928 and 968 feedback from those with experience
 

Does anyone here have hands on experience with 928 or 968? I am seriously considering trying to find a 968 or 1987 or newer 928, and very curious what there is out there for negative or positive from people who have actually owned.

Testing out current cars, I am finding they just do not push my buttons, they all look similar, boring colors, etc. (unless I spend more than I plan to). I have been looking at the used Mercedes SEC's too ...

I understand 928's have issues with vacuum systems and with timing chains ... seems manageable. Other negative aspects?

968's I am not able to find much negative info on ...

968 issues = 944 issues... Timing belt/wp service intervals (although I am told access in the 968 is a tad easier). About 1/2 of 968s were tips (4 speed) so there really aren't a lot out of manuals out there for sale at any one time and prices for nice examples are rising. When I was looking for a FEWC I tried all the 924/44/68 variants. I really liked how the 968 drove (nice torquey 4 cylinder) and smooth 6speed but the looks, just like the 928, can be a bit polarizing.

My mom bought our neighbors '84 928S when the neighbor bought an '87 928S4. Car was a great tourer in the MB fashion. Her's was an Auto but it suited the car quite well.

I think the same downsides apply to both 968 and 928s.

From what has been posted here and NOT from personal experience, the 928 is a true exotic. Ahead of it's time, impressive in many ways, but expensive to live with. Some parts are very hard to access in the car. But there is (was) a group of owners who got together to help one another work on their cars. OldTee used to have one - and I can put you in touch with him if you're still interested (he lives on the Eastern Shore now).

I remember 928's used to overheat on the track. But you're not talking about a track car, are you?

Not track car. More daily driver and keep the 930 for when I want to have some real fun.
Probably a stick and a coupe, though, if possible.

No first hand experience, I shopped for one a few years ago. I really liked the 968, always scared off by the 928. Check into the cam chain on the 968. I was looking for a dead reliable DD and while I forget some of the details I remember the chain and tensioner arrangement was a bit problematic and more $$ to fix than I wanted to spend. I dont think its a deal breaker, just be sure to read up and inspect if you go that route.

http://www.rennsportkc.com/968-cam-maintenance/

I'll start off by saying I am in NO WAY a 928 expert, but my limited experience has been that they are an electrical nightmare if anything goes south....which it always does. I've worked on 3, all with electrical gremlins, one worse than the other 2. Battery drain issues are built in. AFAIK the main wiring harness on all of them runs through the alarm system which is another issue of it's own and AFAIK cannot be eliminated without completely rewiring the car. There was a guy a few years ago that made a wiring harness to replace the factory one, and his eliminated the alarm system. 'Twernt cheap, but it was the only viable solution I have seen anyone come up with.

That said, I think they are an amazing car when all is right ( like my mom's '99 S-80 :roll:) You can drive one all day and not get tired or sore

I'd go for a well maintained 968 personally

I have no personal experience with 928s, but I do know at least one mechanic in the area whose livelihood is centered around Porsche products and he will not work on 928s.

I don't own a 928 so I can't speak to them but do have a really nice 968. They are the pinnacle of the 944 variants and really nice cars for a daily driver. Since they have limited production(about 4200 to the US, split almost even coupes and cabs), you won't see one very often. Yes, they have should have the nylon cam tensioner pads and timing belt/water pump service done religiously and if not, the price should be adjusted accordingly. But they are well balanced, very easy to drive, and are affordable. I suspect with the way the early air cooled cars are appreciating, these will rise in value as well just not at that rate since a would be Porsche owner of lesser means will be willing to pay a little more to get into the club.

Lots of good resources out there to learn the ins and outs of these cars and Jeff Coe of the 968 registry knows everything there is to know about them. He is usually at Hershey so a fact finding trip to speak with him may be time well spent if you are serious about a 968.

I'd say that you're looking at two very different cars: the 968 is more of a traditional sports car: nimble, good-handling, and quick. The 928 is more of a GT car, though most who own them will tell you they handle the twisties surprisingly well (and seem to shrink around you as you go faster). You're more likely to find a 928 with an automatic than a manual, but there are manuals out there.

Maintenance is simpler on the 968, but there is a great 928 community out there and there are DIYs for just about everything. If you're not a DIY-er, the 928 will definitely cost more, likely substantially.

I'd say which you choose depends on what you're looking for from the car. If it is to be more "sports car" with which to tackle back roads and zip along Skyline drive the 968 is a great choice. If it is more GT - long distance driving on the interstate, or even sitting in traffic on the beltway - the 928 will win.