1986 Porsche 928 S review from North America

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.

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.