Porsche 944 - good idea?

[bigslick82]

I stumbled on a 1984 Porsche 944 with 64k miles for $3750. Since I have no experience with a Porsche, I was wondering what I should look for and if it is a good idea.

TIA

[fatmatt0116]

I would avoid it. You will probably spend 3750 alone on the first repair bill.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by bigslick82

I stumbled on a 1984 Porsche 944 with 64k miles for $3750. Since I have no experience with a Porsche, I was wondering what I should look for and if it is a good idea.

TIA

Fun cars. The 951 (turbo) and the S and S2 versions even more fun, but more money for a good specimen.

Usual stuff: get a ppi and look at all the records. Make sure it's been serviced. Check the sticker with the option codes (in the spare wheel well) to see what factory options you have (three number code.) LSD, club sport option, etc..

Timing belt, water pump, motor mounts, are main issues. Timing belts not tensioned right (or not changed) will destroy the motor. Belt is tricky in the 944. Water pumps fail and are a pain to replace. You have to remove the timing belt to do the pump, so do both.

Oil cooler seals are also an issue. Sunroof and footwell water leaks are common.

Look at all the above issues on the car. Prices are low on these cars but be sure to set aside at least $1-2k to get the car right.

A little bit better choice is a later 1985 model (suspension component changes, dashboard cluster change, etc..)

[ben14142001]

Agreed. They are nice cars, expensive to maintain. Plus, I would only get a good condition 944 Turbo (951), 1988 or later.

[majin ssj eric]

944 Turbo 88+ is a fantastic little car. I'd love to have one but an older model I would avoid....

[gonzo]

Good miles but the price seems to reflect a lot of work, much of what SPaws mentioned, probably needs to be performed to get her in shape.

Great handling cars. I would like to get a cream puff S.

EDIT: This type car and owner are what I would be looking for. More money but..

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/a...beautiful.html

[RX7guy]

You might want to drive one first.

A non-turbo is very very slow..

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by bigslick82

I stumbled on a 1984 Porsche 944 with 64k miles for $3750. Since I have no experience with a Porsche, I was wondering what I should look for and if it is a good idea.

Not really. I used to own a 1983 944, but that was because I also owned a 1983 911 and 1983 928S.


The 1985.5 cars have better interiors. Personally if I were going for a 944 again (and it was my favorite of the 3), I'd get a 944S2 - stock, it has about the same hp as the first 944 turbos, with better power delivery; it's also got the better-looking turbo front-end. Maintenance isn't nearly as bad as people who've never owned one would have you believe.

[anthony @ eas]

I used to have a modded 944 Turbo for a few years. Very fun and very fast, but I was always paranoid about it breaking. The water pump and timing belt have to be replaced every 30,000 miles, changing the clutch is next to impossible and the power steering racks fail constantly. Other than that, it was easily one of the best cars I've driven.

[Vinobien]

i had a low mile 89 944 turbo modded to 21 psi boost. Never had a problem from 15k to 40k miles. you really felt the turbo kick in. More than my V3 335. the engine will last forever. go with a newer model and low miles if you can afford it. It;ll be less hassle and mnt cost than a high mile car and will end up being the same cost when its all said and done.

[Nikolas]

I loved the 944 when it came out. Have it checked by a porsche mechanic. I agree on the maintenance thing. People that have never owned a P-car always say they are so expensive. My 1991 C4 has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It is now 19 years old and still looks incredible and starts on the first turn of the ignition. The build quality is remarkable.