Oilcan,
It really all depends on how submersed into your "hobby" you are willing to go. These cars seem like spaceships when you first dive into them and are completely different from anything else you will ever work on.
That said....What a wonderful-frustrating-head rubbing high!
I bought my '79 non-runner about six months ago and dove in with both hands...determined that it would not beat me.
the one thing I had going for me was this forum and you will have this wealth of knowledge as well. (if something stumps you, put it out there and someone here will have gone through the same thing...space ship...remember.
I have seen a few in my local area from $3500 to $11,000 that are "running" and "driveable" and a few of them have made me rethink my decision on my non-runner...but in the end...I have fallen in love with the challenge and would not trade mine for any of these. (I wouldn't have had even $3500 to begin with...although I have almost reached that amount over the six months.)
I just drove mine on a 45 mile highway trip and returned with a smile on my face knowing that I got her running.
I realize that turning wrenches is not for everyone, but a true 928 owner needs to know how they work. I have had a number of people that have watched me through the process tell me that "not only do you own a Porsche 928, but you can carry the tool bag with you as well." Generalized quotes of course.
Bottom line; If you have the bug, get one and dive into the mystery...I haven't heard of a single person that regreted it. If you have the money, spend what you can up front to get one with fewer problems...the less up front the better...but know that you will have issues regardless and the thing that scares Tom, Dick and Harry away is to have to send it to a mechanic for the solution.
Do what I did...buy a non runner and get her going. Nothing scares you after that. Just remember to thank all these guys on this forum for getting you through the rough stuff.
I would do it again, but don't have to yet.
Cheers
