Faults:

When I got the car, she had 150,000 miles and was still running great except for the tired clutch, so to be on the safe side and familiar with auto mechanics, I went ahead and replaced the clutch, timing belt, all belts, fuel pressure, fuel and oil filter, coils, spark plugs, brake pads, CD, tires, fuse and relays.

My original Bosch alternator went bad around 170,000 miles, and I got it rebuilt for $100.

I drive the car on holidays, and every time I drive it, it's like a kid trying a new toy feeling. Best car I have ever driven. If you drive a Porsche, you can't go back. Don't buy one unless you know how to work on it. Dealer charges you an arm and a leg, and the majority are not familiar with the 928.

General Comments:

In my opinion the 1986-1986.5 Porsche 928 32 valve 5 speed is the best bang for your money. The car is lighter than a S4, the rear does not look like a Lexus, and the 5 speed gear box can shave a second off your 0-60 or 1/4 mile. With a little modification, it can go as fast as the newer Boxster and 911 Porsches.

The 1987-88 ECU (DME) has shown to be not as reliable as the 1986 ECU (DME). A 1986 Porsche 928 5 speed is a quicker car than a 1987-1988 automatic, and does come with a LSD and ABS. The 1980-1984 are not worth buying unless you find one in a show condition with low miles.

The 1995 GTS 5 speed is the one to collect, and the best 928 ever made. Smart people drive Porsches and the rich drive Ferraris. Guess what Bill Gates drives? A 1985 Porsche 959.

Faults:

Torque tube failed shortly after buying the car. This has recurred a second time during my ownership.

Air conditioning is temperamental and requires frequent attention. Compressor also hangs very low and was damaged by road debris.

Windshield washer system is prone to poor performance/failure. Porsche uses a clever arrangement of pressure check valves that have a tendency to clog and not open. Changing them is inexpensive, but a pain.

Timing belt and water pump replaced (routine scheduled maintenance. A big ticket item ($$$) every 50K miles.

Rear axle bearing failed. Fairly inexpensive to repair.

Upper control arm ball joints on front suspension wore out. These are not "do it yourself" rebuild-able, and are very expensive to replace.

Engine mounts failed (before I purchased the car). The replacement mounts are pricey, and getting to them is one of the hardest tasks on the car.

General Comments:

The high mileage of my car no doubt has contributed to a rash of recent "big ticket" repairs, but it has done little to diminish my appreciation and love for this car!

The looks are understated, and few people have a clue what it even is beyond the fact is says PORSCHE on either end. Personally, that is just the way I like it! The 928 is a car you can glide up to your favorite valet spot in, feeling like a million bucks, and with some luck they might even park it up front for all to see. For its sublime looks, it is also a car capable of fierce performance that will surprise many a passenger! The handling is outstanding, if not exactly crisp, and the overall balance between acceleration, cornering, and braking is superb.

I desired to have a 928 since first reading about them in the late 70's, and 20 years on, it is STILL an outstanding ride.