Porsche 928: 5 Tips to Keep Your Car Running for a Long Time
Porsches are very reliable cars and can last for several decades if you know how to properly care for them. Follow these five rules and your Porsche 928 will last you well above 150,000 miles.
This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1979-1995).
Rumors have spread that the Porsche 928 is an expensive car to maintain. But it turns out the 928 is no more expensive than any other Porsche. The resale value of 928s has gone down, but the cost to maintain them has remained the same. This gives new 928 owners sticker shock when they take it in for a service check. If you buy a well-maintained 928 and take good care of it, it can last up to 250,000 miles or more. Here are five ways to keep your 928 in fit shape.
Keep Up with Regular Service Intervals
You can spread out service costs over time by following the maintenance schedule suggested by Porsche. The two big services you'll need to save for are the timing belt and water pump replacements which occur about once every 60,000 miles. They're usually changed together, and it's easily the most expensive service repair, costing somewhere between $2,500 and $5,000. Outside of those two, the only other really expensive repair would be the A/C compressor which costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Save up for these repairs, and you should be safe. Most 928 owners will spend anywhere between $800 to $1,200 annually on their cars including oil changes, upgrades, and other repairs.
(Related Article: Porsche 928: How to Replace Timing Belt and Water Pump - Rennlist.com)
Regularly Check the Fluids and Tire Pressure
Porsche recommends to check fluids based on the following schedule:
Repair |
Schedule |
|---|---|
| Oil change | Every 7,500-15,000 miles |
| Brake fluid change | Once every two years |
| Coolant change | Once every two years |
| Transmission oil change |
|
To be safe, check your oil levels every few months, and check your transmission fluid levels once a year. Watch out for odd smells or discoloration as that could mean the fluid is bad. Other fluids that will need to be changed on occasion are the antifreeze, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. It's recommended you check your tire pressure once a month.
(Related Article: Porsche 928: How to Change Your Oil - Rennlist.com)
Don't Ignore Noises or Warning Signs
If something seems off, you should try to get an explanation for it so you can make an assessment. Be on the lookout for smoke, strange noises, or bad smells as these could indicate serious problems. Check out the forums and consult with others who have had similar things happen. If none of these provide an answer, take it to a mechanic you trust for a diagnostic.
Have Fun, but Don't Drive Like a Maniac!
Your driving style will probably have a greater impact on the life of your car than anything else. Porsche's are meant to be driven fast, but that doesn't mean you should take unnecessary risks. If you regularly drive your car on a track, then you can expect to shorten its life expectancy by a lot. Before you start driving the car hard, make sure that the water temperature is at the appropriate level on the thermostat and that the oil temperature is greater than 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find a Reliable Independent Shop or Dealership
When all else fails, you're going to need an expert. Find someone you can trust because the life of your car will be in their hands. Talk to customers who have used their services before and try to establish a working relationship there. Consult with them whenever issues arrive, and make sure they're not trying to make a quick buck off of you by selling you services you don't need.
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