Possible buy? 928 details. Help.

[buck16]

Really looking for a Porsche here in my apparent middle age crisis. LOL. Anyway, craving a 928 or 944 for sentimental reasons.

Here are details on a 928 I found. Prob passing but any help here would be appreciated ...

1985 Porsche 928. Automatic.
Odometer reads approx 102K. Supposedly went out 10K miles ago. No way of gauging that's true w/o records.
Paint job ... but it looks good.
Carpeting OK.
Inside of door on right side is warped.
Sun roof, windows, working.

Probs:
No records.
Did pass last inspection.
Rear wiper not working.
Front wiper water spouts not working or installed.
No front spoiler.
Seats pretty beat. Few big tears.
Horn wasn't working. Fuse replaced. Supposedly fixed now.
Alarm not working.
Gas gauge not working but low gas light does come on.

I drove it. Thought it would be faster than it was. Guy says I didn't really floor it. But my Hyundia Santa Fe seemed to have better pick up. Maybe I'm just crazy.

Current owners says it's a really good running Porsche. Of course, he is the owner and trying to sell.

Supposedly, timing belt was last adjusted or changed 10-15K ago. Again, no records to prove that.

Thoughts?

Board was recommended. Thanks, DanglerB!

[artikulieren]

Sounds like a $1200-$1500 car, that's the most I would pay for it with a gun to my head. With what little you've listed it it gave me shivers of fear. My rule of thumb with t-belts is if there is no proof (paperwork) that it has been done it may as well haven't been. Also, as important as this service is who in fact did it... If some local grease monkeys at Midas did this service I wouldn't trust it for a second, esp. on a 32v engine (or any other)!


Frankly to me it sounds like a bit of a dog, I would run for the high hills from this one- especially if you haven't had experience with a vintage European car- much less a 928. A wrecked interior, electrical gremlins, cosmetic problems galore, weak performance, no history... sounds like YEARS of severe neglect. And remember you don't have that Hyundai 100k warrantee (I like how this board's spell check doesn't recognize that word, funny coincidence!) to fall back on, just a neverending stream of dollars out of your wallet and hours of your time.

edit: forgot the inop odometer, YIKES! nightmare car.

[m21sniper]

An 85 US A/T is a 288hp car...it should be waaaay faster than a Hyundai santa fe.

[Danglerb]

Just a few notes, but it does not sound like a $3800 928. An 85 AT in nice condition, with good interior and no issues can be found for $3k to $5k, this one could be $10k away from that.

If you don't floor an AT it doesn't "kick down" so it runs in economy mode shifting early etc. Find a safe road and just floor it to about 75 mph or where ever it shifts into third.

The main problem with repainted cars is that the rubber parts that should be removed and replaced with new parts costs about $3200. When those parts aren't removed the area at and around the rubber is not properly prepped, sanded, or painted and after a year or two starts to flake or peel. Look for a paint line on or near edge of the rubber, sometimes just under the edge of the rubber. Recent paint, like less than a year or so old is TERRIBLE news, since you really can't tell how it will look even a few months later.

Check all the items yourself, make sure the sun roof fully opens and closes smoothly, lights, fan, windows, seat buttons, etc. all work and work well.

No records means no clue on true mileage.

Run both a Carfax and autocheck, see how many owners, and how long the last owner has had the car. Sounds like this owner hasn't fixed anything, which is a big red flag.

[Dean_Fuller]

What kind of money are you prepared to spend??? A $4000 deal may be $12000 away from being a $7000 dollar car.

There are plenty of good cars for sale if you just shop and be patient....I would be more interested in ...

1) At least SOME records.

2) paint either nice or done right...$$$$ to fix.

3) interior...seats, dash, etc...$$$$ to fix.

4) Overall condition more important than miles. I've seen 170000 mile cars that you could drive anywhere without worry and some 50000 mile cars that you can't.

5) Without records a later car will need a TB, WP change ASAP.

6) If you can turn a wrench...the motor is not bad to work on. As long as you have good compression other things can be fixed reasonably easy. ( I enjoy working on mine...its part of the stress relieving process. )

7) Auto or 5 speed to me doesn't really matter. In fact as I get older the auto is nice...plus the autos are the best deal when considering price.

8) electrics are sometimes tough to figure out but again its doable with help and the internet.

As always...BUY the nicest example you can afford!!! Its ALWAYS cheaper in the long run...ALWAYS!!! And NICE can be had at very reasonable prices too.

[rhjames]

you didn't say whether it's a US or Euro (ROW)......(?)

either way, as Sniper states, it should make you're Hyundai look really, really bad.....


one other item of concern:

if it's a US (32V 5.0L), you should also know if the tension on the thrust bearing has been adjusted (released). if not, you cold have thrust bearing failure lurking in the engine to be found at a later date......judging by your list of no documentation, I'd say not. this too, is troublesome.


If you are buying this one to part out, or make a track car, then possibly you may have a taker----but at a much lower price. if you have ideas about restoring it, as stated above....pass on this one.







--Russ

[DanielDudley]

If you are going to buy an older Porsche, read up, and find a local Porche mechanic or PCA member who can help you to evaluate potential purchases. A pre purchase inspection is a must, unless you know these cars well.

[Jim Bailey 928]

Are you looking for a car to drive ??? or a hobby project to consume hours and hours of your time and all your "spare" money ? Does spending a few hours cleaning the electrical ground points sound like a fun way to spend a Saturday ? Just trying to clarify what you see in your dream.....what part of owning a 928 appeals to you.

[jrl]

As a reference point, drive a very nice 928(s) to see what these cars can be. Much better to spend the money up front on a car that's been treated well. Good 944's are getting hard to find but are a lot of fun. Find a good one or two to test to see if that grabs you. The more you drive, read the forums, and learn, the better. Unless you're heavily into wrenching, a good 928-experienced shop in your area is invaluable.

[Danglerb]

The catch with driving a very nice 928 is that nothing less may make you happy afterwards. If you drive a few beaters and buy the best of the litter you could be happy for months before the quest for perfection sets in.