I'm thinking ... dare I say... of a used

Brando · Brando's Garage

928. I've seen one or two listed fairly close (50miles or so) for a decent price. I figure it'd be a nice step up from my 914... If i can get one for cheap I can replace the timing belts, rollers, and any other necessary equipment for cheap. Just gotta get rid of that ghey chrome...

$3500 is what I saw a good condition yellow 928 like 50 miles away. Whaddaya think? Lay it on me, you eight-haters!

AFJuvat · 01-08-2005, 11:02 AM

They are fun cars - they are not true sports cars, but more of a GT style. They have lots of power, and are vary comfortable.

They are also hideously expensive to fix.

Before you jump into one (notice I didn't say don;t do it), take a look at the 928 catalog. Notice the prices.

If this is something you can live with, and the car is in good shape, go for it.

AFJuvat

Britwrench · 01-08-2005, 11:21 AM

As AF said, these cars are good, but expensive to fix. Usually the ones for sale at a "decent price" need too much money spent on them, which is why the PO is selling (or traded it in to a used car dealer) in the first place.
The word "cheap" doesn't appear when repairing or buying parts, you can only do the repairs and maintenance on 928s one way: properly, which means replacing all of the parts that need replacing. If you aren't prepared to do that, then it's the wrong car for you.
We service a lot of 928s and everyone who has one likes it.
There is no problem getting parts and 928 International has all the used parts you will ever need.

macreel · 01-08-2005, 11:37 AM

Brando... what Britwrench said (he & his 'gang' do the heavy
work on my '84 'shark'. I do the routine stuff). Checkout the
Rennlist 928 board, too. What model and year are you looking
at down there? Be sure to get a good PPI done.

G'luck.

bryanthompson · bryanthompson's Garage

Brando, just build an alien

Zero10 · 01-08-2005, 01:07 PM

I had a friend with a 928, seems to me he was spending about 1.5 times what I spent on my 944 to do the same work on it. If you do your own work, then why not go for it?? It's a little tighter to work on, since the engine is a pretty snug fit. But, they're such a nice car to ride around in. They truly are a touring car.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I'm a pretty good wrench and the 928 still kinda scares me. There seems to be a lot more on those that I'd be unwilling to do as a home mechanic than on the 944 / 951 / 968. The parts are horrendously expensive too; at least it seems the 944s have a pretty decent network of parts suppliers to tap from time to time.

Panzer909 · Panzer909's Garage

Hey there's no shame in announcing that you're looking for Shark. I was seriously considering a one before I purchased the "S" and the co$ts of maintaining one scared me away. There was just too many electrical gadgets and it seemed like too much car (if that makes sense). Every one I test drove seemed like the ultimate "cruiser" car and was a blast to drive.

Yes, $3500 might seem like a good deal for the nice example you're looking at, but believe me - you'll pay the difference soon enough.

epbrown · 01-08-2005, 06:02 PM

Well, you asked to hear from 928 haters, so maybe I don't qualify...

I think your best bet for a starter 928 is a 16-valve US model if you're going to do your own work. They're simpler than the 32-valve models, bit more room in the engine bay, and as non-interference engines a timing belt break won't be disastrous and expensive. If you can work on a 944, you can work on a 928, definitely.

I also recommend against buying a cheap fixer-upper. The cars cheap enough to find a good one for not much more than a ratty one, which will always save your more in the long run.

Emanuel

Brando · Brando's Garage

I thank you all for your input, I'm glad to hear the good and mostly bad sides to a 928. I hear very much about the cost of electronical fixing and preventative maintainance (belt breakage). Luckily i'm workin at a p-car shop so getting parts isn't going to kill my wallet per se. Having just this week taken on a 928 repair i've regained interest in the sharks.

Having installed a new ignition switch, diagnosed the owner's cold-start issues (AFC setup?) and fixed their hood release mechanism... they paid over $200. not bad. I think that if i find one in decent shape that has no damage, engine is good, and the electronics haven't been f*cked with (rant) for less than $5k, it'll be a good investment. For a not so big price I can replace all the belts, rollers, fluid changes, tune it up, replace any needed lines, etc. All the special tools I have access to as well.

I guess the question I'm really posing is... would it be a good investment, since I have a lot of the things needed to repair one?

and another thing... why in the hell is it that 928 owners (and i've noticed this with 5 out of 5 928s i've worked on) have to get some freakin overpowered expensive stereo system or alarm system to make their 928 all tricked out, which totally f*cks with the wiring thus not making the power windows or power seats or power sunroof or power mirrors work right? And on top of that, it cost a hell of a lot more than to diagnose and repair the fuel system on the car when it's got hot or cold start problems, overheats or needs it's 90k mile service?! I think these cars were sold to a niche of people with destruction in mind ;\

Britwrench · 01-09-2005, 07:04 PM

You installed a new ignition switch and did the required upgrade (if it's an early one) to the lock assembly as well (which is usually the bit that fails and causes non crank) and fixed the hood release and diagnosed starting problems for around $200?

$5k 928s usually need another $3-4K (less if you do all the work yourself) to be reliable and put right previous "repairs" and modifications.

epbrown · 01-09-2005, 11:53 PM

My car was $7200, but as it always goes, I've seen cars that look as nice go for 5 grand or so since then; could be wrong, I didn't go to inspect them.

Funny comment about alarms and stereos - everyone's been after me to replace the cassette playing Blaupunkts in both my water-pumpers and I've held off until I can do the work, and take the time to do it right. The 928 does seem prone to stereo hack jobs.

Emanuel

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

4000$ exhaust scares me...

I have always loved the 928's espectially the S4/GT's.
I'd love to own one but know I cant afford it on my 944 budget.

Best of luck whatever you choose, definetly drive a few.

Harpman2 · 01-10-2005, 02:49 PM

Getting an auto?

If not get used to shifting backwards, I think first is back, not forward.

Brando · Brando's Garage

Like in a 914?

Quote:

Originally posted by Harpman2
Getting an auto?

If not get used to shifting backwards, I think first is back, not forward.

PCA 944 · 01-10-2005, 04:16 PM

The 928 is definetly as step up from the 944 (price, performance, feel), and look very sleek for their age. I looked at an 1988 928 S4 selling for $15 (looking now, i think it was wayy over priced), and it has the right performance and feel. Its only problem is its weight, so dont expect a drag racer as with any Porsche.

Seeing how you work at a mechanics shop, you definitly have an upper hand when it comes to repairing it. If you feel that you want a grand tourer go for the 928 S4, but if you want something a little more managable I recommend a 944.

One more point, make sure to buy a car with an over the top exhaust. Not only do they sound amazing, but how else are you going to set off car alarms and scare children?

mambodave · 06:41 PM

I just bought an S4 and LOVE it.....

see pics here:
http://www.charlottecitypages.com/test/928/928.htm

But a few things you should know.
1. The cost of maintenance is Insane...so make sure you get a kept up example.
2. Its kind if a bore to drive unless your on the highway. Around town its a bit mundane....(but thats why i bought one for a daily)
3. LOTS of power 316hp and will outrun anything on the highway.
4. Make sure the T-belt was done, and it doesnt run hot. Also check for ECU replacment and A/C works. I have recipets for $4500 for the following in teh last year....Powersteering rack. ECU, T-belt and gears/tensioners, A/c controller and charge, new hoses/belts, vaccume stuff, knock sensors among a few otehr small things. Oh yeah..and if you have an oil leak on teh top side..prepare to replace ALOT of small stuff you have to take off to get at.
5. Make sure the car you get has not had any creative wiring!!!! These things can be electrical nightmares if someone has gotten creative with the fuse box....

It aint cheap, but man are they nice to look at!!!

This is my second 928, so feel free to pick my brain.

Mike(dat's me) · 01-11-2005, 04:54 AM

There is one of these for sale down the street from my house. Used car dealer. Wasn't sure what model it was till now, it is a dead ringer for the picture above. Color is even close.

Price on the windshield is 15.9. Pretty sure he got it at auction so it would sell for much less.

mambodave · 01-11-2005, 05:46 AM

15,900 is a bit much for that car, unless its a 5 speed.....

You can get a nice maintanined example of an S4 for around 12k to 14k if you look hard enough.

The early cars are cool also....You can get a really nice early car for around $7 to 10k.

s928s · 01-14-2005, 06:18 AM

I have had 3 928's over the years..yes the maint cost for parts may be a little higher. But. as far as the motor goes it is 2x the size and almost 2x the horsepower of the 44's !! and an absolute blast to drive. My current is an 82 euro that i purchaced locally for $3000.00 with 72,000 miles 3 years ago and the only thing i have done is regular oil changes and belt replacment. I have never had any excessive electrical "gremlins" in any of my 928's. If you do most of your work yourself then go for it !! There is just as much tech help, parts, info. ect. on the 928's as the 944. And doing the work yourself is the best cost cap for repairs on any veh.. Unfoutionately rennlist has a much larger 928 pop. but most of the people see to want to help.