Looking at 89 S4 in Nashville, TN

Today I received the service records for the past five years (two owners). This is what has been repaired/replaced:
Timing belt, water pump, power steering pump, radiator hoses, rear shocks, brake pads, radiator and heater core. It's also had the battery replaced twice and 2 thermostats. I'm concerned to say the least. Are these common problem areas with the 928?

drcoe;10218 wrote: Today I received the service records for the past five years (two owners). This is what has been repaired/replaced:
Timing belt, water pump, power steering pump, radiator hoses, rear shocks, brake pads, radiator and heater core. It's also had the battery replaced twice and 2 thermostats. I'm concerned to say the least. Are these common problem areas with the 928?

Looks like he was chasing some issues and throwing parts at it.
Its easy to do if you do not know how to diagnose properly.
Thats what we are here for, but we are not always right either.
When you have an issue it is important to give as much detail as possible.
This starts with having your car year and vin in your signature.
Pictures of what you are looking at also helps, hell even a recording of a noise because someone may have just fixed that noise on their car.

Dont worry, just enjoy the car and if you take care of it (which sometimes takes money) you will enjoy it even more.
Its an old car that will need more then the list you posted.
I bought mine for 10G 4 years ago and have done 13G in upgrades but only about 3G would have been required.
I never just repair back to stock but go a little overboard

Check out my Car profile thread if you dare

drcoe;10218 wrote: Today I received the service records for the past five years (two owners). This is what has been repaired/replaced:
Timing belt, water pump, power steering pump, radiator hoses, rear shocks, brake pads, radiator and heater core. It's also had the battery replaced twice and 2 thermostats. I'm concerned to say the least. Are these common problem areas with the 928?

Nothing should concern you about that service history. Sounds like a well cared for 928 to me. The timing belt/water pump maintenance needs to be done about every 5 years.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm still negotiating price with him but really want a PPI before seriously considering purchase. I'll let you guys know if I have more questions.

stepson;10215 wrote: Well, IMHO '89 is best S4 year: Digital dash, non-airbag, pre-RDK, thicker bosses on the heads. Maybe I'm just biased.

I agree with you Big John and I don't even own an '89! When I talk to people about 928's I tell them if they can't afford a GTS and they can only have ONE 928 be sure to make it an '89! For all the reasons you mention above!

drcoe;10218 wrote: Today I received the service records for the past five years (two owners). This is what has been repaired/replaced:
Timing belt, water pump, power steering pump, radiator hoses, rear shocks, brake pads, radiator and heater core. It's also had the battery replaced twice and 2 thermostats. I'm concerned to say the least. Are these common problem areas with the 928?

It appears that either the PO possibly had a cooling issue with the engine****OR**** it's a 23 year old car that has some of it's weak links dealt with.