1986 Porsche 928 S from North America - Comments

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.

I entirely agree theres nothing like the thunderous sound of a porsche 928`s V8, the car hugs the road too, David London England.

928 upper ball joints can be rebuilt. Rennbay has a do it yourself kit for our cars now.

I was looking into buying a Porsche 928S. I guess I'll give that a miss. Too expensive to maintain. I'll stick with my Lexus SC400. Not a bad machine. Man and machine in harmony.

I am currently in the market to buy a 1986 928's. I already have my eyes set on it, and now my girlfriend is afraid of this purchase. The looks, the lines, the attitude of this car just screams CLASSSSS!!! And yes, I can imagine it parked in the front of a restaurant or night club. "WHATS MY NAME"!!

Have fun for those who already have one! Hope to join you on the road soon.

I own a flawless 1986 928S with only 41,000 miles. Yes, it is expensive to maintain regardless of miles per year. It eats fuses and things "happen" even when it is sitting in the garage, but it is awsome!

Lars Graff.