928 values

[Paul LeFevre]

What is the thoughts on the future values of a 928? Is it just me or others that think that for 10-15 grand it is a fair price for something that is fun to cruise in and see price appreciation in the next 5 to ten years? I think an 88 to 90 is under valued. I understand the maintenance costs, but I can maintain most of it myself. Just an occasional car. Thanks in advance, Paul

[SilberUrS6]

The collector market for this car is pretty low. They are great GT cars, for sure. I'd LOVE to have one. But I would not, in any way, count on any of them appreciating in value over time, except for the most limited-edition and rare of them, and even then, I wouldn't bet on it.

I think the mid-teens gets you a pretty nice 928 these days.

[Nick Triesch]

Several years ago Road&Track did a used car classic on both the 944 and the 928. They came away at the end of the article saying that the 928 while being a very fun and fast car was just rolling obsolescence along with the 944. Reason being these cars were so expensive to repair that most of the time an engine rebuild for example would cost far more than the car was worth, Just not a smart thing to buy. I also remember 25 years ago we had a very respected mechanic named Dieter owner of Dieter's Porsche shop in San Diego and he told me that the 928 was a nightmare to work on. Very difficult. Road&Track also talked about the 944. They said the motor was really the 928 motor cut in half. So many of the same problems were still there. Like if a timing belt broke it could mean instant history for the engine. A clash of the pistons and the valves. In fact, I know someone in my neighborhood that this happened to. The motor was toast! On the other hand, there is nothing more pretty that a dark blue 928.. My Wife ticked me off years ago when I pointed a nice one out to her and she said it looked like a squished Pacer! I never forgave her for that.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

My Wife ticked me off years ago when I pointed a nice one out to her and she said it looked like a squished Pacer! I never forgave her for that.

Ouch. That's a terrible thing to say. I think it looks more like Gremlin on steroids.

[hbueno]

If fhe Hagerty valuation guide is to be believed, values are going up.

Hugo

[speeder]

The most desirable models in collector condition have been worth bucks for some time, a LOT more than $15-20k. For the others, especially in less than great condition, they are paper weights.

[black_falcon]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

Several years ago Road&Track did a used car classic on both the 944 and the 928. They came away at the end of the article saying that the 928 while being a very fun and fast car was just rolling obsolescence along with the 944. Reason being these cars were so expensive to repair

Of course they are expensive to repair, these were like $50,000 cars back in the 1980's and built to the highest engineering standards of the day. What do people expect?

I look at (justify) the 924/928/944/968 lineup a little differently. It's the chance to own an excellent car without having to invest much money to purchase or worry about depreciation, just the maintenance costs. Some people would rather drop 30k on a new car, maybe lose half the value in depreciation, just to feel better about not having to replace a $1500 timing belt or clutch.

I've averaged about $1000/yr over the past 11 years to keep my 944 mostly tip-top. It's very reliable and remarkably well built. Funny thing is.. after owning a Boxster and 964 this year, I figured the 944 would feel like a little junker, but it easily holds its own, excelling in areas where the others lack, and vise versa. I really can't say one is better than the other, they're just all vastly different and fit their intended roles very well.

[bh912e]

I have seen values going up on 32 valve cars.

[mattC2993]

I've never talked to anybody that wants one.

[NYNick]

One of the best looking cars ever produced by the marque..IMHO. Truly ahead of its time.
Do I want one? Yes!
Will I buy one? No!
There are better, more reliable Porsches to own out there.

[Matt Monson]

The most desirable models in collector condition have been worth bucks for some time, a LOT more than $15-20k. For the others, especially in less than great condition, they are paper weights.

This. I've seen some late production GTS variants offered for close to six figures.

[christiandk]

Cant really beat the rear of the pre 87 cars. It is so space age 80s cool.

It it was not for the Danish taxes and Euro gas prices an 86 model with manual tranny would be my daily driver.

Being a major fan of mr Cruise does not make me think less of the 28 either.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IlW7G3l4gX8

[Nick Triesch]

I love the 928 but the bottom line is that there are hundreds of them listed for sale on Craig's list all across America for $5-$7000. And a rebuild on them is now close to $20,000. And your average Porsche owner cannot do the rebuild on them. Sorry to say they are just a very pretty boat anchor with an air conditioned glove box. If I owned one and the motor died it would become a really cool planter full of geraniums. But I would keep it waxed!!!

[kennykimk2]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

Several years ago Road&Track did a used car classic on both the 944 and the 928. They came away at the end of the article saying that the 928 while being a very fun and fast car was just rolling obsolescence along with the 944. Reason being these cars were so expensive to repair that most of the time an engine rebuild for example would cost far more than the car was worth, Just not a smart thing to buy. I also remember 25 years ago we had a very respected mechanic named Dieter owner of Dieter's Porsche shop in San Diego and he told me that the 928 was a nightmare to work on. Very difficult. Road&Track also talked about the 944. They said the motor was really the 928 motor cut in half. So many of the same problems were still there. Like if a timing belt broke it could mean instant history for the engine. A clash of the pistons and the valves. In fact, I know someone in my neighborhood that this happened to. The motor was toast! On the other hand, there is nothing more pretty that a dark blue 928.. My Wife ticked me off years ago when I pointed a nice one out to her and she said it looked like a squished Pacer! I never forgave her for that.

Maybe you and your wife saw my wife's 928. We painted to 997's midnight blue.
I think if drive well maintained 928, many of you or some of you might change your mind.

I think they are great cars. I am sure clean and well maintained cars will go up in values. How much is the uncertain.

Several cars from the 90's and early 2000's have similar design of the 928. Lexus SC 400 is one of them.

Glad to hear something other than 911 prices of winter vs. summer vs eBay vs dealer flips and etc.

[speeder]

They were fantastic driving cars, especially the later 32-valve ones with more power. Manual transmissions were somewhat rare but it was a great gearbox if you found one.

When the 928 was designed in the mid-'70s, it was suppose to replace the 911. Porsche thought about killing off the 911 many times in those days.

Obviously, that didn't happen. The 928 was a great GT car, though, so unlike a 911 yet so completely Porsche, IMO. The handling and road manners were unbelievably good, state-of-the-art ABS brakes and other safety features at the time. I always thought they were extra cool because they did not sell in big numbers, I can't stand driving a common car.

They were also designed for affluent enthusiasts who could afford the maintainance, not DIYers 20-30 years down the line, unfortunately.

[Tim Hanson]

I had a 78 5 speed... Fun, fast car..blk/blk. Bought used for 5 grand. Would love a GTS.

From wiki...

Model Model years Numbers made
928 1978-82 17669
928 S. 1980-83 8315
928 S/S2 1984-86 14347
928 S4 1987-91 15682
928 CS 1988-89½ 19
928 SE 1988. 42
928 GT 1989½-91 2078
928 GTS 1992-95. 2904
Total 1978-95 61056

Tim H

[hbueno]

Originally Posted by speeder

They were also designed for affluent enthusiasts who could afford the maintainance, not DIYers 20-30 years down the line, unfortunately.

You may want to visit the 928 forums here and on Rennlist. There's plenty of DIY going on with 928's. I actually find it a bit easier to work on compared to my 911, at least you can see stuff in the engine compartment.

I'm glad 928's are not too expensive, that's how I was able to buy one. It's a fantastic car. Enthusiasts should always pray for prices to stay down.

Hugo

[lowpassat]

I've made this analogy before and it bears repeating here......

If you see a 911 for sale that's had an upper engine rebuild, piles of receipts, the general consensus seem to be "Wow that's a well taken care of car that's had all the issues taken care of!"

You see a 928 in the same condition with a pile of receipts the general consensus is "Man, those things are money pits!".

Perception is reality.

I recently bought a low mileage 83 928s 5 speed with 62,000 original miles, owned by the same gentleman since 1985, documented miles, all the paperwork and goodies you would want, best car purchase I have ever made. I don't care if the value goes up or down.

[christiandk]

Originally Posted by lowpassat

I've made this analogy before and it bears repeating here......

If you see a 911 for sale that's had an upper engine rebuild, piles of receipts, the general consensus seem to be "Wow that's a well taken care of car that's had all the issues taken care of!"

You see a 928 in the same condition with a pile of receipts the general consensus is "Man, those things are money pits!".

Perception is reality.

I recently bought a low mileage 83 928s 5 speed with 62,000 original miles, owned by the same gentleman since 1985, documented miles, all the paperwork and goodies you would want, best car purchase I have ever made. I don't care if the value goes up or down.

Pics please, what did you pay, if I may be so bold to ask?

[speeder]

You make an excellent point about 911 vs. 928 repairs and service records. Neither car does well without proper, (and expensive), maintainance and both are tough cars if maintained.

There may still be an argument that 928s cost more to maintain but good point, none the less.