$60,000 In Repair Bills
03-11-2005, 09:55 PM
#31
I too spent a lot on my '80 928. In my case, I found out that some of the mechanical work was either poorly done or outright fraudulent. After 22K$ I parked it for a while. Consider that if you were able to drive your car, it might have been worth it. My conclusion was that if I have so much money to waste, then I need to also be looking toward real investment in my future. I also saw that it might be worth it to me to buy a better example of the car of my dreams. So I puchased an 89GT in excellent health, and had an excellent mechanic go over it with a fine tooth comb. In the case of my 80, I was advised that it had very little worth, yet I can't seem to part with it. It is destined to become my practice repair car, and ultimate beater. I just can't seem to hate the car, and since no mechanic has done it justice, I can't see how I could possibly do a worse job. I'm hoping the 89 will need maintaining and not restoring, and that exersise will keep it healthy. We'll see. In any case, I have come to the conclusion that even if the cars aren't worth it, I am. It has been a learning experience for sure, and if you want that late model Aston or Jag, you have by now figured out that you can have it. Not could have, can have. No could have should haves need apply. Life is short. My whole adult life I have been a good sensible boy who always did the ''RIGHT THING''. I never thought I would ever have a Porsche. So what else did I say never to that I really could if I wanted to?
03-11-2005, 10:14 PM
#32
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BC, many things look odd when cumulative over many years.
How many 100 lb bags of sugar have you consumed in 8 years?
How many pounds of dirt have you unknowingly ingested in 8 yrs?
How much money have you spent on beer in 8 yrs?
How many times has you wife roled her eyes at you in 8 yrs?
How many cc's of methane have you personally.... err... released in 8 yrs?
Cheers, and take it easy on the environment with all that methane of yours
Mike
How many 100 lb bags of sugar have you consumed in 8 years?
How many pounds of dirt have you unknowingly ingested in 8 yrs?
How much money have you spent on beer in 8 yrs?
How many times has you wife roled her eyes at you in 8 yrs?
How many cc's of methane have you personally.... err... released in 8 yrs?
Cheers, and take it easy on the environment with all that methane of yours
Mike
03-11-2005, 10:51 PM
#33
[/QUOTE]..........Or just keep mine, and when the time comes, just do what
Jeff is doing, and start from the ground up...
I think if I was going to go that far, I would just
build a kit car with a mid-engined setup.
A GT-40 replica, etc...
Hmmmmmm... What to do, what to do?[/QUOTE]
I agree totally, This started out as just a Gym ride. Iwas just going to fix it up to be acceptable driving condition and ddrive it into the ground. But I didnt know anything about them or what I had. As Time went by I started to realize that I was in possession of a nice little machine and found out (through here) that while it seems to be treated like a red headed stepchild (as far as suppliers go) It really is quite a loved car. My brother always liked them , he was two years younger then me and now dead but he freaked out when they came out. We were just kids and I wasnt to fond of the big tails on them. I thought they looked like a whale in the back, especially wiout a spoiler. But Meeting all of you guys and seeing the moral and pride you all have in your cars has really enforced how much I value this ride. That's why I figured "What the Fu(k" and just really did a thorough job in cleaning her up. I really dont even have that much money into it. Just a ton of hands on. I have four kids and I am not rich so believe me when I tell you hahah. I have less then 5 grand into it. The money isnt an issue though. If I hada bunch of it I'd doless work and spend more. I really love the car and feeling like a part of a cool club hahaha. Kind of like the "little rascals" hahaha I have other projects on the list too. 1st is a crazy chopper, then a 66 mustang, then a 70 transam. I even stopped a huge bike project. A 600 hp 6 sec. supercharged funnybike to do this. I feel like ......... Ok I got my porsche V8.........lets get it right and then I'll be good for the next project. I dont think I would have ever felt like this without having you guys around to shoot th **** and share knowlege so freely. You guys are great.
Jeff is doing, and start from the ground up...
I think if I was going to go that far, I would just
build a kit car with a mid-engined setup.
A GT-40 replica, etc...
Hmmmmmm... What to do, what to do?[/QUOTE]
I agree totally, This started out as just a Gym ride. Iwas just going to fix it up to be acceptable driving condition and ddrive it into the ground. But I didnt know anything about them or what I had. As Time went by I started to realize that I was in possession of a nice little machine and found out (through here) that while it seems to be treated like a red headed stepchild (as far as suppliers go) It really is quite a loved car. My brother always liked them , he was two years younger then me and now dead but he freaked out when they came out. We were just kids and I wasnt to fond of the big tails on them. I thought they looked like a whale in the back, especially wiout a spoiler. But Meeting all of you guys and seeing the moral and pride you all have in your cars has really enforced how much I value this ride. That's why I figured "What the Fu(k" and just really did a thorough job in cleaning her up. I really dont even have that much money into it. Just a ton of hands on. I have four kids and I am not rich so believe me when I tell you hahah. I have less then 5 grand into it. The money isnt an issue though. If I hada bunch of it I'd doless work and spend more. I really love the car and feeling like a part of a cool club hahaha. Kind of like the "little rascals" hahaha I have other projects on the list too. 1st is a crazy chopper, then a 66 mustang, then a 70 transam. I even stopped a huge bike project. A 600 hp 6 sec. supercharged funnybike to do this. I feel like ......... Ok I got my porsche V8.........lets get it right and then I'll be good for the next project. I dont think I would have ever felt like this without having you guys around to shoot th **** and share knowlege so freely. You guys are great.
03-11-2005, 11:46 PM
#34
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BC,
Sounds to me like you will spend that amount of money on ANY car, so at least you have done so on one you enjoy and is a wonderful car in itself.
I have a race car that I have spent quite a bit of money on, and even more time. I just keep reminding myself that I enjoy the process, and many people never have the same chance or get the level of enjoyment out of the work and money as I do.
Now, if you are struggling to pay your bills, then you might have a real problem
Sounds to me like you will spend that amount of money on ANY car, so at least you have done so on one you enjoy and is a wonderful car in itself.
I have a race car that I have spent quite a bit of money on, and even more time. I just keep reminding myself that I enjoy the process, and many people never have the same chance or get the level of enjoyment out of the work and money as I do.
Now, if you are struggling to pay your bills, then you might have a real problem
03-11-2005, 11:50 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by Jeff McVicar
I wasnt to fond of the big tails on them. I thought they looked like a whale in the back, especially wiout a spoiler.
But, you're right when you went on to say it's the 928 community that really makes this car something to care about.
03-12-2005, 12:13 AM
#36
Race Director
Is a 928 a cost effective way to go fast.....sometimes, but there are far cheaper ways to go fast...in a vastly inferior vehicle with far less style (except for maybe a Pantera).
When I went to the drag strip they gave me a hot-rod V8 style magazine...it had endless lists of "crate" style V8's....big power for not much money...400+hp 383's were around $4k...a factory brand new Corvette LS6 6.0L was $7k (also 400hp)....shoot a racing 572 inch big block was about $13K with 620hp! A 928 6.5L stroker is more than the 572 with far less power.... I wonder how much a 383 pushrod engine weighs?...its probably smaller and lighter than our V8.....but it doesn't matter....I can't ever see myself running anything other than a 928 V8 in the car....if I want a kit car I'll build or buy one!
On the same note, there really was not very many cars at the drag strip that were faster than mine....most were running similar or slower times....not bad at all for a 17 year old autobahn burner that was not designed for drag racing!
Cars in general are poor investments, 928's are cheap to buy (in todays $$), somewhat pricey to maintain (depending on who turns the wrenches & luck), but have a timeless design that is ageless....10-20 years from now the 928 will still turn heads!
When I went to the drag strip they gave me a hot-rod V8 style magazine...it had endless lists of "crate" style V8's....big power for not much money...400+hp 383's were around $4k...a factory brand new Corvette LS6 6.0L was $7k (also 400hp)....shoot a racing 572 inch big block was about $13K with 620hp! A 928 6.5L stroker is more than the 572 with far less power.... I wonder how much a 383 pushrod engine weighs?...its probably smaller and lighter than our V8.....but it doesn't matter....I can't ever see myself running anything other than a 928 V8 in the car....if I want a kit car I'll build or buy one!
On the same note, there really was not very many cars at the drag strip that were faster than mine....most were running similar or slower times....not bad at all for a 17 year old autobahn burner that was not designed for drag racing!
Cars in general are poor investments, 928's are cheap to buy (in todays $$), somewhat pricey to maintain (depending on who turns the wrenches & luck), but have a timeless design that is ageless....10-20 years from now the 928 will still turn heads!
03-12-2005, 12:24 AM
#37
928 Barrister
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Some people restore and sail old yachts, others collect antiques. Some collect rare art. Some collect rare coins. Rare guitars. sea shells, shotguns, ad infinitum. This is about passion, not denial. In communist Russia, you had much choice: either a Fiat 124 or a Fiat 124 or even a Fiat 124.
Think about how few people in the world have ever sat in a Porsche, let alone driven one, and consider how many people inhabit this planet. The air seems a little thinner and more privileged from that point of view. On the freeway today, a Mustang with a lady driver in a hurry was tailgaiting me. I slowed to almost a crawl, which is what I always do when being tailgated. I thought about how she probably had never driven a P car and how shocked her expression would be when she sat down in it and closed the door and heard the sound of the
P car door latch. That would introduce her to a whole new world about which she had never imagined. She would be in awe as she drove off. I moved into the right lane since she would not, letting a problem vaporize as I did so. I forgave her for her lack of sophistication.
I drove into a filling station and an Italian guy was eyeballing my car. I met up with him in the office while paying for the fuel. He said the Porsche 928 was the car of his dreams. He also said that in Italy he could never afford one because gasoline was $7.00 a gallon.
Count your blessings. In a couple of hundred years, you may get a grip on your indulgences and be more frugal....but then you would probably die of boredom and overexposure to mediocrity.
Think about how few people in the world have ever sat in a Porsche, let alone driven one, and consider how many people inhabit this planet. The air seems a little thinner and more privileged from that point of view. On the freeway today, a Mustang with a lady driver in a hurry was tailgaiting me. I slowed to almost a crawl, which is what I always do when being tailgated. I thought about how she probably had never driven a P car and how shocked her expression would be when she sat down in it and closed the door and heard the sound of the
P car door latch. That would introduce her to a whole new world about which she had never imagined. She would be in awe as she drove off. I moved into the right lane since she would not, letting a problem vaporize as I did so. I forgave her for her lack of sophistication.
I drove into a filling station and an Italian guy was eyeballing my car. I met up with him in the office while paying for the fuel. He said the Porsche 928 was the car of his dreams. He also said that in Italy he could never afford one because gasoline was $7.00 a gallon.
Count your blessings. In a couple of hundred years, you may get a grip on your indulgences and be more frugal....but then you would probably die of boredom and overexposure to mediocrity.
03-12-2005, 03:02 AM
#38
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Interesting thread.
This is the reason I'm getting out of my 928.
I've had it two and a half years and sepnt about 10K$ on it, having done all the work myself.
Here in Dubai it's worth about 3K regardless of condition.
The car is ok, but it's not good enough for me. I would need to repaint it, re trim it again ( this time with s4 seats) rebuild the suspension and brakes plus a whole host of little things (aero mirrors etc..) . Parts are $$$ here because you can only import them or get them from the dealer.
So I've just bought a 1991 Mercedes 560SEC, which is nearly perfect. Just needs a paint job (being done as we speak) I got a bag full of all service parts including brake discs for just over 150$. That's what I'd pay for a single brake disc on the 928. Plus the Mercedes is faster and more comfortable. Not to mention practical.
Now I just have to find some poor soul to buy the 928. Perhaps life would have been different with an S4 or a GTS but once I'm out of 928's i doubt I'll get another.
This is the reason I'm getting out of my 928.
I've had it two and a half years and sepnt about 10K$ on it, having done all the work myself.
Here in Dubai it's worth about 3K regardless of condition.
The car is ok, but it's not good enough for me. I would need to repaint it, re trim it again ( this time with s4 seats) rebuild the suspension and brakes plus a whole host of little things (aero mirrors etc..) . Parts are $$$ here because you can only import them or get them from the dealer.
So I've just bought a 1991 Mercedes 560SEC, which is nearly perfect. Just needs a paint job (being done as we speak) I got a bag full of all service parts including brake discs for just over 150$. That's what I'd pay for a single brake disc on the 928. Plus the Mercedes is faster and more comfortable. Not to mention practical.
Now I just have to find some poor soul to buy the 928. Perhaps life would have been different with an S4 or a GTS but once I'm out of 928's i doubt I'll get another.
03-12-2005, 03:45 AM
#39
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Brian, dude 60k is a bit but man your car is fine. And how much did you pay someone.
Lets see me. I have had my S4 just under a year.
Motor Mounts 50 bucks. Labor - Myself
Eibach/Boge suspension cash 750.00. Labor myself
Left/Right splash shield 120.00. Labor myself
Carbon Fibre hood 400.00. Labor myself
Axles 150.00 Labor 75.00
The point you make is a good one to those who don't wrench. If you don't and want a 928 then have money to back it up and not feel bad once its gone. The point I make is get a good 928 and do most of the wrenching your and get the best of both worlds. One hellova car and reasonable in cost. Even better if you just maintain it and drive it with no upgrades. Then the car is real cheap if you maintain it yourself. I am sure all will agree that you do not need to do a single upgrade to this car to enjoy it. Just most of us are gluttens for punishment.
Lets see me. I have had my S4 just under a year.
Motor Mounts 50 bucks. Labor - Myself
Eibach/Boge suspension cash 750.00. Labor myself
Left/Right splash shield 120.00. Labor myself
Carbon Fibre hood 400.00. Labor myself
Axles 150.00 Labor 75.00
The point you make is a good one to those who don't wrench. If you don't and want a 928 then have money to back it up and not feel bad once its gone. The point I make is get a good 928 and do most of the wrenching your and get the best of both worlds. One hellova car and reasonable in cost. Even better if you just maintain it and drive it with no upgrades. Then the car is real cheap if you maintain it yourself. I am sure all will agree that you do not need to do a single upgrade to this car to enjoy it. Just most of us are gluttens for punishment.
03-12-2005, 11:51 AM
#40
Three Wheelin'
Davis, is there a way that you can forecast your future expenditures? You have done so many PM’s it’s hard to believe your future annual operating costs would be equal to the annual average based from your Cost to Date.
CT928, check my sig if you have to trade one for the other, the MB 500/560 SEC (any MY) is a good choice. They are not anywhere near the same ball park as an S4-up 928, but they are nice!
Be forewarned! They are not as MPG friendly as a 32V-928!
Other than that, we love it! In fact the wife has recently put in a requisition to have it assigned to her as a daily driver
CT928, check my sig
if you have to trade one for the other, the MB 500/560 SEC (any MY) is a good choice. They are not anywhere near the same ball park as an S4-up 928, but they are nice!Be forewarned! They are not as MPG friendly as a 32V-928!
Other than that, we love it! In fact the wife has recently put in a requisition to have it assigned to her as a daily driver
03-12-2005, 01:14 PM
#41
Under the Lift
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Originally Posted by CT928
Interesting thread.
This is the reason I'm getting out of my 928.
I've had it two and a half years and sepnt about 10K$ on it, having done all the work myself.
Here in Dubai it's worth about 3K regardless of condition.
The car is ok, but it's not good enough for me. I would need to repaint it, re trim it again (this time with s4 seats) rebuild the suspension and brakes plus a whole host of little things (aero mirrors etc..) . Parts are $$$ here because you can only import them or get them from the dealer.
So I've just bought a 1991 Mercedes 560SEC, which is nearly perfect. Just needs a paint job (being done as we speak) I got a bag full of all service parts including brake discs for just over 150$. That's what I'd pay for a single brake disc on the 928. Plus the Mercedes is faster and more comfortable. Not to mention practical.
Now I just have to find some poor soul to buy the 928. Perhaps life would have been different with an S4 or a GTS but once I'm out of 928's i doubt I'll get another.
This is the reason I'm getting out of my 928.
I've had it two and a half years and sepnt about 10K$ on it, having done all the work myself.
Here in Dubai it's worth about 3K regardless of condition.
The car is ok, but it's not good enough for me. I would need to repaint it, re trim it again (this time with s4 seats) rebuild the suspension and brakes plus a whole host of little things (aero mirrors etc..) . Parts are $$$ here because you can only import them or get them from the dealer.
So I've just bought a 1991 Mercedes 560SEC, which is nearly perfect. Just needs a paint job (being done as we speak) I got a bag full of all service parts including brake discs for just over 150$. That's what I'd pay for a single brake disc on the 928. Plus the Mercedes is faster and more comfortable. Not to mention practical.
Now I just have to find some poor soul to buy the 928. Perhaps life would have been different with an S4 or a GTS but once I'm out of 928's i doubt I'll get another.
03-12-2005, 03:25 PM
#42
BC,
Sharks by nature don't make good pets -nor investments-.
If you had/have a beautiful, centered, independent wife more than likely you would be mortified if she told you the 'truth' about 'EVERYTHING'.
Sharing your life with a significant other or a 928 are issues on the same plain:
If you love something , reason/logic often falls by the wayside.
At least you didn't 'lose' the money trying to fill a straight flush...
Sounds like you are at the brink, though. Whatever choice you make, keep, sell, or park... live with it.
Don't dwell on it.
Randy,
Did I detect your hidden sense of humor?
Joe 87,
Rightious call!
As for me ...
I, and I'm sure there a few others, operate on the cusp of cheapness.
E.G.,
Recently, I saw a scruffy, moderately busy radiator shop across four lanes of traffic, the Porsche Gods parted the busy traffic and I drove onto the lot.
Two guy's worked for 35 minutes, pressure checked the cooling system and cap, pulled the hoses and thermostat , re-assembled system and filled same. Test drove, looked for the leak, high pressured all of the gook/gunk around the thermostat and intake valley, replaced the upper hose, pulled the thermostat again, rotary greenpadded the thermostat housing and seats, reverse air and water cleaned the cooler and radiator. Took it for a test drive again and we still had the smell of hot coolant. They broke out the mirrors, flashlights and pulled paper towels across, behind and under hoses and in nooks and cranny's. They could not find the leak!!!
On the other hand my bill was just under $25.00 with Tax!
I tipped both guy's and explained that at the very least I knew where I wasn't leaking from.
EX.#2
I found a place with a Hunter, that does both sHARKs the Montero, and the ole' foad F-150.
Cost's?
F-150 - $42.00
Montero -$42.00
Weissach -$45.00
Zack's White -$45.00 all with tax comes to what? $134.00!
And yes, I take the WSM's and prints of alignment post's off the Renn with me, and yes, -again- that is a complete front and rear alignment in 'loaded condition' with me setting/checking rise heigth.
BTW I tip -big- the alignment guys as well. Zack's car had a bad/deformed tire and the Montero did as well. They found both after a test drive indicated a physical pull. They rechecked the specs -O.K.- then swapped wheels. Essentially, I've found some alignment guy's who will eat the clock to fix a problem.
All vehicles handling well now, no quirks or wear problems either.
I've sent them 4 guy's from work who were pleased with price and work as well who have now made referals as well...Crap! I'll have to make an appointment now.
I'm not gloating here and I realize I have been very lucky. It goes without saying I love 928's.
However... For $60,000... I'd either have a new 91-93, a 87, and 2 86 1/2's in good to great shape,
or a small fleet of 82' - 86 1/2's and a couple of donors to disassemble.
But that's me.
BC,
I can tell you that I never fail to stop, turn around, and admire (?) my 82' ...and, absoulutely, no one leans or sits ON Pattycakes, I love her like family...so you ain't alone bro.
Sharks by nature don't make good pets -nor investments-.
If you had/have a beautiful, centered, independent wife more than likely you would be mortified if she told you the 'truth' about 'EVERYTHING'.
Sharing your life with a significant other or a 928 are issues on the same plain:
If you love something , reason/logic often falls by the wayside.
At least you didn't 'lose' the money trying to fill a straight flush...
Sounds like you are at the brink, though. Whatever choice you make, keep, sell, or park... live with it.
Don't dwell on it.
Randy,
Did I detect your hidden sense of humor?
Joe 87,
Rightious call!
As for me ...
I, and I'm sure there a few others, operate on the cusp of cheapness.
E.G.,
Recently, I saw a scruffy, moderately busy radiator shop across four lanes of traffic, the Porsche Gods parted the busy traffic and I drove onto the lot.
Two guy's worked for 35 minutes, pressure checked the cooling system and cap, pulled the hoses and thermostat , re-assembled system and filled same. Test drove, looked for the leak, high pressured all of the gook/gunk around the thermostat and intake valley, replaced the upper hose, pulled the thermostat again, rotary greenpadded the thermostat housing and seats, reverse air and water cleaned the cooler and radiator. Took it for a test drive again and we still had the smell of hot coolant. They broke out the mirrors, flashlights and pulled paper towels across, behind and under hoses and in nooks and cranny's. They could not find the leak!!!
On the other hand my bill was just under $25.00 with Tax!
I tipped both guy's and explained that at the very least I knew where I wasn't leaking from.
EX.#2
I found a place with a Hunter, that does both sHARKs the Montero, and the ole' foad F-150.
Cost's?
F-150 - $42.00
Montero -$42.00
Weissach -$45.00
Zack's White -$45.00 all with tax comes to what? $134.00!
And yes, I take the WSM's and prints of alignment post's off the Renn with me, and yes, -again- that is a complete front and rear alignment in 'loaded condition' with me setting/checking rise heigth.
BTW I tip -big- the alignment guys as well. Zack's car had a bad/deformed tire and the Montero did as well. They found both after a test drive indicated a physical pull. They rechecked the specs -O.K.- then swapped wheels. Essentially, I've found some alignment guy's who will eat the clock to fix a problem.
All vehicles handling well now, no quirks or wear problems either.
I've sent them 4 guy's from work who were pleased with price and work as well who have now made referals as well...Crap! I'll have to make an appointment now.
I'm not gloating here and I realize I have been very lucky. It goes without saying I love 928's.
However... For $60,000... I'd either have a new 91-93, a 87, and 2 86 1/2's in good to great shape,
or a small fleet of 82' - 86 1/2's and a couple of donors to disassemble.
But that's me.
BC,
I can tell you that I never fail to stop, turn around, and admire (?) my 82' ...and, absoulutely, no one leans or sits ON Pattycakes, I love her like family...so you ain't alone bro.
03-12-2005, 06:54 PM
#43
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Originally Posted by Bill Ball
Shopped carefully, I don't think you should have to put very much into a 928. People buy some neglected, poorly maintained, high mileage or weathered 928 because they are amazed at how VERY cheap they are to buy. A few $K buys what seems to be a supercar (like you said - your 80 is worth $3K). Then they get stung on repairs, paint, interiors, repairs and more repairs. If you buy something in the S4 years that was garage kept, had regular maintenance and driven at some frequency, it may cost you $12-20K initially but the need for paint, interiors and various rebuilds should be close to zero. My 89 has been like that, with a few exceptions because I drive the living **** out of it (things will break at some point).
The car is one of the best in the country, but still fairly worthless.
03-12-2005, 08:17 PM
#44
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If I decided to let the euro go, I would be back later, with a 1989-1993 928 with a supercharger and body kit...
But it might be time to get something new for a few years, and not have to deal with all the trips to the shop...
And no, I do not regret vehicular expenses.
I own them for the experience, not for transportation.
If all I wanted was transportation, I would get a Honda Accord or something...
I pay for the enjoyment of speed, classic looks, and smile factor...
But it might be time to get something new for a few years, and not have to deal with all the trips to the shop...
And no, I do not regret vehicular expenses.
I own them for the experience, not for transportation.
If all I wanted was transportation, I would get a Honda Accord or something...
I pay for the enjoyment of speed, classic looks, and smile factor...