From: charlesw@sail.LABS.TEK.COM (Charles Wilson)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: I need advice on '82 and '84 Porsche 928's
Keywords: Porsche
Date: 7 Oct 92 18:44:30 GMT
Followup-To: rec.autos
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Beaverton,  OR.

In article <BvpHt2.C1t@news.cso.uiuc.edu> cjs33278@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Carl+Chris Samos) writes:
>
>Yesterday I looked at a 1982 928 that a guy in town is selling.  It's an
>automatic with 40,000 miles, mocha brown with a tan leather interior, and
>every option (power everything, sunroof,...).  It's got the original paint,
>which is nearly perfect (some small marks low on the hood from road
>debris).  The interior has some flaws (marks in the driver's door, a bubble
>around the vent in the dash).  I drove it for about 30 minutes, and the
>car runs perfectly. The only thing I noticed was a small rattle when I
>would hit a bump at low speeds.  He claimed it was the calipers making
>the rattle.  He's asking $13,000.  So, I am asking for any information
>you may have about this car, including current value, things to look for
>when I go look at it again, common problems with the car, ...
>
>To further complicate things, I called my uncle for some advice.  He has
>an '84 928s. It's also an automatic with about 40,000 miles, black with 
>black leather interior.  He just recently brought it in for its 40,000
>mile service.  He offered me his for $15,000.  
>
>So, what's the better deal?  With my uncle's car, I know everything about
>the car.  Plus it's two years newer.  Is $15,000 a decent price for an
>'84?  
>
>Basically, I want to absorb as much information about the cars as possible,
>so if you have anything to tell me, please let me know!
>
>Thanks in advance!!!!
>
>-Carl Samos
> cjs33278@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu

I own an '82 928.  Black w/black leather, 5 sp.  All options (did they
come without all the options?).  I think only the sunroof was an option
(and maybe the type of stereo - good or great).

The things to look for:  water pump goes out at about 100K.  Syncros
on 5 sp. go out at about 100K.  Some minor electrical problems occur
(shorts, etc.), usually caused by bad grounds (easily fixed, hard to
find).

Parts and labor are EXPENSIVE.  That's why you can by a nearly perfect
$85,000 car for $15,000.  However, the engines are known to go 300K before
needing a rebuild (and then you're looking at probably $10,000 for a
rebuild).

If you can find parts you need from an aftermarket company (Performance
Products, Automotion, etc.) you're better off financially.  A radiator
from the dealer is $1200.  At a radiator shop: $500.  I recently needed
a voltage regulator.  Dealer price: $140.  At an auto electric shop:
$28.  If you can do your own labor that will also save money.  I had
to replace my water pump.  Dealer wanted $240 for the pump and $400
labor (8hrs.).  I got a pump from Performance Products for $150 and
did the job myself (and it was a job) in 12 hrs. (with the shop manuals
which cost $240).

The mufflers (there are two) usually need replacing every 2 years or
so.  One of them is $150 the other $250.  I have stainless steel
mufflers on mine: $800, but they will last almost forever.

Great cars!  Personally, I'd go for the '84 928S.  The "S" model itself
is worth more.  The newer the better (84 vs. 82).  And black is a much
better color than brown.  Also the black interior does not show flaws as
easily as the cork.  The black interior can also be easily "fixed" with
black shoe polish and/or black shoe dye if you ever have a problem with
it.

Regards,

Charlie