LaughaC

Here is my dilemma:

Just got an '87 S4 for $4800 on eBay. Found out the seller lied about the condition. So far I've determined it needs the following:

Pros:
1. Has Eibach adjustable coil-overs
2. It's an '87 S4!!!

Problems:
1. TB - light comes on (116k miles & been sitting 2 yrs)
2. Thrust bearing or Torque Tube (or both) - BAAD Vibration 1200-1400 RPMs & something is starting to smoke under the car when driven.
3. AC - blows hot air
4. Body work & repaint - both quarter panels show small buckle from rear end collision, RF fender has rippled area from dent that was banged out with hammer
5. Rear wing missing - dealer tried to tell me this car was specially ordered without it... but these are the same guys who told me the AC was cold

The Gen Mgr of the dealer is willing to do the right thing and refund my money. Yes, I'm pleased by his integrity (or possible bluff).

Now I need to decide:

1. Take the car back (130 miles), and look for a better '87+ S4
2. Take the car back and get a lower-cost S2 and add a Supercharger
3. Take the car back and spend the $ on my turbo 911 and track time (I just bought the turbo & have not yet installed it-- could be very time consuming)
4. Keep the car and start doing the work it takes to bring this S4 back to life

My wife actually likes the S4 better than my 911... which means she might demand that I sell the 911 if I keep any 928. Yes, things could be worse, and probably will be soon, but right now I'm very interested in your opinions as to whether I should bail on this particular S4 project car.

perrys4

Does sound like a big project. I would pass.

Jim bailey - 928 International

I would punt....the hole will only get deeper !

Oldtee

If it is an automatic, punt. If it is not, think on it some.

IcemanG17

What happened to the wing? I would take it back and find a better one! BUT $4800 is cheap.....can't expect a perfect 928?

FlyingDog

Problems:
1. Wire could be broken. Check the tension and condition, then do the TB/WP when ready (soon).
2. I doubt it's either unless the balancer in the torque tube has disintergrated. My guess would be further back.
3. Many possible causes. Does the compressor kick on?
4. Paintless dent removal should fix or get you close.
5. Are there 4 holes, two on each side?

Options:
1. All of us will have different opinions about what to do. You have to decide for yourself.
2. Good luck. Most S2s are far more bastardized than your S4. None have been reliably supercharged for any amount of time. Carl Fausett and David Roberts are both working on it now. A decent 84-86 S2 will cost a few thousand more than your S4, especially 85-86. If you buy an S2, don't plan on SCing it. If you get an 84 Euro, you'll have plenty of company in the area with Beerfish in Great Falls and me in Frederick.
3. No.
4. See 1.

Herr-Kuhn

Agreed....5-speed it is worth keeping, AT give it the boot! Would make a nice track beast if you are so inclined.

Fabio421

Please elaborate. In another thread if necessary. Thanks


BTW. To the originator of this thread. Please post more pics of the interior. It looks custom from the one picture. I can steer you toward a low miles 86 1/2 with an updated wing and a 5 speed. $9000 . I have no affiliation, I was going to buy it but am short on money.

RyanPerrella

I would definately sell it and look for another car. Honestly if one thing is out of whach, you can safely assume there are more areas that need immediate attention. $4800 is nice but you could spend a bunch more getting it in running condition and still have substandard paint and body work as well forever be questioning the integrity of the parts you havent yet replaced. If the offer is there for a refund I would take it.

Fabio421

Legaly you only have 72 hours to return the car unless you have a contract stating otherwise. It may be too late.

Alan '79 928

Run away - you may have only scratched the surface of what is wrong with the car. Automatic S4s are plentiful as far as 928s go.

You could put $10,000 more into the car and it still might need work. Ask me how I know...

Larry928GTS

I'd say any option except for #4.

Your wife likes the 928 now, but she won't after a while of the growing list of problems, money, and time you'll need to spend on it to get it right. Once that happens, the chances of her accepting a different 928 later on, even if you tell her it's perfect, will go down dramatically. Go back! Go back while you still can! Woe to he who doesn't heed the warning!

Giovanni

Problems:
1. could be expensive
2. labor intensive and expensive
3. tiewrap the heater valve in closed position
4. depends
5. car looks good without it

I would be more concerned with 1 and 2. How is the interior? Does the engine leak oil? How are the engine mounts? Did the car come with service records?

LaughaC

Here are a couple more pics. Notice the ripples in the RF fender, and below each rear window there is a dent which indicates the car was hit hard from the rear. This also accounts for the lack of a wing on the hatch.

There are no holes for a wing... possibly a hatch from an older donor car.

The votes are pretty heavily swayed towards bailing for another S4.

Can anybody point me toward other S4's to consider. My 911 is a 5 speed so I actually hoped to find an automatic that will become reliable enough to replace my Infiniti daily driver. Getting out of that payment would help my wife live with me having 2 Porsches.

ROG100

Part it out - wheels are worth $1000 at least.
What condition are the seats - if they are good and a special factory order thay could be worth $1000.
Where is the car located?