Dr. P

Hi guys, I've joined here not too long ago, planning to buy a late S4 or a 993...can't decide. Anyways, in a meantime, my neighbor has a '87 S4 Auto, silver with blue leather interior, it sits behind his house for more than a year now....he is chasing me to buy it. The way he put it is that its a "hobby" car and not something I can drive right away....what's the highest I should offer him? I wouldn't mind trying to bring her back to life if it doesn't cost me more than what the car is worth afterwards...if that's the case, I would still have means to part it out. All body panels are straigh, glass intact....I think he mentioned AC isn't working for which I don't care that much anyways, oh and he said it "shows" 444K miles, but he "was playing with it for some reason and it jumped to 444!" -what's up with that?? Aren't the speedo's mechanical on these cars - how can it just jump to 444, unless he was trying to roll it back and accidently rolled it forward??

your thought are appreciated.

JEC_31

I've got a bad feeling about the car already, just going on the speedo thing. But that could lead to a good feeling on a low price...

#1) All-Important: DOES IT RUN?

2) Service records?

3) You know about the timing belt thing, right?

4) Add up what he says it needs, and go to http://www.mailordercentral.com/928intl/
and start adding up prices. You will arrive at a large number. Double it for the stuff he's forgetting or doesn't know about, then subtract that amount from his asking price.

5) Keep us posted.

Warren928

You can get a running S4 for $4500 to $5k that generally has a few issues but nothing major, and start deducting from there for parts it needs if it doesn't run. Its best to assume the worst case scenario until you have checked into the situation and know what it is.

Jim bailey - 928 International

Depends on if you want a Porsche to drive or want one to park behind your house and work on . But I will point out that some of the cheapest 928s end up being the MOST expensive ! Even a very nice running driving well cared for 928 has been know to need a few thousand dollars of repairs once a new owner starts driving it. Since you ar not even sure you want a 928 there would seem to be little reason to take on a project.

Imo000

Does the engine run at all? If it does, is it on all cylinders? How much is the seller expecting to get for this S4?

I read cases where the odometer decided to start turning the 100K over for no apparent reason. Do the 444K story is very possible.

aircooler

Try doing a "CarFax" report.

www.carfax.com

You just need to enter the cars VIN #.

I think it is $19.00

The report will give you some usfull info. It may give a good indication of the last reported milage (last emissions test, plate renewal, etc..)

It will also show if there has been any reported accedents, large or small.

This car sounds like it may cost quite a bit. Even if you do all the work.

That is not to say it should be ignored, but with soooo many unknowns, the price must reflect the stuation.

Personally, I would not pay more than 4K (usd) for a non running 87-91 unless it was an exteemly nice example.

PS, If you make him an offer on a "behind the garage non runner", make sure that his wife is in earshot!

Cheers,
Michael

jyoon

if the car is drivable, 5k is very cheap imho.

tammons

I treat those types of 928s as parts cars. If they are bad enough it may not even be worth repairing in which case it would be worth about 3-4G.

unclenick

I might have a open carfax for a few more days, PM me the VIN and I'll check it for you!

Kevin Michael

Warren, where in the world do you get a running s4 with"a few issues" for 4 or 5k!? We just picked up a non runner 87 auto with every available option for the year and in sweet condition for $%%#%#.00. All itneeded to run? A 30 cent fuel pump fuse. Runs like a champ!

worf928

It is not an uncommon failure mode for the VDO clusters. I'm not sure exactly what happens but I've seen the 10s digit moving as fast as the 1/10ths digit.

jebdog

reguardless of WHY the odometer reads wrong it is a TMU car with no way to determine actual miles that alone compromises the value for some.

G Man

I would beware of thrust bearing failure

Imo000

Majority of 928 don't have a working odometer, so this is not that big of a deal. 90% of the 928s out there had the odometer gear failure at one time or another so essentially they are all TMU. I could really care less if the odo works or not, maitnance bills/recipes are more important to me than what the odometer says.

Dr. P

Wow...thanks a bunch guys. I didn't even realize how active this forum is! Well, I went over there tonight, yeah I know its night so i can't really see anything, but I got to talk to him in person. here is the scoop. Battery is dead - its been sitting for ~14 months per the PO. It failed emissions and he parked it and let it sit. Apearantly he is really busy, has his own business and doesn't have time, but also desire, to play with it. He's had it since '93 and says it should have about 250-280K real miles - is that common at all? Seems way too much to me but oh well.

Supposedly it runs, needs little stuff, but when a guy who doesn't know much about cars tell you that its hard to take it seriously....I expect a lot more problems.

Now Shocker!!...he tells me he wouldn't sell it for less than $8K but later suggested I make him an offer - I remained silent and got myself out of it for now - even bigger SHOCKER - he gives me keys for the car and tells me to feel free to come at any time during a day to check it out throughly - he works a lot and often not home - WTH?? I refused at first but he insisted sort of so I took 'em......but I'll go back tomorrow, check it out at day light and give it back to him. No need for some accidentals happenings and perhaps having me to blame, though all he has is my cell phone number - weird......so I'll see.

Now, is it safe to jump it with my other car - it probably won't happen anyways as that battery is well dead. Anything specific to look for - Body is great, all I could see so far.

Thanks a bunch guys...I'll keep you updated.