928 1983 vs 928 1986

[juanca]

Hi guys, I am about to buy a 928 , seller has 2, one 1983 and one 1986, one has 4.6 engine and the other has 5 lit engine, both have aprox. 80k and both are very well maintained ....my question is which one to buy, could any of you tell me if one of those is a better option due to the engine or just because the history say one is better that the other or maybe one is worst to maintain than the other
thank you .....

[Alan in AZ]

It depends what you want.

At the same mileage newer is newer! since you didn't mention it I assume both are auto trans cars?

The '86 has an updated (better) 4 speed auto trans, and also has 32 valve engine (vs 16) & switch to LH/EZF ECUs - more modern type but also rather more complicated.

'86 has better brakes and standard ABS, a better alternator, later style seats, remote hatch release, updated central warning & central locking. Note that some of the early '86 cars (up through 92GS60999) don't have the upgraded brakes/standard ABS - so you should check the VIN.

The '83 is probably a little easier & slightly cheaper to maintain, the '86 is a more modern car under the skin (already has many of the non-body features of the '87-'91 S4 generation) but they both look ~the same outside.

I think most here would say the '86 is the better car - as described it will be worth more - assuming color is not a distraction.

Alan

[juanca]

Alan, good answer and very helpful, thank you ...

[Landseer]

83 has the same 4-speed auto, first year for it.

32v engine in 86 is smooth but a half order of magnitude more complicated, plus interference. Bodies are basically identical.

No real preference for early versus later electrical panel. For me, 83 all day long.

83 all day long for me.

[Alan in AZ]

OK I thought '84 was the first year for the 4 speed auto - my mistake.

I still think most would pick the '86 - moreso if it's a later '86 (sometimes called "'86.5" though I believe it was well more than 1/2 by numbers), but it is for sure a more complex car and an interference engine, not such a big deal if it is (and you keep it) well maintained. I do much prefer the later CE (fuse/relay) panel since it was mentioned - fuses are much better - but agree few would care about this - either is generally adequate to the task.

Alan

[Dadddio]

Buy them both.

[juanca]

Honestly, I don't know what to do......

black is 86.5
red 1s 84

[SanDiego928]

Buy 86.5 if you can have only 1.

[juanca]

bad news, I just found out that the 96 black , has no records of timing belt change...
the red has all records..... ;-)

[juanca]

sorry its 1986 not 96 ...

[juanca]

sorry guys, is it simple to check the timing belt to see if it needs to be changed...? if it needs how much aprox will be this expense..?
tks

[Mrmerlin]

find out the serial number of the 86 if the last 4 numbers are over 1000 then its an 86.5 ,
this would indicate big brakes and the later S4 suspension a much better car then the 83,
plus it will have newer shocks if they are still original .

it doesnt really matter when the T belt was done,
the 86 is a better car IMHO way faster and better brakes and ABS and if its an 86.5 then thats way better than the 86

[JK McDonald]

Hey Juanca, As far as advice on which car to buy Alan and Mrmerlin nailed it. If you're lucky enough to have stumbled up on an 86.5 - that would be a nice bonus.

Michael

[hbueno]

If the timing belt breaks on the 86 the resulting engine repair is expensive. If it breaks on the 83, replace the belt and you're good to go. Are they both automatics? If yes, I personally wouldn't buy either one - I prefer manuals on my sporty cars. If you're into automatics, either one is fine.

How are the interiors? Are there cracks in the dash? Seat bolsters in good shape? Do all electrical functions work properly? Radio? AC working?

As you can see from my signature, I own an 84. It's not as powerful as the later rmodels, but it's powerful enough for me. A back to back test drive of each car might help you make a decision.

Hugo

[Alan in AZ]

On the timing belt - there is no visual check that tells you its OK - the only path absent definitive maintenance details (of how old and how many miles are on it) is to change it ASAP - or make the purchase contingent on a belt change at a local specialist before delivery to you.

All '86 & newer cars are interference engines - this is not a serious worry if the belt maintenance is kept up to date.

Alan

[AirtekHVAC]

I'm on board with buying both! Gets my vote!

[harborman]

Buy the cleanest, best maintained, best shape, car you can! Have it checked by someone who knows the 928. Hopefully a car with good maintenance and records.

[bureau13]

Pretty significant power difference, no? 230 or so vs 288?

[Danglerb]

LOTS more information needed, mostly what are your plans for the car?

What sort of driving do you have in mind?

Unless the price is crazy low, any 928 should be inspected by an independent mechanic expert in the 928. If the price is crazy low, don't let that sway you, no 928 is inexpensive to own, so do not buy it with the idea that purchase price is great.

Lots of talk about timing belt, which costs about $35 and is just one tiny element in a routine service closer to $2k depending on what else needs changing.

That said for myself, I have no interest in a 928 auto, too boring, but not a bad choice if how it looks is the prime factor, not aggressive driving.

[juanca]

tks for you help guys, I have decided to go for the 84 red automatic because the owner has it for the last 12 years and he has all records , the car is in showroom condition, I already bought my ticket to fly tomorrow to see it, but I trust this old man because he has all records, he said a year ago he has serviced the car and they mentioned no need for timing belt, in this year after the service he only put 200 mile on the car...........the black one even that look very well, the owner does not know when was the timing belt changed and has no records of any thing.
I hope I took the best decision.....tks