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.

[keske968]

I used to have a 1987 944 N/A as a daily driver and drove it until it spun a bearing. Since then i have upgraded to a 1994 968. If you can swing the extra cash the 968 is the way to go when looking at this style of car. All the benifits of the turbo in a NA engine. True it still has all the maitience costs as a NA 944 but generally it is 8 to 10 years younger. Ive had mine for 3 years and no unforseen issues. I did replace teh cluth can timing belt as the clutch was slipping when I bought it and the dealer could not provide me documentation on when the timing belt was last done so i figured I would do it instead of pay for a top end rebuild.

Also I do not think you need the special tool for the 968 belt. It has a tension roller for the timing belt that I believe does away with the need for the $800 tool.

You can get a ver solid 968 for the 12-15k range if you want a coupe. for a really good cab you are looking at the 15-20k range.

p.s. yes my 968 even gets me through Nebraska winters.... you just have to take a little extra time.