1983 Porsche 928 changes

Lord_Naomasa · 06-25-2008, 09:32 PM

I have been looking at a 1983 928 and have been wondering if this is a good year for a 928. I know the 944 changed greatly and for much better in 1985. Anyway, is this a good year for the 928, is it a reliable year and just a good year in general for it? Thanks!

Danglerb · 06-25-2008, 10:16 PM

I've got an 83 US 5 spd 928S, and a 85 Euro 5 spd.

The 928 doesn't have good and bad years, they have different, and its all about what you like. Generally the purist examples of the design are early cars, the most luxurious and powerful the newest.

IMHO anytime you find a really nice 928 that you can afford you should buy it. Really nice trumps year issues.

For some AT vs 5 spc is critical, or 32v vs 16v, it just depends on what you personally are looking to get out of it.

Lord_Naomasa · 06-25-2008, 10:25 PM

Its in almost flawless condition with a few small wear and tears here and there, nothing major, just a few small things. He is asking 9,500 for it, sound reasonable?

Danglerb · 06-25-2008, 11:08 PM

Its a big mistake to look at a 928 price first. It has to be the ONE you want, then consider the price and market.

*******

$9500 for an 83 is about triple what most sell for, a car in the condition to support the price would be a very rare find many would jump on instantly.

Things I would expect to see for the price.

Original paint with no issues requiring more than detailing and touchup.
Low mileage, no more than 50k miles, 75k tops.
No damage to the interior, wear but not tear, no cracks, no warping, proper channels in the seats.
Everything works fine, no it just needs this or that, and not a lot of work just done.
Full service history.
Clean PPI by someone that knows the 928 well and isn't involved in the sale.

Lord_Naomasa · 06-26-2008, 10:45 AM

This is what the ad says:

Offered here for your consideration is one 1983 Porsche 928 in truly exceptional condition with only 100,700 miles!! This rust-free blue license plate always California car features the quite rare and very desireable 5 speed manual transmission mated to the 4.7 liter V8 engine, newer very high-quality base/clearcoat paint, two sets of wheels & ALL SERVICE records since new! This pristine, absolutely near-flawless example features the factory electric sunroof, black leather interior, updated CD stereo, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and Porsche carpet mats. It is being sold with a choice of EITHER set of the 15" factory alloy wheels OR the upgraded 17" 911 TURBO set. You may also get both sets for an additional $595. This is a great opportunity to own a stunning touring Porsche for a fraction of the price of a newer one.

Danglerb · 06-26-2008, 11:16 AM

I would look at it if it was local, but with a hard eye. Seems much more a $3k to $4k maybe car.

Sounds like a dealer ad, seller at least does not seem like a long time owner. The factory wheels shown are 16", and from the pictures it looks like an average car with a dealer style detail which is VERY bad. The engine looks steam cleaned, and that wreaks havoc on the 928's weakest point, the wiring and connectors. Not one repaint in a 100 is even half a good as factory paint, so thats also a major strike against it.

Car is Calif, but its early life was in Lancaster (high desert).

Not sure I would bother with a carfax if the price is remotely firm.

Lord_Naomasa · 06-26-2008, 11:32 AM

Ok, thanks for the help. I have been wanting a 928 for a while but I guess I have to wait for now. Where would be a good place to look for one? Ebay? Any other places?

Danglerb · 06-26-2008, 11:41 AM

The best cars come from long time owners, so here, rennlist, PCA, and POCA. Go to local events and talk to owners, put the word out about what you want, and be REAL patient, but ready to pounce with the cash when the right car shows up.

BTW shark hunting is its own topic.

Lord_Naomasa · 06-26-2008, 11:57 AM

haha, thanks ^_^

SeanR · 06-27-2008, 06:41 PM

I must have missed the asking price on this car, but from the pictures it does not look that bad.

On the engine, I notice that the wires look fairly new, not OEM, but new. It's missing a strap to the air box, minor issue. And it does look very clean. It also looks to have an aluminum radiator, which is not cheap. Some work has been done to this car and it would appear from pictures, to have been pretty well kept. Need more detailed pics.

The inside doesn't look in too bad of shape either.

Body looks great, sans rub strips.

Ok, just saw the $9300, a bit high for a middle mileage car, but I hope they get it. If the rest of the car looks as good as the pictures, then it might be a good buy at $7-8k.