Am I crazy to want a 928
11-08-2016, 11:32 AM
#46
Shameful Thread Killer
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I think you're being unfair to the 928. You're comparing apples to oranges with a well worn 928 vs. a new driving appliance. What did you pay for your truck and new Subaru? I'm guessing it is at least as much if not significantly more that buying a completely sorted 928 with all known and potential issues addressed such as Rob Edwards recently did with that Cobalt blue GT. That car sold for $35k. A non-GT would sell for even less in similar condition. Now consider what that $35k will will buy in a new car, not much. IMO there isn't anything even close to a 928 in terms of performance and style that you could get on that budget.
11-08-2016, 01:30 PM
#48
Drifting
Best description of the joys of 928 ownership -- the research component for me is 99% searching the archives of this forum. The only thing I'd add is 928 ownership + joining Rennlist introduces you to many interesting, smart, and extraordinarily helpful owners - and continues to be the best part of 928 ownership for me.
Do you really enjoy working on cars?
That may make/break the deal for you.
I suppose a 928 is always fun and enjoyable when driven, but if you like working on it, if that necessary part is fun for you, you can't lose.
I really like working on mine, that part is super-fun for me. It's fun to research, to find out new things, to learn how the car actually works, to learn new skills, and to really try my best to achieve the most perfect results that I can. I am working on an actual supercar. Awesome. Who even gets to do that ??
That may make/break the deal for you.
I suppose a 928 is always fun and enjoyable when driven, but if you like working on it, if that necessary part is fun for you, you can't lose.
I really like working on mine, that part is super-fun for me. It's fun to research, to find out new things, to learn how the car actually works, to learn new skills, and to really try my best to achieve the most perfect results that I can. I am working on an actual supercar. Awesome. Who even gets to do that ??
11-08-2016, 03:49 PM
#49
Nordschleife Master
Are you crazy for wanting one?
-Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.
You've gotten some pretty good feedback in here. Both good and bad. Which is the reality of these cars.
Can one be a reliable DD and Long Distance GT? Sure.
As long as you realize that it's a 30+ year old exotic supercar.
The design is 40 years old and the reality is that modern cars are better in a lot of ways.
But they aren't a 928.
Properly maintained, they are as good as any 30 year old car. Which means that unless you have done a "bare shell" restoration, there's always something about to go.
And competent mechanics are pretty few and far between. So if you break down on the road, you have the choice of fixing it yourself, towing it what could be a very long distance or chancing that a local tech will be able to fix it.
But, on the flip side, they aren't really all that complex. The list of things that will strand you without totally disabling the car is not all that long. Many of the common issues can be fixed by replacing a relay.
Understanding basic diagnostics and common issues with the car is pretty essential if you want to take one any sort of distance. This doesn't mean you have to be able to do all your own work, it means you need to understand the car and it's systems.
This forum has all that knowledge if you look, read and ask.
And while a Subaru or Honda may be more reliable and have more amenities, it's not a 928 (I'll disagree that any car is more comfortable over long distances).
There's just that certain something about the 928. The sound of the starter cranking and the engine firing is unlike anything else I've ever driven.
The way the car eats the miles without tiring out the driver is also unique (and I drive for a living). The high speed stability is amazing.
While a Toyota may be a good car, I highly doubt it would do very well staying at 120+ for extended periods of time. The 928 just starts showing it's true colors at 75-80 and just gets better as it goes faster. I scooted across Nevada at 90 and it was amazing (had a shake in the rear end above 95 or so, so I didn't push it any faster).
And it's well mannered enough to be a decent DD (again, for a 30+ year old car). I don't drive mine all the time (944, Cayenne & motorcycle to keep me busy), but I can take it anytime I wish. And anywhere. Grocery store, out to lunch, 2+ hours to the DZ, where ever. I've taken it to California and back, which was an amazing trip.
As was noted, your situation pretty much requires a properly maintained car. And that can be a bit of a problem.
One big issue with these cars is that they have been super cheap to buy for a long time. But parts and maintenance have always been in line with a car that cost as much as a mid-sized house when new. So people buy them and can't afford to keep them up. After being sold two or three times, they ar in sad shape.
There are a few out there in decent shape. You just have to find one.
But first, you should experience one (or more) to see if it's a car that fits you. First place I'd try would be your shop. Ask the crew if they would see if any of their 928 owners would be willing to take you for a spin. Maybe in exchange for a nice lunch or something. Get a good ride to see what the car is really about.
Then start looking seriously. The "for sale" sticky has some nice ones every so often. There's a Facebook group that has some nice ones pop up. Post on here that you are looking for a nice one. There is/was a rather nice green one that "sold" on BaT, and then fell through. The owner is a member on here and was still looking to sell the last I knew.
I'd be wary of BaT or E-Bay. Unless you know what you are looking at, it's too easy to get a "clunker".
Make sure to get a proper PPI for any one you get serious about. You can ask on here for recommendations for various places.
Good luck.
"I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
You've gotten some pretty good feedback in here. Both good and bad. Which is the reality of these cars.
Can one be a reliable DD and Long Distance GT? Sure.
As long as you realize that it's a 30+ year old exotic supercar.
The design is 40 years old and the reality is that modern cars are better in a lot of ways.
But they aren't a 928.
Properly maintained, they are as good as any 30 year old car. Which means that unless you have done a "bare shell" restoration, there's always something about to go.
And competent mechanics are pretty few and far between. So if you break down on the road, you have the choice of fixing it yourself, towing it what could be a very long distance or chancing that a local tech will be able to fix it.
But, on the flip side, they aren't really all that complex. The list of things that will strand you without totally disabling the car is not all that long. Many of the common issues can be fixed by replacing a relay.
Understanding basic diagnostics and common issues with the car is pretty essential if you want to take one any sort of distance. This doesn't mean you have to be able to do all your own work, it means you need to understand the car and it's systems.
This forum has all that knowledge if you look, read and ask.
And while a Subaru or Honda may be more reliable and have more amenities, it's not a 928 (I'll disagree that any car is more comfortable over long distances).
There's just that certain something about the 928. The sound of the starter cranking and the engine firing is unlike anything else I've ever driven.
The way the car eats the miles without tiring out the driver is also unique (and I drive for a living). The high speed stability is amazing.
While a Toyota may be a good car, I highly doubt it would do very well staying at 120+ for extended periods of time. The 928 just starts showing it's true colors at 75-80 and just gets better as it goes faster. I scooted across Nevada at 90 and it was amazing (had a shake in the rear end above 95 or so, so I didn't push it any faster).
And it's well mannered enough to be a decent DD (again, for a 30+ year old car). I don't drive mine all the time (944, Cayenne & motorcycle to keep me busy), but I can take it anytime I wish. And anywhere. Grocery store, out to lunch, 2+ hours to the DZ, where ever. I've taken it to California and back, which was an amazing trip.
As was noted, your situation pretty much requires a properly maintained car. And that can be a bit of a problem.
One big issue with these cars is that they have been super cheap to buy for a long time. But parts and maintenance have always been in line with a car that cost as much as a mid-sized house when new. So people buy them and can't afford to keep them up. After being sold two or three times, they ar in sad shape.
There are a few out there in decent shape. You just have to find one.
But first, you should experience one (or more) to see if it's a car that fits you. First place I'd try would be your shop. Ask the crew if they would see if any of their 928 owners would be willing to take you for a spin. Maybe in exchange for a nice lunch or something. Get a good ride to see what the car is really about.
Then start looking seriously. The "for sale" sticky has some nice ones every so often. There's a Facebook group that has some nice ones pop up. Post on here that you are looking for a nice one. There is/was a rather nice green one that "sold" on BaT, and then fell through. The owner is a member on here and was still looking to sell the last I knew.
I'd be wary of BaT or E-Bay. Unless you know what you are looking at, it's too easy to get a "clunker".
Make sure to get a proper PPI for any one you get serious about. You can ask on here for recommendations for various places.
Good luck.