Most Common 928 Issues

[Polson89]

Am thinking about getting a 928 - have always loved their look even though they are polarizing for most people.

Currently have a 1970 911 and am fine with a continuous list of items to address.

My question: What are the most common 928 issues and are they any specifics to the 928s that should I have a mechanic look for when doing a PPI.

I'm drawn to the S4 and GTS, if I can find the latter.

[harborman]

You might have trouble finding a mechanic that knows the 928 for one. Try and fine a car with good history on maintenance if you can. Also, read up on the posts here will give you some insight.

[Mrmerlin]

The biggest issue is taking the car to a mechanic that doesnt know what they are doing on the 928.
Then it costs the owner a lot to pay someone to learn how to work on their car.

NOTE post pictures of the car , engine and interior for a better guess on what your machine might need

[husker boxster]

An S4 or GTS are 32 valve interference engine, so timing belt is important. When was it last changed? DATE and mileage. Many will state mileage but these cars have a tendency to sit for yrs, so someone may state the belt was changed 7K mi ago but time wise was 20 yrs ago. Age is as important as miles. 6-8 yrs or 60K mi. Your mechanic can't just look at it and tell you anything intelligent. You need time and mileage info. If there isn't any avail, you must assume at timing belt and water pump replacement.

Fuel lines and power steering hoses are the next important item. There are many fuel lines throughut the engine compartment. If they're old, they can crack resulting in fuel being spit on a hot engine. Same with the 3 power steering hoses - they crack and splash a flamable fluid on a hot engine. Both scenarios result in a Car-B-Q. So if the hoses are old, no need to not buy the car, just budget accordingly and be sure the car is discounted appropriately. The 3 power steering hoses cost $500, the various fuel lines around $1200 (cost for parts only). Replacing the fuel lines yourself is probably a 7 out of 10 on the DIY scale. The power steering hoses are a 9 and should be done when changing the timing belt so you have access to them. If you're having the lines and hoses done by a mechanic, it will be many 1000s extra in labor as it is time consuming.

Head gaskets can be an issue if the car has sat form a long time. The antifreeze just sitting in the block can weaken the head gasket. Your mechanic doing a PPI would want to pressure test the cooling system for a weak gasket. Valve cover gaskets will leak over age, so look for that too.

Sharks are known for their electircal foibles, so have ALL the electronics checked - sunroof, power windows, head light operation, trunk release, rear wiper, etc.

Sharks come with 2 belly pans in the engine area. Does it have both?

These are some of the more notable shark issues. Obviously the regular stuff applies too - general condition, previous accidents, worn out items, etc.