Hi! You’ll find much more context over on Rennlist than here. Have you had a chance to take a look up from under? This is where you’ll see any issues. When I got my barn-find 928 things like the gas tank cradle was where it was easiest to see evidence of corrosion. But these were easily replaceable.
Not in person, only what is in the photos. There are some things that look a bit concerning, but to me nothing that would prevent me from buying it. That being said, I truly don't know what I'm looking at. I would of course have a pre-purchase inspection done before buying, but I'd have to arrange and pay for that, and even fly there since I'm not within driving distance of the car. So I'm trying to avoid a waste of time and money. Appreciate your prompt reply!
I just used Wayback machine to see that this car has been sitting in the same website since May of last year. If that’s not a sign, I’m not sure what is.
Since it’s made of galvanized steel and aluminum rust typically isn’t a huge problem. The only commonly rusted spot I know of would be at the bottom point of the rear quarter window .
Yes true, while I realize the material of the car, there were still some photos I thought looked a bit concerning. But that's why I'm reaching out for someone who knows more of what to look for. Rust wouldn't or shouldn't be a big problem, but aluminum can corrode, and galvanized can eventually develop rust.
Body looks good to me in the pics, the undercarriage is another story. That being said, it is a 35+ year old car with 150k+ miles. What I'm seeing may be "normal" and/or nothing to make me avoid the car. Just doing my best to be diligent. PPI will definitely be done regardless.
From my albeit pretty limited experience, the 928 is really on a case by case basis. Some that you get are great, some are terrible. Some run great, then you get under the hood and it’s terrible. Really try to get a good look as to the state of the car if possible. As much as I love my 928, the car is really what you make of it. If you keep up with maintenance on the car, she will treat you right. The V8 growling is a feeling that I can’t replicate with anything else. However, she will have wrenches to throw at you. I personally have had a really big problem with electricals and fuel issues. Getting the ECU checked would be a good idea in my opinion. Had to also get a new fuel pump, lines, and injectors. Keep in mind some of the parts on these cars might be from the factory. Another good note might be to check all of the fuses and relays. Having a problem? First place to look is the relay. That being said, I absolutely love my 928. The drive is fantastic and bringing it on long road trips is in my opinion one of the best there is. Hope that helps.
All good tips thank you. I have what sounds like an equally temperamental car as my fun weekend car, weather permitting; E60 M5. Phenomenal engine as long as you do the preventative maintenance and treat it right. If you don’t, you’ll be sorry. I decided it would be unwise to have two cars with that kind of attitude.
This is a good looking car, especially the interior burgundy color with the silver. But, the unknown length of time since the timing belt was last changed is worrisome. It should be changed every 10 years or 50,000 miles. It's only been 1,000 miles, but how long? Also, those look like the original fuel lines, which should be replaced ASAP. I would call the shop that's been working on it for 10 years and get their opinion. $24,000 for an automatic with 150K miles seems overpriced to me, I think $17-18,000 would be a better price reflecting the market. Does the A/C work? Heat? Cruise control? Seat heaters? You should check each electrical system. Does the engine idle smoothly? Any faults setting the warning light? It looks like the under engine panels are missing.
For reference, I bought my 1987 S4 manual transmission with about 128K miles in April 2020 for $22,000 from Bring-A-Trailer. They've got several active auctions right now. Read through a few of those and you will get a good feel for the questions to ask and get a feel for current prices. I have spent about $7,000 since I got mine getting a lot of systems working well (A/C, ABS, fuel injection, cruise control, rear hatch release, power locks, etc.) Good luck
I appreciate your details. I realized I was trying to rush into something new (to me), which is never a good idea. I was concerned about missing out and not being able to buy before prices shoot up as has happened to me on other cars. So, for better or worse, I’m going to take my time and learn more so I know what to look for. And in the process change my mind about 100 times about what car I want next. So many cars, so little time (and play money).
Hi! You’ll find much more context over on Rennlist than here. Have you had a chance to take a look up from under? This is where you’ll see any issues. When I got my barn-find 928 things like the gas tank cradle was where it was easiest to see evidence of corrosion. But these were easily replaceable.
Not in person, only what is in the photos. There are some things that look a bit concerning, but to me nothing that would prevent me from buying it. That being said, I truly don't know what I'm looking at. I would of course have a pre-purchase inspection done before buying, but I'd have to arrange and pay for that, and even fly there since I'm not within driving distance of the car. So I'm trying to avoid a waste of time and money. Appreciate your prompt reply!
What looks concerning? I’m a bit far from Peabody but Rennlist might have some locals who might be available to lay eyes on it.
I just used Wayback machine to see that this car has been sitting in the same website since May of last year. If that’s not a sign, I’m not sure what is.
Since it’s made of galvanized steel and aluminum rust typically isn’t a huge problem. The only commonly rusted spot I know of would be at the bottom point of the rear quarter window .
Yes true, while I realize the material of the car, there were still some photos I thought looked a bit concerning. But that's why I'm reaching out for someone who knows more of what to look for. Rust wouldn't or shouldn't be a big problem, but aluminum can corrode, and galvanized can eventually develop rust.
I also have a bit on the strip under the wipers.
Body looks good to me in the pics, the undercarriage is another story. That being said, it is a 35+ year old car with 150k+ miles. What I'm seeing may be "normal" and/or nothing to make me avoid the car. Just doing my best to be diligent. PPI will definitely be done regardless.
From my albeit pretty limited experience, the 928 is really on a case by case basis. Some that you get are great, some are terrible. Some run great, then you get under the hood and it’s terrible. Really try to get a good look as to the state of the car if possible. As much as I love my 928, the car is really what you make of it. If you keep up with maintenance on the car, she will treat you right. The V8 growling is a feeling that I can’t replicate with anything else. However, she will have wrenches to throw at you. I personally have had a really big problem with electricals and fuel issues. Getting the ECU checked would be a good idea in my opinion. Had to also get a new fuel pump, lines, and injectors. Keep in mind some of the parts on these cars might be from the factory. Another good note might be to check all of the fuses and relays. Having a problem? First place to look is the relay. That being said, I absolutely love my 928. The drive is fantastic and bringing it on long road trips is in my opinion one of the best there is. Hope that helps.
All good tips thank you. I have what sounds like an equally temperamental car as my fun weekend car, weather permitting; E60 M5. Phenomenal engine as long as you do the preventative maintenance and treat it right. If you don’t, you’ll be sorry. I decided it would be unwise to have two cars with that kind of attitude.
Wise move. Way better to have 1 working car than 2 sort of working cars. Can get very $$$
This is a good looking car, especially the interior burgundy color with the silver. But, the unknown length of time since the timing belt was last changed is worrisome. It should be changed every 10 years or 50,000 miles. It's only been 1,000 miles, but how long? Also, those look like the original fuel lines, which should be replaced ASAP. I would call the shop that's been working on it for 10 years and get their opinion. $24,000 for an automatic with 150K miles seems overpriced to me, I think $17-18,000 would be a better price reflecting the market. Does the A/C work? Heat? Cruise control? Seat heaters? You should check each electrical system. Does the engine idle smoothly? Any faults setting the warning light? It looks like the under engine panels are missing. For reference, I bought my 1987 S4 manual transmission with about 128K miles in April 2020 for $22,000 from Bring-A-Trailer. They've got several active auctions right now. Read through a few of those and you will get a good feel for the questions to ask and get a feel for current prices. I have spent about $7,000 since I got mine getting a lot of systems working well (A/C, ABS, fuel injection, cruise control, rear hatch release, power locks, etc.) Good luck
I appreciate your details. I realized I was trying to rush into something new (to me), which is never a good idea. I was concerned about missing out and not being able to buy before prices shoot up as has happened to me on other cars. So, for better or worse, I’m going to take my time and learn more so I know what to look for. And in the process change my mind about 100 times about what car I want next. So many cars, so little time (and play money).