1983 Porsche 928 S 4.7 gasoline
Summary:
Best possible car for the money
Faults:
The fuel pump relay went out at 120,000 miles.
The axle nuts on rear wheels became a little loose at 140,000 miles.
The water pump failed at 181,000 miles.
The leather dash is warping at the vents.
General Comments:
This car is the best car I've ever owned.
When I first thought to buy one I was told it would be a maintenance nightmare. It has turned out to be the most reliable, and overall, least expensive to maintain car that I've ever had.
Granted that parts prices are very high, the parts are also very, very good parts. If something breaks it will be expensive to fix, but that's a very big If.
I bought the car with 119,000 miles on it and during my first two years of ownership I only spent $49.00 in unscheduled maintenance.
I, however, believe that you must study this car. I've noticed that what would sound like a serious problem on another car is the sound of a very minor problem with this car. For instance I started hearing rear wheel bearing noise at around 140,000 miles. My mechanic told me that the axle nut was a little loose and that it was a common problem with the car because it takes an extraordinary amount of torque to tighten the nut. A less scrupulous or knowledgeable mechanic might have changed the wheel bearings.
Something else I've noticed is that if you want to keep your repair bills low you need to drive the car a lot.
I've observed from my own car and from email lists and reviews, that if you buy a 928 that hasn't been driven much you're asking for trouble.
The cars performance is great. The handling is the best I've experienced and the power is great. I've taken this car on various 2000+ mile trips in the U.S. and it performs beautifully. It's especially good going through mountain passes.
Oh, yeah, my wife lets me own this car because I can put the kids in the back.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st January, 2005
21st Sep 2005, 09:04
Hi Steve, Glad I read your article. My 928S rear right w/bearing is also making a quiet whining noise and to confirm, the wheel is unusually hot after a run compared to the other side, so apart from what you say the bearing is probably in need of greasing also.
18th Jul 2010, 06:02
I have 3 928's; a 1979 5 speed manual, a 1983S 3 speed auto, and a 1988S4 4 speed auto. The 79 5sp and the 83S are by far my favourite cars. The 83S especially; I have taken it on long trips, 7000kl, and it has always performed beautifully over the last 6 years. It has never failed, and it is serviced every January; minor service one year, major service the next.
19th Mar 2005, 06:30
Steven, I am in the process of possibly purchasing a 1983 Porsche 928. It has 140,000 miles and he wants $3,995. I have given it some thought. Porsche is a new car for me because I am used to dealing with Mercedes and BMW's. Your article has given me more insight about what I should be doing in regards to getting the Porsche this time around. james_bond90212@yahoo.com