Thanks for putting my name in quotes. It's not a question of passion it's a question of realism. I like 928 a lot and when I thought I could get a decent one under 10k it worked for me in terms of budgeting for repairs (by a shop). Now that I understand I was wrong and taking into account that I neither have the ability nor time to work on it became unfortunately clear to me that this car is not for me. It's not about passion or believing that working on one's own car is a negative thing, it's about being real about your own limitations. We are all different my friend. This thread was wonderfully helpful.

 

Was in your position and looking for a 928. After a little over a year I gave up and got a 944. The reason I got a 944 is because if I did find a 928 the 944 would sell in a weekend no problem. Drove the 944 for 4 years and then the 928 literally called me. And yes, the 944 sold to the first person I told I wanted to sell. Didn't even have to advertise.

The shop I took the 944 to called me when someone brought a really nice 928 in for pre purchase inspection. I called the seller and he said the prespective buyer had been giving him the run around for a couple of months and sold it to me. The seller was Jerrod Wise on this list and it was an absolutely perfect 90 GT. Especially if you know anything about Jerrod's cars.

So, if you really want a 928, don't give up on your dream.

 

ah a GT is super nice thanks

 

So Leo, based on your criteria it sounds like you are basically looking for a sub $10K sports car that you can carry your kids in the back, is reliable, and when maintenance is needed, is cheap for others to work on. Have you considered a 5th generation Mustang? Seriously, it meets all those requirements, looks good, makes all the right noises, and is really a fun car to drive.

 

No mustangs for me and for 10K I will have to give up the back sit. I already have a WRX want something more interesting.

 

So Leo, First off, I have no intent of poking at or knocking any ones ability, thats where this forum and all of the extremely helpful and experienced people come in. As for time we all have the same 24 hours a day, so that is why I mentioned "passion". I think for some, a 928 almost becomes an important part of life. I mean some folks drive for 3000 miles just to see a few more and hang with like people If you were my neighbor Id throw you my keys so you could see. First time I saw one( long ago ) I thought Yes. Once I drove my first, well, I realized I had intense desire to have one, and be its care taker. Nuts, eh maybe. How many people name their sharks?


By the way GT6ixer, I would think you get it, being a cruiser guy myself that's another illness

 

That's exactly the point. I love the car but I am not a handy man, would be a disaster for me to own it. I thought I could buy a sorted one for a reasonable price. You live you learn.

 

Owning two 928s and a 99 996, I thought I would add my thoughts. As has been said, a 928 or 996 can both have significant expense if the maintenance has been deferred to the next buyer. With a 928 it is timing belt, water pump, fuel lines and usually some electrical or HVAC issues. With a 996 it is the IMS, RMS and AOS. I drive all three on a regular basis in an almost daily rotation. As my daughter calls it "My 1st world problem of which Porsche to drive today!"

Remember you are talking about at least 10 years technology differences. While the 928 was built until 1995 there really wasn't any significant technology upgrades from 1990 on. Much like the 928 the 996 was a pretty new car design from the water cooled engine to upgrade suspension, electronics inside etc. so you get 10 years of Porsche experience with most major systems.

Two completely different driving experiences, having driven both over several hundred mile trips the 928 is hands down the better long distance car. The 996 is stiff, a bit noisy with the frame less door windows and doesn't feel near as roomy on the inside. The electronics and A/C in the 996 are better than the 928 and would seem to be more along today's standards. Also, if you want a manual you can find many more well sorted 996's with a six speed than you can a good 5 speed 928.

The 928 is easier access to work on engine etc, but since you aren't looking to do your own repair work that is a mute point. Certainly there are many more mechanics that understand the 996 than the 928 and parts are much more readily available.

I enjoy both cars and that's why I have each. As was suggested above by RKD maybe look at the 996 first and remember the mantra of many of us here on RL "you can never have two many P cars"!

lastly, pricing for well maintained cars for either one are comparable. If lower mileage is a buying point again can probably find more 996s than 928s. I got my 99 996 off the internet for a little under your budget, 88K miles and upgraded the IMS, installed a new clutch and RMS. I got both my 928's off the internet as well, the 87S4 quite a bit less than your budget and the GTS a little more than your budget and have spent the $$ getting them reliable but the 928 has always been a bucket list car and I would not hesitate driving either of the 928's across the country.

Either way, RL is a great resource to learn about your car, even if you don't do the work, the more knowledgeable you are about the major systems the better off you are when a repair is needed.

Good luck with the search and let us know how it turns out.

 

Don't give up bud, maybe some day. Took me a long time to get there. Now I'm junk, I love it. I'm getting my fix of wrench tonight after work.

 

Thanks. I kinda shifted my search into a boxster or 996 (depending on the car and how much I want to spend). But...IMO 928 just looks more exotic.

 

Usually "interesting" means you have to accept at least 2 of the following 3 realities. You pick.

1. Expensive to acquire
2. Expensive to maintain
3. Unreliable

Unless you think Saab Turbos are interesting, then none of the above apply.

 

I know that very well. I am not looking for a 911 turbo here just an old relatively inexpensive car that I do understand will require work which I am trying to minimize by doing homework. Also I do understand the upkeep. Price to pay for exoticism (if that's the word )

 

PM sent

 

Leo,

If you have the opportunity, try to drive a 928 so that you have a reasonable idea of what the car is really like, even if you don't intend to buy one. It's worth the effort to find out what it is like with some firsthand experience.

Back to your $10K criteria:

A mid-to-later year 944 or a Boxster are both good choices for a "different" driving experience. 944's are relatively plentiful, and if you select carefully, you can find a good one that would meet your needs, and you can drive it daily as a commuter if needed. There is currently a 944S locally for $8800 (it has high miles but looks great and has been well maintained); and there was a late year 944 Turbo, also in great shape, which just sold for $12000. I was very tempted to buy the Turbo.

Boxsters are also plentiful and they can be great cars, provided that the maintenance is fully up-to-date, and that the IMS (Intermediate Shaft) Bearing has been replaced with one of the after-market solutions. It would be nice to find one with a reasonably new clutch, new RMS (rear main seal), and a new AOS (air-oil-separator). The Boxster is a well-balanced car and it will give you that roadster/sports car experience if that is what you are seeking.

Any Porsche (most other cars as well) is going to require maintenance beyond oil & filter changes, tires, brake pads, coolant changes, etc., so keep that in mind as you shop for a new driving experience.

And do try to get that firsthand 928 driving experience. You won't regret it.

 

Thank you. I am afraid that I will like 928 so much that I will make a stupid decision and buy one (without being able to take care of the beast) It is just a special looking vehicle and that v8 ...