possible 928 purchase

[Ebs]

I own 951 and have been offered a good deal (price wise) on a 928 (see below). I have driven it and the only thing I don't like is the auto slush box, but the performance is still impressive.

I would love to hear about your experiences. I am wary of costs. My 951 isn't terrible to run, but I fear the eventual need to replace a clutch, water pump etc etc. I can't do much of my own work at all - very mechanically challenged.

From what I hear the 982 engine is bullet proof, especially the 5 liter from 1987 onwards, as is the 4 speed Mercedes automatic box. But I have also heard all the ancillary stuff has a tendency to go wrong as the cars are now getting older, and this can be very expensive. What do you 928 owners think. Has anyone owned a 951 and 928?

There are 2 cars at a dealer. They are both ex Japan. Details as follows:

1) 1984 928 s2, euro spec, left hand drive, with only 67000km (42000 miles). Body looks good as does non-leather interior. No service history. Car drives reasonably well, but doesn't have power of S4 as its only a 16 valve 4.7 liter. Asking price is $12000 Australian dollars (US equivalent is $9000 approx.)

2) 1987 928 s4, euro spec, left hand drive, with 84000km (53000km). Full service history in Japanse. Body has a few nicks and blemishes, interior is white leather that is looking as tired as the body. Car goes nicely and has wild acceleration. Asking price is $14500 Aussie dollars (US equivalent just under $11,000).

Car prices are high in Australia, but because they're left hand drive they sell at about a $10,000 to $12,000 aussie discount to right hand drive models.

What are you thougts on the 2 cars please, and how do you think they'd compare to a 951. What should I look for to make sure I don't get ripped off.

Thanks for your help.

[..P]

I have one of each and I love them both.

My '90 S2 was purchased for $10,000 with 84,000 miles, and the '83 was purchased for $8500 with 116,000 and a bad transmission main bearing, which just cost me around $2500 to fix.

The S2 is actually faster than the 928 in the flying kilometer. The 928 barely beats it to 60-mph, and at the end they're side by side. In Eurospec both cars would be faster but I'm assuming the 4-valve 928 would be tough to beat.

Both cars are well made and both cost about the same to maintain. Both require a bit of cash and they're not for the whiner. As we know, whiners tend to buy Toyotas.

The "28" is heavier and I like the ride a bit better, as it's more comfortable and quite comfy at speed. A very impressive package.

The S2 is quite near the zenith of 944 production, and very well refined, and it simply has to be one of the best all time sportscars ever built, very very good, indeed. At speed it has much more road feel, is much lighter on it's feet, about 350-pounds lighter actually.

You can't go wrong with either one.

My manual 928 is a bear. The 5-speed is not the smoothest unit ever made, as a matter of fact, it's kind of like a 1960's American musclecar. It's work. Therefore the auto would be a nice feature, especially a low milage one that would almost be sure to work like new.

Good luck, why not get em both??

P

[Ebs]

Thanks P, I appreciate your thoughts. I am thinking if I buy one I will get the 928 s2, as overall it is in in much better condition and cheaper. Though I do like the s4, am I really going to use the extra power. Plus I expect by doubling the valves and cams, there is also more to potentially require maintenance or go wrong.

[..P]

Hi Ebs,

I have to admit to a mistake. I totally missed the fact that you are talking about a "928" S2. Any time I see the S2 designation I automatically think of the 944 S2. Since all my comments are regarding the 944 S2, of which I have a 1990 model, they may not be relevant to what you are looking for.

Actually, I'm not too sure I've even heard of a 928 S2 designation, and that's probably why you can't find much about them on the net. I see from your other post they were only sold in Europe by that designation???

regards, all the best, good luck.

P