OT: Considering buying a 944 turbo for daily driver, any advice on what to look for, or avoid? Options

[Doug Leggins]

I have been lusting over 944's for about a year. I have been doing some research and have started test driving some cars that are for sale. The first was an 88 non S. It had far too many mods and a rough interior. But, WOW when the turbo kicked in I couldn't help but smile! Today I drove an 87. Guards red with black leather interior. Not optioned real well but a nice 82,000 mile 2 owner car. Looks good, runs good and fairly well maintained. The price on this one is $7500. Seems like a good deal based on the condition of the car. Since I am considering buying this one, I took this one onto the interstate. WOW!!! I can now relate to all of the accolades that these cars get when the turbo kicks in at 75 mph (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) . This car felt great! Strong, well mannered, smile inducing fun.

Based on my research so far, I was really looking for an 88S or an 89. But haven't found one close enough yet to test drive.

Should I hold out for an 88S or an 89?

Am I crazy thinking that a 944 turbo will be a good "daily driver", no snow driving.

Any advice on the 944, 944 turbo is greatly appreciated.

[Rusty]

Hi Doug,

As a former 944 owner... I loved my car. However, it regularly ripped thousand dollar holes in my wallet. Timing belts are cheap but replacement requires an expensive special tool. Timing belt failure is catastrophic to the engine. The labor to do the job costs as much as the tool.

Water pump failure was common on the early cars... not sure if they ever really corrected the issue, but it requires R&R of the timing belt.

The 944 clutch job is far more difficult than anything I've ever done on my 914 or 914-6. As these cars are getting older, they are also as prone to leaks as our 914s can be.

Remember - you're buying a fairly high-end Porsche for <10,000. That said, you're going to pay high-end prices for parts and labor.

I would read and memorize the 944 FAQ. Insist on complete maintenance records. Few people sell a solid car they just put big maintenance dollars into (recent documented water pump and timing belt, maybe clutch too)... but that's what you're looking for.

http://www.connact.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html

-Rusty

[jasons]

However, it regularly ripped thousand dollar holes in my wallet. Timing belts are cheap but replacement requires an expensive special tool. Timing belt failure is catastrophic to the engine. The labor to do the job costs as much as the tool.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I had a 944S2 strip the teeth with 45k on the belt. The S2 is 16v so I lost all 8 exhaust valves. New those valves cost like $100 each!!!! I was lucky and I sourced all valves used and got the head refurbed cheap. On the later cars (I think 87 on) you can safely do the timing belt changes without the tension tool because it has the spring loaded tensioner. The balance belt is still a little tricky, but the tension on that is a little less critical.

The 944 clutch job is far more difficult than anything I've ever done on my 914 or 914-6. As these cars are getting older, they are also as prone to leaks as our 914s can be.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) AGAIN!

I also lost the clutch on my S2. These cars came with the stupid rubber centered clutch from Porsche. Clutch disk far outlives the rubber center. Most cars that have had a clutch are upgraded to the spring centered clutch. The 944 clutch was one of the most difficult procedures I have ever done on any car. And, I've done my share of car work. I think Porsche specs at least 12 hours labor for an NA clutch and more for a turbo because of the turbo plumbing. (at what $125/hour?) Figure $1k for parts to do the clutch right.

Also, the door handles break ($250 new), Motor mounts are usually wasted, power steering eventually will leak, oil pan leaks, front seals leak. BTW the oil pan repair requires you to support the motor from above, and drop the cross member including everything related to wheels brakes shocks, etc. for access. You can't drop the pan without dropping that stuff.

If you don't get docs on clutch, timing belt, and probably water pump, budget for those repairs, at a minimum.

It was a fun car and I still love the styling. I'm far enough removed from my ownership experience, I actually miss the car now. The best and worst days of my life were the days I bought and sold my 944S2.

BTW if you are serious, I would shop for the S2 or try to get a 968. Those really are the best 944's. Maybe not as fun as the turbo, but all around a great car for DD.