Could somebody fill me in on the differences between the '86 and the '86.5 model years? I've had lots of 911s, 944s, 951s, 968s, etc... but I'm a bit of an idiot when it comes to the 928 cars. I have the chance to buy one and I'd like to go in, at least appearing to be informed. I do know that maintenance is the real key, as with other Porsche models. Any info and/or pictures of differences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

Too bad Phil Tong's 9284VR web site is no longer up and running. It covered this thoroughly. I believe the only difference from '85 to '86.5 is that the '86.5 had the S4 brakes (w/ ABS?). Check out 928 Specialists "Tips / Links" page http://www.928.cc/ and Greg Nichols site http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm

Good luck with your search!

 

As you probably already know any '86 car with the last four digits of the VIN being 1000 or over is an '86.5, anything before is an '86.

Mostly the changes were just in the front suspension and brakes. The 86.5 uses the later S4 suspension and bigger brakes. Looks are exactly the same, as are most performance areas.......except for maybe braking.

Good place for tons of 928 info.....

http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm

 

Paul, if it's a 5-speed jump at it. Lots of fun.

 

Thanks for the inf, guys! Unfortunately, it is an auto. I just sold my C2 tip, so the auto doesn't bother me much. This is an '86 that had the odo replaced at 70k, it shows 23k now so it has 93k miles. Black/tan, lots of records and the belt and pump were done a year ago at 26k (on the odo). tires are weak and the rear bumper has been painted, but looks and runs perfectly. Dash has a few minor cracks but not nearly as bad as a lot of them that I've seen. I'll be replacing a power window switch but who hasn't? What do you guys think this car is worth? I have driven it and it is a nice running and driving car. It is missing some records, but seems to have the important ones. Give me a price range if you can, I may be a 928 owner for the first time!

 

Paul:

What's he asking for it? If it's anywhere near Kelly Blue Book value it's a steal. KBB value is ridiculously low IMO. If it's a really clean car, could be a few $K above KBB.

 

He has agreed to $6500 but I'm still working on him.

 

Sounds like a great deal! Let us know how things turn out. Welcome to the Shark club!

 

As Don said, Jump ON IT!. My 82 with 140K was more than that!, and I was feeling lucky to have it. Put some nice wheals and tires on it, drive it for a year or two and you could ever resell it for 7500 and make a small "profit" (not counting the $ you spend keeping it running for that long...) - Ruf

 

Get a PPI. Get a PPI. Get a PPI.

I bought an '86.5; the seller was asking $10,000; after the PPI, I paid $6500. Then I put several more thousand into it and it is "getting there". It is a driver so I am not too worried. People warned me to stop and get a grip on myself before buying a 928. But I had the bug something awful. Now my banker smiles everytime I come near the place.

Actually, I got a reasonably maintained car after looking for 3 years. The PO sold it to me rather than deal with the issues that were pending. The people that did the PPI were not too bright when it came to 928 issues and advised me that it needed a complete transmission rebuild; I found out later that it simply needed 2 lines replaced and some fluid. I bought it on the net and 7 hours away, so never drove it before purchase. I wasted some of my money by authorizing the shop that did the PPI to repair some of the "issues" before I accepted the car. Every item they touched I did over once I had possession because they had done everything incorrectly.
(ie: the rear window wiper was missing, so I sent them one and they installed it incorrectly in the middle of the glass and loosely. They told me all the interior lights were not working; I noticed when I got the car that they all had been moved to the "off" position" and worked perfectly once positioned to "on". Ridiculous stuff like that.) Once over that trauma, it turned out to be needing only work that would be expected of a car with its mileage.

I'm glad I had found and bought an '86.5. I almost bought a very well maintained '84 which I found through DEVEK, and at a reasonable price. But holding out for a 32V was worth the wait.

 

I have bought both at around $10k. I overpaid on the '86 and paid about market for the '86.5 with the 5sp. 5sp's will always run higher than autos unless someone has severly abused it. Most of the issues with either car are nickel and dime stuff, and for the most part cosmetic. To me it is a Porsche first and foremost and needs to look the part. Second it is a 928 and MUST perform like one. The brakes on the '86.5 are worth holding out for if you can, they stop the car so well it will put a big on your face.

 

Get a PPI. In addition to the S4 brakes and suspension, the exhaust was also changed to something similar to, although not interchangeable with, the S4 exhaust. Some people get very excited about the 86.5 b/c it has the lighter S body with the bigger brakes and suspension so they believe that it handles and brakes better than any other model years. I've never driven any besides my own, so I can't comment on that.

 

Michael, you have my twin!!

What color is the interior? Can you send me some pics??

 

I've got a dark brown interior. Looking at your avatar, we could also tell them apart b/c I have the original wheels and no side rails. (If anyone wants to get that stock look back and trade their 17" rims for my very nice painted 16" slots, I'll be happy to consider the offer...)

I have a couple of pics up on the Socal site:

http://groups.msn.com/socal928/mikes...nw?albumlist=2

 

I have never seen a US spec car without the side moldings. I like it!!

Any interior pics?? Mine has a chocolate brown head-liner and hatch trim, dash and pod, and center console upholstery, but grey-beige door panels, rear 1/4 trim and seats, and all this with very light beige carpeting for all the usual carpeted areas. Also there's a black steering wheel, and console/dash plastic.

I think this 3-tone interior must be unusual.........