wurzitup

I have been on the look out for an earlier 928- I prefer the look of the earlier car, and want to get into a cheaper car and work on it rather than start at $10k.
I am looking at an 82 platinum metallic/chocolate brown 5 speed, 127k miles.
Body is in desperate need of paint/repair of dings and scratches. Interior is tired but intact save a few small trim bits.
It is described as mechanically running great, will confirm this later this aft driving it. 3 big bills in glovebox, plus original manual and service booklet stamps dating from 1982 through the 80's. Most recent bill (1000 miles 2 years ago) was $4400- water pump, cam belt, drive belts, tensioner, ancillary parts with this etc. AC was also converted around same time to R-134A. Looks like the previous owner got a few big bills in a row and pulled the plug.
I want this car cause I like them- I've owned 2 635 CSi's, and now drive a 996 daily. This would be a long term, fun project car to drive 1-2 a week, and look forward to painting and getting back to an 8-9 out of 10 car. Is this sort of car ever worth 928 ownership? They are asking $3800- a recent deal has fallen through and he has a s*itload of cars on the lot and had it for a while.
My 2 most respected independents have told me Im crazy to want this car- it is rediculous expensive and will suck me of money, and that it wasn't even that nice a car to begin with in the early 80's. I don't want anyone to talk me into or out of this car, just advice of this car at this price for a first time 928 owner.
Thanks,

Mrmerlin

sorry need pictures before a realistic diagnosis can be made,
take pictures of the engine and underneath if you can,
as well as all of the out side and inside

IcemanG17

the BEST advice is have the car inspected by a 928 knowledgeable mechanic....where are you located? Chances are there is someone local-ish that can help

82 928's are quite simple and can be very reliable..BUT if you are unlucky it can take $10k in repairs to end up with a maybe $5k car.... The $$$$ impact varies quite a bit by who turns the wrenches...if you do it, they really are not that expensive....if you pay someone else....it gets pricey!

Here is a story I know of 1st hand (not my car).....a friend sold a 1982 928 that was in good cosmetic condition and ran pretty well.......it was cheap...$2500.....so another friend bought it.......but he DID NOT get PPI 1st...... Once he took it to a good mechanic TONS of expensive issues were uncovered.....in summary his "deal" at $2500 has cost him over $6k in repairs......at least now he has a nice 928 that runs well....

The moral of the story is is ALWAYS better to buy an excellent 928 than a "project"....projects are guaranteed to cost way too much....its always cheaper to buy a great car that needs nothing..... Since you are looking at early cars.....there are plenty out there for well under $10k that are excellent examples with passionate owners.....these are the people you want to buy a 928 from!!

karl ruiter

The L-jet cars are probably the least in demand of all the 928s. Folks are more interested in early cars (78,79) or 32v cars (85+). However they are good, reliable cars, and fun to drive. As far as sucking out your $, unless you are going to by like the P.O. and fork over $4400 for a job that is not critical and could have been done for $600-$1000 over a weekend you will be in the same position you would be in with any other project cars. Alll the money will be in paint, leather, wheels and tires. 'Course you probably are looking at 10K there, and when you are done you have a 5K car and been through a lot of hassle. If I were in your position I would take my time and totally look for something that was very clean, as the value of an early car is all about condition. I was looking at a rough but complete '78 a while back for $100, while a nearly perfect '78 sold for something in the range ot $40K to $100K.
As far as the car you are looking at, yes we would need to see pictures, but if the paint is trash then the price is high. Probably $3K or less with bad paint, depending on the leather.

Cole

I would argue that it REALLY depends on your intent with the car.

If you just want to drive it and are okay with a specific used car, then buy a good running well taken care of car.

If you want something special, done your way, then there is no reason to pay a premium for parts or paint you don't really want and will replace anyway.

EspritS4s

If you like this car (I mean this specific one), then I'd say go for it. There's no question that you will spend less overall buying a nice car upfront rather than a long term project. However, if your looking for a project (and will be doing at least the mechanical work yourself), and enjoy the process as much as the end result then I'd also say go for it. If you are going to pay someone else to do all the work, have a schedule in mind, or are easily frustrated with setbacks, then I'd walk away.

I would think that owning a couple of classic 6 series BMWs would be pretty good prep for owning a 928. As for the price, it's okay, but nothing special. Again, if you really like the year, color, and options, I'd try to get a few hundred off, but the price isn't terrible.

The general advice for anyone buying a 928 is to get a PPI by a qualified mechanic. However, for a low cost project like this, I'd question the need, especially for an '82 5 speed. I would suggest asking someone who is familiar with 928s to take a look at it though (of course, that could be us if you post enough pictures and information).

Good luck.

docmirror

No. No basketcase 928 is worth it in terms of dollars. Is it worth it in terms of what you want, and when and how to spend your money? Only you can answer that.

I will now enthrall you with the famous JB quote:

"That car is only $10,000 away from being a nice $5000 car."

blown 87

Amen, and question answered.

Greg, owner of a 400$ S4.

EspritS4s

For some, spending that $10K (over time) is actually fun and a big part of the ownership experience. I think that more than a few of us fall into that category.

Landseer

I count the cards (well, after getting burned on the first one).

$3800 is too much, don't even need to see the pictures.


That much will get you a straight, good-running example with thin paint and a couple of interior seat tears, and an A/C system that needs O-rings, drier and a charge.

SMTCapeCod

Aiiyee ^^^

Is it ever worth it? If it provides sufficient impetus for your heart to tamp down your head- then sure. Its great to hear of your intent to take on a 928 as a long term project and to make it your own through work and restoration. If it were me, I would (and did) want a more unique starting point though- a 928 that has some unique characteristics. That helped keep my motivation up. Not that it didn't flag from time to time.

M. Requin

Do it, don't look back, cheap investment in a lot of fun. Or put the same amount of money in the market and get an ulcer. Hell, life is short!

cjn928

been there done that years ago....its never a nice original car...it becomes a money pit.
On my second 928 I got what I wanted a 9.8 out of 10, one owner car with low mile and no stories.
Complete service records and all... did I pay top dollar? YEP!
In the long run it will be cheaper and will appreciate in value.

namasgt

They are wrong on that statement. These are great cars and are built like tanks, but unfortunately they are way under appreciated by most people that have no idea what they are.
A 16 valve motor is a lot cheaper to maintain and much simpler to work on compared to a 32 valve one. A decent good used earlier interior is not that expensive either.
Due to the economy down turn and the prices of most 928 models dropping dramatically, the asking price may be too much (I would offer 2000 based on the discreption), since you mentioned that it needs serious paint and interior work. The timing belt job is not a huge project and not a big deal on the earlier cars; their engines are non interference unlike the later 32 valve cars. One thing you should be worried about is corrosion in the cooling system especially around the cylinder jugs. Too many of the older cars had not had their coolant replaced on proper intervals causing head gasket damage or permanent block damage from corrosion. PPI is a must, check for frame damage or any serious accidents.
Here are some of the desirable options on a 928 that some like: 5-speed, LSD, rub strip delete, sunroof delete, and sport seats.

blown 87

That does not mean it can not be a really nice car though, I think most that have seen mine would agree that you can bring one back.