Need Help Please in buying this '87 S4

['71 911E Coupe]

Hi All,

I am new to the 928 world, but have owned a Porsche for a while now. I have a 71 911 E and I know that is a totally different animal than the 928. I have been doing a great deal of research on these cars and I can't believe how well built and powerful of a car they are. I don't think a lot of people know! But anyways I found this one at a dealer close to me.

They have it listed as a S, but it's an 87 S4. Looks to be maintained cosmetically very well, but I am concerned with the high mileage (160,000) and the CarFax report lists nothing about the timing belt being changed which I read is crucial on these 32V engine.

Just so everyone knows where I stand, I feel very comfortable working on big projects, and fixing issues myself, as that is what I have done on my 911 and other
vintage automobiles.

Please list any comments, concerns, advice, on anything including price about this vehicle. Any help is appreciated. I just want to be informed and ready to offer a fair price based off of things that are good/bad about the car.

Depending on what you guys think, I will determine to go see the car or not. Thank you!!

Selden Motors - 1987 Porsche 928 S - Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1987 PORSCHE 928S

[19psi]

$13,900 for a car with 160,000 miles!? Typical high end boutique car lot price. Unless that car comes with receipts showing all wear and tear items replaced, the price is insane.
There was recently a beautiful '87 S4 on Craigslist near me for around $8,000. It was all up on maintenance and had ~80K miles....although it was an automatic.

I would look at buying from an individual/928 enthusiast, and when you find something you like, get a pre-purchase inspection done.

This is what I'd expect for $13K
1989 Porsche 928 S4

Or this for far less
1988 Porsche 928 s4 for sale

['71 911E Coupe]

Originally Posted by 19psi

$13,900 for a car with 160,000 miles!? Typical high end boutique car lot price. Unless that car comes with receipts showing all wear and tear items replaced, the price is insane.
There was recently a beautiful '87 S4 on Craigslist near me for around $8,000. It was all up on maintenance and had ~80K miles....although it was an automatic.

I would look at buying from an individual/928 enthusiast, and when you find something you like, get a pre-purchase inspection done.

This is what I'd expect for $13K
1989 Porsche 928 S4

Or this for far less
1988 Porsche 928 s4 for sale

This is why I'm glad I asked here. Thank you for your insight. How much more should I expect to pay for a manual car over an automatic? I'm only interested in a 5-speed manual car.

[19psi]

5 speed in the later years is rare so sellers can demand a premium. I'd say up to 20% more if the clutch is fresh. Older models are plagued with syncro issues but that shouldn't be a problem with an S4. Another big plus is no engine thrust bearing issues with the manual trans cars.

[Danglerb]

Originally Posted by '71 911E Coupe

This is why I'm glad I asked here. Thank you for your insight. How much more should I expect to pay for a manual car over an automatic? I'm only interested in a 5-speed manual car.

Premium in buying vs auto, about $5k on a nice car, same for cost to fix it, so $5k to $10k total. Not so nice or high miles, less of a premium, all of the fixing.

In newer models about 15% to 20% were manual transmission, which suited the initial buyers fine. Now the number of buyers who want manuals is more like 35%, so automatics are still easier to sell, but manuals go at a premium.

['71 911E Coupe]

Thanks for all the info!

What would be a good price to offer for this one if they do not have any records on hand about the timing belt being replaced?

[Dean_Fuller]

Timing belt change will NOT show up on the CarFax....ever.

I would not be too afraid of the mileage.

Does he have records on previous maintenance?

[XLR8928]

I'm all in for a 5 spd., but.. 14k seems a bit steep

[Danglerb]

Why buy from a dealer? If you have some trouble with a 928 payments are a real pain on top of repair costs.

[soltino]

Originally Posted by Danglerb

Why buy from a dealer? If you have some trouble with a 928 payments are a real pain on top of repair costs.

Yes, you can get one free from a Private Party so you just have to worry about repair costs.

(-%

tino

[syoo8]

My '87 S4 was meticulously maintained, with all records, perfect factory leather dash, everything electrical worked, new windshield, etc. $10K.

160K miles is not a lot- Roger Tyson just bought a Euro with 500K miles- but the price is way too high. You can get a nice GT for that.

[Danglerb]

With rare exceptions buying a 928 from a dealer is BAD idea.

Generally you lose all history, any spare parts etc.
Dealers increase the price.
Dealers do things to hide damage, and get it running most owners would never do.

[Linderpat]

here is one that just popped up, and looks to be a really good find:
1985 PORSCHE 928S

[Dan951]

As other posters have shared that is way to much for a car with 160k. I would be shocked if the 1st to 2nd gear changes are even remotely smooth... As a guy who has worked on 928's for years and also owns two of them miles DO matter! Just to give you an idea of what a high mileage 928 costs to make right I bought a 85 928S at a used car dealer as a trade in for $2k back 2007. Fast forward 7 years and we have a little over $10k in parts and labor in this car. Most of it was parts as the only part we could not do was paint (cousin painted it for us). Now, the car is mechanically perfect and has been a great DD for us logging almost 40k miles on it since we bought it. But to put it simply these cars are not easy or cheap to work on! I also have a Aston Martin in my stable and 928 parts prices are very similar so take that into consideration. If it was me, I would buy from an enthusiast. Cars that are enthusiast owned are more than likely well cared for and most enthusiast's like myself enjoying work on our own cars. Good Luck and Happy Hunting! These are fantastic cars!

[gmendo]

Looks like the car sold. Did you buy it?