Thinking of buying a 928 - need some advice

[mrk_d]

Hi there,

I have been looking for a long time for a Porsche (either 911 or 928) within my budget, that is not completely clapped-out, and is decently clean. I think I finally found a 928 that will work for me - it is an S (can't remember the year at the moment), has 107k, and hasn't been driven too hard.

I know that the timing belt should be changed somewhere around every 50k, so I have to ask the owner about that. I am going to check for rust (although this is a So Cal car), see how the shocks feel, see how the gearbox is, and evaluate it thoroughly in person.

Two things that concern me is the owner said she thinks it "pops out of 1st gear sometimes" (worn synchros?) and also says that the fuel line just ruptured, so it's going to be in the shop for a little while. As far as the shifting I will have to see for myself, but I imagine finding a used transmission or rebuilding the one in the car would be very expensive. Any idea what to look for to know exactly how advanced the damage is? Also, any other tips for a new-to-928s guy? Thanks for any help!

[Mrmerlin]

first have you driven a 928?? What is your budget?? how much can you spend and and how much do you have to fix all of the little things??
Figure it this way the more you spend the less you will have to pay to repair the little things unless you buy a car thats sorted from an enthusiast.
it will cost more up front but you will be driving your 928 instead of looking at it in the garage on jackstands.
Lastly do you have a good tool box or do you have a good check book to pay your favorite mechanic

[mrk_d]

Never driven a 928, have spent some time thrashing a 3.2 Carrera though, and have been around lots of Porsches.

My budget is an absolute max of $5k, I'm looking at one under $4k that might be one of those "too-good-to-be-true" type things, hopefully it's just good though. I have some mechanical knowledge, but not so much with cars. I am a bicycle mechanic so I am handy with a wrench and technical instructions, but will have to learn lots as I go.

[dewolf]

Having owned a 930 and a 928, I can say they are chalk and cheese. My 930 was fast, no doubt, but there is just something about the fit and finish of a 928. They are effortless cruisers and extremely comfortable. Read as much as you can and drive many before you purchase. Whilst one may drive well, it may hide some very dark secrets. Even sh$t ones drive ok. Oh and get a PPI by someone who KNOWS 928's. It will be your best 928 investment.

[mrk_d]

Looked into the car more, it's a 1983 S - here's the ad: 1983 PORSCHE 928S | Cars and Vehicles | Ventura CA | Recycler.Com

I am taking my dad along, who used to import these things (along w/ many other Euro cars in the gray-market days), hopefully he will get a decent 'feel' for it.

[Danglerb]

LF fender and hood don't match rest of car, six months of failed smog tests back in 2008, I think I would leave the checkbook at home.

[mrk_d]

I noticed the faded paint, but didn't see a mention of the smog tests - sounds worrisome.

I will at least drive it to get the feel for how I like 928s...I'm still looking around to say the least now!

[Linderpat]

Originally Posted by mrk_d

...My budget is an absolute max of $5k, ... I have some mechanical knowledge, but not so much with cars. ...

I would add an additional budget of $5k - $7k after the purchase for parts and maintanence. A sub $5k car will always end up being very expensive in the immediate short term. As you've guessed, these aren't like old Chevys, and will be alot different to work on than a bike.

[mrk_d]

Seems like I'm better off saving a bit, and looking for one in the ~$7k range, that is cleaner and better-maintained. Thanks for the advice!

[Mrmerlin]

Here is a nice DD the paint isnt perfect but it has gone through a major service and all of the major systems are functioning well, the car drives great and with the new extensive list of parts you wont be doing much as far as wrenching goes .
I am still not sure about selling it as it runs pretty well with all of the work I have done.

Update on the 86 Mossgreen Metallic 5 speed
RL thread with more pictures
Update on the 86 Mossgreen Metallic 5 speed - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[tlsmith1999]

Originally Posted by Linderpat

I would add an additional budget of $5k - $7k after the purchase for parts and maintanence. A sub $5k car will always end up being very expensive in the immediate short term. As you've guessed, these aren't like old Chevys, and will be alot different to work on than a bike.

+1

Having bought 3 928's under $5K, they all needed at least another $3K just to get them running and safe. After that add in any upgrade, interior, paint, body work, ..etc costs.

[76FJ55]

Bikes and cars are quite different to work on. I worked at a bike shop for years and an auto shop for some time too. There are a lot of car mechanics out there that are completely inept when it comes to working on bicycles, of course i'm sure the inverse is true as well. I believe anyone with a stong mechanical aptitude can do the majority of the work on a 928, with access to the manuals as well as the support from the 928 comumity.

By the way my MTB fits nicely in the back of the 928 with just the front wheel removed.

[Maleficio]

I got my 82 for $4500. All it's needed is electrical massaging, which is easy for me, it's what I do in the Navy.

But I got lucky. The seller was extra stupid, but smart enough to buy a 928.

Good luck.

[dcrasta]

4k here and counting.. And I still need 'minor' bodywork and paint. (oh and a dash recovered..oh and.. see it never stops).

As far as the car the OP posted, Run far away from that.

MRMERLIN > I cant believe you putting Mossy up on the block already. That is one mean car man.

[Mrmerlin]

well i am not so sure i wanna sell er as she runs good and the paint makes her a perfect DD plus it has a good 5 speed trans in it and a bunch of new parts to fix other systems

[mrk_d]

Today I drove 2 hours to go see a semi-local 928, get there and it isn't running - only ran off a battery. I was bummed since I haven't driven one yet and wanted to at least drive one, but unfortunately wasted the trip - still shopping around...I liked sitting in it at least

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by mrk_d

Today I drove 2 hours to go see a semi-local 928, get there and it isn't running - only ran off a battery. I was bummed since I haven't driven one yet and wanted to at least drive one, but unfortunately wasted the trip - still shopping around...I liked sitting in it at least

Put your location in your profile. Then maybe we can find one near you. Lots of flakes out there, but lots of us. Sometimes, one of us lives near one you may be interested in, then one of us can check it out for you. Yeah, 2 hours to go see one and you get that result is a bummer.

If Merlin is selling one and it's near your range. He is one of the most knowlegable ones here, I would trust his car over any Craigslist find.

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by tlsmith1999

+1

Having bought 3 928's under $5K, they all needed at least another $3K just to get them running and safe. After that add in any upgrade, interior, paint, body work, ..etc costs.

I bought mine for $3400 six years ago and to date the only time it actually "broke down" was due to an easily changed timing belt going bye bye.

If you buy a 83-84 US model they're non interference and still have fairly respectable power stock.

Mine is a seriously hopped up 83.

Honestly if i was recommending a 928 to anyone i'd recommend a 928S4. You can get a nice one for $10k, and it is WAY more car than the early models. An S4 probably gives the single greatest bang for your buck in any performance car on earth today, bar none.

[Mrmerlin]

I will agree to the S4 being a lotta bang for the buck, but i just got another 86, 5 speed and its so much fun to drive.
I also think the older body has a unique charm that no other car can match,
yes its a bit more rough around the edges,
its a bit louder,
its a bit less refined but it also has something the later cars lack

[RKDinOKC]

Take your time and find a nice one. You wont regret it. Took me 4 years before I found one that was taken care of by an enthusiast. Have a web page for it here.