928 Purchase Advice

[luck-man]

Hey gang,
Last year I bought a 1986 944 and have enjoyed owning it and restoring it immensely. I have just about completed my work on it and was shifting my focus towards restoring a 928 if the right prospect came along. A gentleman in Massachusetts has a 1983 928 with 108,000 miles on it and is asking $2000. The car turns over but currently will not run(probable fuel pump or injection issues) and has dents in each rear quarter panel. The interior is in rough shape but he says it is all complete, but laying in the back of the car for some reason. He says the brakes and steering seem to operate fine but without driving the car who can be sure. My question is whether this has potential or should I just invest more money and get a better vehicle? I don't mind doing the work myself which is why I enjoy taking on these projects in the firsy place. Upholstery work is no problem as I have done several cars on my own and have learned a lot from them. I live in Virginia so it's a bit of a drive to get it back here but I've bought cars from several different cities throughout the East Coast so I know what I might be getting into. I've posted some of his pictures to try and give a better idea of what the shape is. So what do you folks think? I'm interested to hear any and all opinions!
Thanks,
Mike

[T_MaX]

If I had one that year that I need parts, or wanted on to make a track car out of, I would pick it up, if I could get it for $500.00 or less.

For 2-4k you can find a lot nicer car that runs!

[luck-man]

Thanks a bunch for the advice-I think it would be much better to spend a bit more money and upgrade to a less disastrous car! The interior by itself is a concern as it seems to have been taken apart but not put back together. Perhaps someone was conducting a search for some electrical gremlins and gave up. One thing my 944 has shown me is that these cars are very well built and if serviced properly will literally last a lifetime. Why someone would let a car that nice get into such a state of neglect is beyond me.
Mike

[Danglerb]

Yup, what they said, too expensive for a parts car. Cars that don't start, you have no idea what else might be wrong on.

Nothing is more expensive than a cheap old Porsche. Fixing body work, costs a lot to make almost as nice as original, so I would avoid anything but really minor damage.

Take a look at the Euro 5 spd I posted about today. My guess is that it goes for about $5k, and that car at least has potential. 84 Euro S are 310 hp instead of 234 for US models.

[rhjames]

yeah Danglerb, the Euro has been talked about on your other post, but nothing scares me away faster is an ad that can't get the year model correct.

Is it an '80, or is it an '84? No advertised engine stamping numbers--another issue.

You can't tell from the pics, and it makes a huge difference.

Even though the car may only have 3 owners, the cams may have been changed out for US spec units, the heads may be US spec as well-----in other words, if you're buying this car for the 310 horse Euro, you may be getting something entirely different.

As for the one you're looking at (luck-man), keep your luck in your back pocket and stay away from cars like this.

Just from the ad I see:

engine not running---anything from T-belt to fuel pump to electrics=$$$$

interior---near $4K just for restoration (recover seats=$1500 to $2K, carpet set=$700, door panels, interior quarter panels, headliner, etc.= $2K)

crunched left rear quarter---well, can you say near $10K to fix the quarter and restore the body?

I haven't even touched on drive train, brakes, HVAC, suspension, tires, etc....


This is a parts car at best, just like everyone else has said, and for no more than a grand.

Sorry.....

regards---rhjames

[Rixter]

that's a parts car or total resto project, run don't walk

[glenncal1]

Luck-Man-I have an '85 that is a bit of a project (certainly nothing like the car you posted), that I might consider selling. If you are interested PM your email address and I can send some photos and details. I drove the car to work today but it needs some TLC and I don''t think I have the time for it.

Jim

[Danglerb]

Its a good idea to mention the location.

[glenncal1]

Duh-in the Denver area. Delivery to the Chicago area possible.

[OldTee]

Option 1: Pass. Take a valium for the little regret you might feel.

Option 2: Buy. Your first purchase should be psychiatric cousultation.

Suggest Option 1. Recommend buy only to your wifes' former husband.