• The Porsche 928 was a brawny, two-door coupe powered by a V-8 and produced between 1978 and 1995. Its design and powertrain went against the very concept of a lightweight, nimble sports car, which embodied the original Porsche. Yet over the years, the 928 has developed a following of hardcore enthusiasts. New and experienced owners need to pay close attention to the eccentricities and complexities of the 928 to keep it on the road.
  
  

The Engine

• Like all used cars, buyers can have the bad luck of purchasing a real lemon or the perfect 30-year-old car on the road. Porsche 928s built in the 1990s may have fewer miles than a 1978 model, but this doesn't necessarily make it a more reliable car. How owners treated the car is critical to its overall condition. Potential owners should request all documentation related to the vehicle if considering making a purchase. If documentation is not available, buyers should obtain the vehicle's history through the state department of motor vehicles. Assume that no previous owner changed the timing belt. Change it immediately. Timing belts on 928s need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. If the engine is running and the belt breaks, the owner may need an expensive engine overhaul to repair the damage.
  
  

The Underside

• Porsche 928s are prone to noisy torque tubes as they age. If there is some rattle, ignoring it is not going to hurt the car. The driveshaft inside the torque tube is only 1 inch in diameter and suspended with bearings inside the tube. Age loosens the driveshaft suspended by the bearings in the tube, but the movement won't damage the driveshaft. However, listen for changes in noises. If you sense the rattle smoothing out into a squeal, then change the torque tube. The tube is expensive, at more than $500, then add another $500 for labor if you have a mechanic do the job.
  
  

Hard Shifts

• Porsche 928s manufactured before 1985 have a reputation for difficult shifting between first and second gear in cold weather. Any owner of a vintage automobile will acknowledge they learn to live with their beloved cars' quirks. The 928 is no exception. If noise accompanies the hard shifting, then you know the synchros are worn and may need replacing. However, that replacement may not be needed for years. The easiest way to delay an expensive rebuild (upwards of $4,000) for a couple of years is to double-clutch (double-pump the clutch pedal) between first and second gears. Double-clutching allows you to avoid grinding the gears to avoid damage. Worn synchros by themselves cause no damage to the transmission. After a while, the extra pumping becomes second nature.
  
  

Steering Rack

• Another Porsche 928 quirk is its notorious reputation for leaking power steering racks. Power steering systems for 928s are nearly impossible to find at a wrecking yard. If you are lucky enough to find one used, the price tag will exceed $500. Hoses are the most vulnerable to leaks, especially in regions with significant seasonable changes, such as Wyoming or the Northeast. Routinely check your hoses for cracks by squeezing them. If they are hard or feel brittle, they will burst soon.