Help Buying 1988 928 with 17k miles

[chaoul1]

THis is my first post so I'm new to the forum. I'm 19 years old, but I have a sweet passion for cars. I'm a Jeep guy so I have owned quiet a bit.
I have always liked Porsches, but I could never afford one with my buget since I'm in college and I'm working part-time.


Let's get to the story....

I was getting my Jeep's rear-differential replaced at my dads friends shop. I spotted in the back of the shop outside a Silver Porsche 928 and I went to take a look at it. I didn't seem that interested since I thought it was really expensive except for the fact that it has been sitting in the shop for 4 years (due to the inspection "07") I asked my dads friend if it's for sale and he asked me do I wat it as a project car and I said HELL YES! we agreed to a price which is fine with me.

I checked it out and I saw that it definitely needed a good detail and that the paint needed a 2-Step paint correct (Oxidation and light scratches). It had dark red (don't know the correct color term) interior. It was an Automatic also. I saw that it had 17k miles on it. Yes 17k miles...I didn't believe it. It needs new cooler lines (Trans to Cooler) is what my dads friend said.

I have to find the Cooler lines that go from the Transmission to the Cooler. I need to find that before anything happens.

It will need new cooler lines, battery and some relay for the fuel pump, but he's going to fix that for me.

Once I figure out how to post up pictures from my iPhone 4S I'll try to load them up.

Any information would be great! I would really appreciate it!

Thank you!

[Linderpat]

interesting. Price? Year? Could be more expensive to own than it's worth, but if it is a true 17k car, you may have something special.

[MPDano]

An S4 with 17K and your only 19. Sweeeeet! I'm curious what the Inspection in 2007 made it sit? What price did you settle at? Also, does this include that work that will be done on it by the shop?

Pics are a must. Post up Interior, Exterior and Engine.

Welcome to the Board!!

[Landseer]

You will probably need somebody knowledgeable of 928 to replace fuel lines for you.

Congrats!

[chaoul1]

I have like 5-6 pictures on my iPhone 4S. What's the best way to post them up on here?


Yes it's a true 17k mile car. It's a 1988 928. I'm getting it for $2,000. Lol probably less haha. One problem....the original owner abandoned it at my dads friends shop and has been there for 4 years. He said I have to apply for an abandoned title or something. My dad likes the idea, but I need the Cooler Lines. Anyone know the generic term for Cooler Lines? Maybe Transmission Line Cooler? lol

[chaoul1]

[chaoul1]

Yes it is touching the bumper....but hopefully it isn't too bad!!!!!

The dashboard is cracking a little bit. I only saw 2-3 cracks. the interior needs some work. I can easily fix up the paint and make it pop again.

[chaoul1]

Originally Posted by MPDano

An S4 with 17K and your only 19. Sweeeeet! I'm curious what the Inspection in 2007 made it sit? What price did you settle at? Also, does this include that work that will be done on it by the shop?

Pics are a must. Post up Interior, Exterior and Engine.

Welcome to the Board!!

he said I have to find the part my self...and I think he's get someone to install it. But it's the part we need that he can't find.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by chaoul1

he said I have to find the part my self...and I think he's get someone to install it. But it's the part we need that he can't find.

Easy, give Tom at 928 Intl an email or call. They got used as well as new. All that stuff you named is minor. I am going to go with "there's more issues there than what is being told."

Under 2K, you can't go wrong either way.

[chaoul1]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Easy, give Tom at 928 Intl an email or call. They got used as well as new. All that stuff you named is minor. I am going to go with "there's more issues there than what is being told."

Under 2K, you can't go wrong either way.

I really don't know anything else. I didn't go in it or anything. It mainly needs Fresh gas and a Battery. I will need the Cooler Lines. I want it driveable! I'll call Tom, but where is his number?

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by chaoul1

I really don't know anything else. I didn't go in it or anything. It mainly needs Fresh gas and a Battery. I will need the Cooler Lines. I want it driveable! I'll call Tom, but where is his number?

928 International |Porsche 928 Parts | New, Used and Rebuilt

[chaoul1]

Thanks! i'll give him a call on Monday.

[Danglerb]

Best of luck, looks like an incredible find, but I suspect the odometer is not correct and needed repairs substantial. A 17k mile 88 S4 is worth $15k to $25k, easy, and any 928 that is parked for years is going to need some serious cash infusion. Not a few hundred, but a few thousand to make it a safe car, and a good bit more to make it drive like a Porsche.

First thing it needs, and with all due respect to the seller, is a experienced 928 mechanic. Not a good mechanic, or a Porsche mechanic, or a good Porsche mechanic, but an expert 928 mechanic, and it needs a full inspection including thrust bearing issues, and this is BEFORE you try to start or drive it.

Post your general location and we can help you find someone.

[chaoul1]

I'm in Northern Virginia.

[MPDano]

#1 is a Fuel Tank Drop, replace all the fuel lines in the tank area and also the one up front in the engine compartments. BEFORE an attempt to turn it over.

#2 Crank end play/Thrust bearing check

#3 no history on Water Pump and Timing Belt, then they MUST be replaced. 32 valve is Interference and if that belt goes, so does your wallet.

#4 Get that Tranny Cooler hoses "if" that's what it really needs.

BTW, 928 Intl has a 50% off discount on all used parts. Get your parts needs in order before the months up.

[Danglerb]

Allow a day or so for people in your area to respond, holiday weekend and all.

Its almost certainly going to take a few thousand to sort this car out, but don't get spooked, its valuable even if the worst things are wrong with it. When new this was the top of the line Porsche and the fastest production car in the world, its well worth the cost of putting it back on the road.

Maybe the best start is with the paperwork. I don't know Virginia law, here there is a process where the shop has to hold a lien sale, including notification of the owner. Do a carfax, and get the ball rolling towards legal title. No point in putting in work of any kind into until you are certain its yours.

Once you have a VIN we can look up option codes and things for you as well.

[harborman]

Just wondering why a car with 17K miles was left outside bumped up against other cars. The car should be like brand new. How about some motor pictures.

[chaoul1]

I'll call Tom on Monday. I'm going to get the VIN Number and some more info. I'll take some more pictures on Tuesday. Let's see if I can get the ball rolling.

I'll get some engine pictures too for you guys!

[harborman]

Originally Posted by chaoul1

I'll call Tom on Monday. I'm going to get the VIN Number and some more info. I'll take some more pictures on Tuesday. Let's see if I can get the ball rolling.

I'll get some engine pictures too for you guys!

I think you really need to do your homework on this. Just look at the other car posted yesterday for $12,500. It had maybe 46K miles and look how clean it is! You need to verify the condition and documentation on the one you are interested in. Good luck with it.

[chaoul1]

I'm going to get the VIN Number. If I buy it, it's still not technically mine.So I want to see if the owner is still in the area or something. I'll do a Carfax. to make sure it isn't salvaged. I'm also going to check up on the VIN number and make sure it isn't stolen or anything. The body isn't the issue, I can get that cleaned up with no problem.