924Board.org

White Pony

Hello, I have owned a 924S for about a year now. I bought it for 2500 on a "labor rate to pay off car" deal. So I did $2500 worth of labor to purchase my car. I had no idea of the real condition, It appealed to me to work for it so I did.

Soon after I got it, I had to do a front engine service. The belt was oil soaked and near failure, and several of the cogs and cog pins were dead, as well as wheel bearings etc, as well as the power steering pump seals. Cost: $1350 and 5 months to get all that fixed.

Later on, I had my exhaust holes welded up, new radiator hoses put on, and the belt retightened, as well as another oil change. $400

I have thrown a CD player in it and since those two major services have been driving relatively trouble free. I'd say I have put 6-9000 miles on it since I have owned it. The motor runs stong even with the very bad spark plug wires.

I need brake pads, shocks, suspension bushings here and there and tires to solidify the undercairrage....

I also need the rear speaker panlels replaced (I bought them already), and numerous leaks in the interior as well as the headliner fixed. Both door panels ave also incurred irrvocable water damage.

The engine needs plug wires, a fuel filter, and now the electric fans do not work as of today so probably a relay or a sensing unit is bad.

The exterior needs paint and there is significant body damage from a garudrail incident involving 6" deep snow, deer and poor driving skills.

My question for you guys is do I fix her up (racking up a considerable amount of time, frustration and money) or do I find another Porsche 924/944 in not so bad condition... OR, do I buy a 98 528I BMW that needs a clutch for 9000?

My farm raised backyard mechanic side tells me to fix up the 924, my suburbanite side and my best friend think the BMW is a solid option, and the 924 lover in me that is sick of the smell of musty carpet says find a different one to play with.

So, if you read all that, tell me what you think. What would you do?

Paul · Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 2:02 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the board, glad to hear another 924 is being saved!

Keep going you have a great start!

Old BMWs are a money pit, there's a reason new ones have free maintenance while under warranty.

This is a worldwide board, please place at least your country in your profile.
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White 87 924S "Ghost"
Silver 98 986 3.6l 320 HP "Frank N Stein"
White 01 986 "Christine"
Polar Silver 02 996TT. "Turbo"
Owned and repaired 924s since 1977
Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.

White Pony · Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 2:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the warm welcome Paul!

I suppose the only reason why I'm asking this, is that I'm getting overwhelmed and frustrated by all the stuff that's wrong, and I'm not sure whether the investment of time and money and effort will make my '24 a worthwile vehicle per the investment.

I will be HARD pressed to get my 924 to look as good as that 528 BMW for even $9000 in cosmetics alone... Althogh even as my car is right now it performs just as good as the BMW.

I'm torn right in half on what to do. Most of the work I will be doing from now on will be DIY- on either the BMW or the Porsche.

Thanks again for hearing me out.
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1987 Porsche 924S
White/black (The White Pony)

For sale, $1000
http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?p=173801#173801

Llamaguy · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 711 Location: Indiana

I think Neil should have something to say. But I think his BMW problems were tree related or something.
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1987 924S Guards Red
1997 Suzuki Tl1000 Supersport

Peter_in_AU · Joined: 29 Jul 2001 Posts: 2745 Location: Sydney, Australia

Is the damage to replaceable panels? If it is there are people here who can help you out.

It sounds like you've done the hard yards and now just want to tighten it up and make it look good.

If the damage is not worth repairing, why not another 924S or if you must be a real girl, a 944?

You know what to look at on an "S".

BMWs are just so common.
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1979 924 (Gone to a better place)
1974 Lotus 7 S4 "Big Valve" Twin-cam (waiting)
1982 924 (As featured on Wikipedia)

Learn to love your multimeter and may the search be with you

White Pony · Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 12:45 am Post subject:

A few pictures...

Peter it's true BMW's are very common. The one I was looking at has been declared to be pretty much a money pit by the BMW board, My 924 just needs some cosmetic (a little modernization too?) and suspension attention befor she really goes.

Plus, I really dislike the idea of owning a super nice vehicle such as that Bimmer, I don't think twice about loading the back of my '24 with a couple bags of horse feed, or fill it to the cieling with boxes... I'd have to be a sissy with the Bimmer to keep it "mint."

All in all, I just don't know what to do.
_________________
1987 Porsche 924S
White/black (The White Pony)

For sale, $1000
http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?p=173801#173801