your justification. As a bonus, you'll have the advantage of whatever premium a GT is getting when/if you decide to sell it.

If you like the auto, look for a different one...

Salvage titles are a tough decision. I've had the opportunity but always shied away for fear that it would come back to haunt me later... regardless of my intentions with the car.

Good luck and be patient.

 

Thx, though the window tint is not as dark as it looks, its just a trick of the light..

One more thing.... don't rush, there will be others coming up if you don't pick one of these. It took me 6 months to find my car. It felt right the moment I sat in it, vs others I test drove just didn't.... let us know how you go.

 

Thanks ashmason. That's probably the best sound advice right now. Even though I have been learning about 928 as much as I can and lurking in various websites for the past few months, I have noticed that 928s do become available in waves. I need to patient and not jump into the 1st 928 that catches my eye that fits into my budget.

That's why I love Rennlist, when veterans of the trade like you can help guide me through all this.

Thanks

 

I would walk away from the salvage title.

I bought my '86.5 for $4K. It had excellent paint, slightly worn interior, and the usual assortment of electrical and HVAC woes. $6K for a salvage? No way.

Keep looking- there are a lot of nice 928s out there.