Son wants a 944 as a DD, After a couple of stick driving lessons - he is using it daily Options

[Amphicar770]

The most expensive Porsche you can buy is the inexpensive one.

Look for earlier RX7's. The styling is pretty close and much fewer headaches. Some nice ones on bringatrailer in recent months.

[scott_in_nh]

A well cared for 944 NA can be found ini that range. The only really big deal is the belts. They don't go really fast, but have the coolness of a Porsche. Tell him that unless he races it no one will know it's not really that fast. A stock NA is just a little faster than a 2.0 stock 914.
That will keep him from racing.
The motor is basically a big in line 4' and Maintenon is not that bad. I've done timing belts, and the oil water exchange seal, not really a big deal. Would make for some good father son projects.
Of course the first thing he will want to do is turbo it. To do this it's actually cheaper to buy the turbo. So tell him to enjoy it and save his cash. They can be dependable daily drivers. I'm currently driving an 86 951.

He is ok with a NA, this turbo happened to come up close by so we are going to look.

I would prefer him to have an NA regarldess of make or model.

[scott_in_nh]

The most expensive Porsche you can buy is the inexpensive one.

Look for earlier RX7's. The styling is pretty close and much fewer headaches. Some nice ones on bringatrailer in recent months.

Possible I could push him that way, but he considers them a Japanese copy.

That said, I'd rather push him into something front wheel drive (or AWD) as he has zero experience driving in snow or slippery conditions.

[rhodyguy]

if the WRX is priced right and no looming services it would be worth one way tickets and a father and son speed run home. i bought a pretty clean 97 legacy outback wagon last year and couldn't be happier with it. just under 182k when i bought it and it had a COMPLETE cooling system replacement, heads cleaned up and new studs (among other work), to the tune of $1974.62 7 months prior to the purchase. an old water tank fit in the back, disc brakes on all 4, AWD, automatic (first i've EVER owned), airbags, comfy. runs great and handles very well for what i consider a good sized car.

[jasons]

As a former 944S2 owner that endured both a failed timing belt and a failed clutch, I would never own one of those cars again. I will never own a water cooled Porsche for that matter. My kid has a better chance of getting a Hemi Cuda when he is of age than any 944. They are fun cars to drive, but get on the wrong side of one and you will find yourself in a dark place with an empty wallet.

[jmill]

I had a 924S, a 944 N/A in 924 clothing. They can be had cheaper than the 944 N/A. Corners like it's on rails. 0-60 times stink but the car comes alive 60-100.

Tons of electrical gremlins. I must have fixed the sunroof and rear trunk electrical 15 times. Belt replacement is a must after 50K. Any 944 or 924S owner should have paperwork to prove it. Trans is a funky arrangement that you don't want to change a clutch on. Parts aren't the easiest or cheapest to get (that was 6 years ago). Besides that it was a good car.

Is he opposed to a 924? Somewhat different animal with junkyard parts cheaper and more available.

I bought my 16 year old son a Honda Civic.

[Krieger]

Very timely discussion. I think my 16 yo wants one of these...

[3d914]

Are 944's if properly maintained in the past unreliable?

He has spent a lot of time on forum's and insists the owners claim them to be reliable.

scott, as others indicated, the 944/924S can be reliable - but must be purchased with care. I maintained a 924s for my son during his early college years. Belts, etc are typical issues. The single biggest issue is make sure what you buy has had the clutch done recently. This is very expensive to have done by someone else and the most frustrating job you can attempt to do yourself.

Other than that they can function well as a daily driver. Good luck.

[scott_in_nh]

As a former 944S2 owner that endured both a failed timing belt and a failed clutch, I would never own one of those cars again. I will never own a water cooled Porsche for that matter. My kid has a better chance of getting a Hemi Cuda when he is of age than any 944. They are fun cars to drive, but get on the wrong side of one and you will find yourself in a dark place with an empty wallet.

In theory no, but for $3k we haven't seen one that has enough going for it to make it more desirable.

[Cap'n Krusty]

A 944 for the kid you describe? Are you nuts? NO WAY would I do that for/to my kid, or anyone else's, either! Look, I worked on them from when they were new until they went away, and saw them fall by the wayside as people bailed on 'em or scrapped 'em. A 4 wheeled money pit. Great handling, fun to drive, but EXPENSIVE to own. For a typical driver, figure $3-4K every 40K miles, if the work's done by a shop. Add $1500-2000 if it needs a clutch.

The Cap'n

[Cuda911]

Look also on the Rennlist forum, 944 subforum. As much as the 944 guys love their cars, they definitely take some significant ongoing repair costs. Especially one in the 3K range. I almost bought a 944 earlier this year, but went with the 914 instead. Of course, it isn't a DD.

[Old Yella]

ouch

1.5 weeks in.....
Shoulda listened to Zach.

[Old Yella]

ouch

1.5 weeks in.....
Shoulda listened to Zach.

[scott_in_nh]

Thanks Cap'n I knew you would state it like it is.

Thanks Cuda911 for what is likely a more realistic forum for him to check.

I looked around at some Subies, again I don't really want him in a turbo, but found some nice Impreza 2.5 RS cars in his price range and nearby - how are they?

Conversely I know if we start talking AWD he will lean to an Audi A4, but my understanding is their electrical systems don't age well - is that true? What else?

I'm trying to help him get started on his own with a car he likes drivng and looking at, but that is reliable, practical and safe too.

I really appreciate the input! Keep it coming, he's a good kid, but is as thick headed and stuborm as I am so I have my work cut out for me! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[KELTY360]

Might look at a Subaru SVX. Doesn't look like a copy of anything, good ones available in that price range, many have awd. Biggest reliability factor is the automatic tranmission; if it's been replaced you're good to go.

[thompson-mfr]

I just sold my 944 $2K and it was a great DD. 84 non turbo easy to work on. The parts I replaced were cheap and there are a ton on Craiglist for parts (in Oregon). Over here $3K should get you a good reliable car. I paid $1500 for mine and had very few issues. The timing belt is supposed to be replaced every 30K miles and it is an interference engine, so it must be done. I think 944's are very under rated for as comfortable and sporty as they are. Mine cornered amazing and had good power 150 hp 2700 lb car.

If your Son wants to learn how to work on cars it could be a good first car. If he doesn't have the mechanic itch buy him a Honda or Toyota.

[Ferg]

For 3k I'd look at the following...

Miata
SVT Focus
Protege5

[Mr. Olympic Blue 2 You]

I had a 944 in my early 20's when they were fairly new..once they aquire some miles they do get very expensive to maintain ( although it did do pretty well in the wintry mountain passes.) If you are concerned with the local authorities stay away from guards red..my last ticket was 17?yrs ago and was a 39 in a 35..no, that wasn't the cop being nice to me..it was for going 39 in a 35. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

If you can get a 2.5 RS for his budget of 3K- I'd lean the young lad with the champagne taste/beer budget that direction. In the Seattle area they are 6-10K for a nice car and have a cult following. AWD, light, better torque than the 944 and less $ to maintain. To find an un abused WRX is next to impossible and I think you would find the insurance eye opening.

Whatever he chooses I hope he gets involved in a local car club and gets a chance to try auto-x or a high performance driving clinic.. Great way to sew his speed oats and learn car control that could help him on a daily commute!

I applaud your involvement in your sons search- you remind me of my dad and I when I was a teen. My father is still very involved with my "car life" but I remember those early years to this day.

Best of luck in whatever he decides.
Andrew

[edwin]

Long shot but how about a Saab 900. Classic shape are very reliable and option of turbo to keep him thinking its fast. It's fwd to keep you happy. Really strong body if the worst ever happens. And it will fit anything he can think of in the back
Did I mention how cheap they are?

[SKL1]

I'd vote for a Miata as well. Raced Spec Miata for several years and those cars can take a ton of abuse.
Sure they're not that fast but have a great gearbox and won't cost a ton to maintain...