944-reliable daily driver?
Discussion
I used one as a daily for 6 years and it was fantastic. That was some time ago though.
I reckon the biggest issue is now is rust. Its well worth spending a little more on a cherished car thats had loads of money spent keeping it maintained correctly. There are loads of cheap cars out there that are ticking time bombs, just waiting to eat your wallet!
Buy a good Lux or S2 and you are laughing.
MTR
I reckon the biggest issue is now is rust. Its well worth spending a little more on a cherished car thats had loads of money spent keeping it maintained correctly. There are loads of cheap cars out there that are ticking time bombs, just waiting to eat your wallet!
Buy a good Lux or S2 and you are laughing.
MTR
It's an old car, so won't be as reliable as a brand-new Focus. Keep ahead of maintenance and it should be fine, but buying a good one is critical. If you work on it yourself they are very simple, but there are a few big bills that can come along if you're using a specialist.
We used to say budget £1K per year for a Lux, I'd say that's DIY money now and you'll double that at a specialist. Bodywork is key, you need to see the inside of the sills and underneath at the rear suspension mounts.
We used to say budget £1K per year for a Lux, I'd say that's DIY money now and you'll double that at a specialist. Bodywork is key, you need to see the inside of the sills and underneath at the rear suspension mounts.
Buy on condition, (inside the sills in particular) and the owner, dont worry about mileage.
They are a viable daily driver but if you are used to a 182, it will feel very different and relatively slow, they are from 2 generations ago.
Get a good drive in one
Mine have both lived on the drive and although not used everyday (works van) they have been used 2-3 times a week all year round.
They are a viable daily driver but if you are used to a 182, it will feel very different and relatively slow, they are from 2 generations ago.
Get a good drive in one
Mine have both lived on the drive and although not used everyday (works van) they have been used 2-3 times a week all year round.
Certainly the n/a 8 valve cars would struggle to keep up with a hot hatch off the line, but what you do notice is they go comparatively well at higher speeds.
I don't know if it was the gearing or the aerodynamics (or both), but I found my 924S - which was very similar mechanically to an early 944 - was slower than the 1.9 205 GTi it replaced until I got to about third gear, at which point the Porsche was off... Even my current 924 Lux feels stronger in the higher gears than you'd expect from its lethargic low-speed performance. Must be all those autobahns.
It's a while since I sold the 2.5, but that was used daily without any significant problems. They are remarkably robust in most respects, but as others have said the real problem is rust, both on the body and on things like wishbones underneath.
In other respects they make great daily drivers. Quite economical, easy to park, pretty comfortable (despite some curious ergonomics) and the boot is huge for a sports car.
I don't know if it was the gearing or the aerodynamics (or both), but I found my 924S - which was very similar mechanically to an early 944 - was slower than the 1.9 205 GTi it replaced until I got to about third gear, at which point the Porsche was off... Even my current 924 Lux feels stronger in the higher gears than you'd expect from its lethargic low-speed performance. Must be all those autobahns.
It's a while since I sold the 2.5, but that was used daily without any significant problems. They are remarkably robust in most respects, but as others have said the real problem is rust, both on the body and on things like wishbones underneath.
In other respects they make great daily drivers. Quite economical, easy to park, pretty comfortable (despite some curious ergonomics) and the boot is huge for a sports car.
Went for a test drive in a S2 over the weekend. Its been a while since I sold mine and it was a pleaure to drive.
However as said above, its the rust thats really starting to take a toll on the cars now. Finding an example with no, or very minor issuies in the sills will save you £££'s in the long term.
However as said above, its the rust thats really starting to take a toll on the cars now. Finding an example with no, or very minor issuies in the sills will save you £££'s in the long term.
I drove my 924 through the London traffic today. I wouldn't bother taking most 30 year old sports cars out the garage for a 20mph slog through suburbia, but it just copes with it all like a modern saloon. Eventually found a parking space near work and even the ancient electric mirror adjustment still works as Porsche intended. Not bad for a car that's older than I am.
It's more or less as easy to live with as my Focus. The only difference is I glance over my shoulder when I'm walking away from a gleaming, classically-proportioned GT.
It's more or less as easy to live with as my Focus. The only difference is I glance over my shoulder when I'm walking away from a gleaming, classically-proportioned GT.
The 944 is one of the sweetest handling cars ever made imo, so well balanced and easy to drive on the limit, as with some more modern porsche's the chassis could take much more power than porsche provided.
My 89 S2 is an only car, used daily in London and kept on the street, its cherished and well looked after and has been around Europe (2800 mile trip), Scotland x3, Le Mans x2, and various others. Quite capable of 140mph down the Mulsanne Straight but even better on the twisties. Its also incredibly practical for a 2 seater sports car, loads of luggage space. Mine is blessed with little rust (you need to find one that has spent some time garaged) and few mechnical issues, some age related wear and tear will undoubtedly need addressing each year but not more than you'd expect with 23 year old car.
Being completely underrated keeps prices down, although parts being Porsche can be expensive (but reliable and with good longevity). Engine is rock solid and good for 250,000 miles with careful maintenance. 944 S2 is 10kg lighter than much more expensive 968 club sport and once chipped and lightened slightly it will be just as quick. Also makes a great track day car where it can show much newer metal a thing or too on track poise. Its a great all round sports car, made by the one of the best motorsports manufacturers (assembled by Audi) and at its current price its a bit of a no brainer if you want a modern classic sportscar.
My lap at Le Mans in my 944 S2...
https://vimeo.com/45697545
Edd
My 89 S2 is an only car, used daily in London and kept on the street, its cherished and well looked after and has been around Europe (2800 mile trip), Scotland x3, Le Mans x2, and various others. Quite capable of 140mph down the Mulsanne Straight but even better on the twisties. Its also incredibly practical for a 2 seater sports car, loads of luggage space. Mine is blessed with little rust (you need to find one that has spent some time garaged) and few mechnical issues, some age related wear and tear will undoubtedly need addressing each year but not more than you'd expect with 23 year old car.
Being completely underrated keeps prices down, although parts being Porsche can be expensive (but reliable and with good longevity). Engine is rock solid and good for 250,000 miles with careful maintenance. 944 S2 is 10kg lighter than much more expensive 968 club sport and once chipped and lightened slightly it will be just as quick. Also makes a great track day car where it can show much newer metal a thing or too on track poise. Its a great all round sports car, made by the one of the best motorsports manufacturers (assembled by Audi) and at its current price its a bit of a no brainer if you want a modern classic sportscar.
My lap at Le Mans in my 944 S2...
https://vimeo.com/45697545
Edd
Edited by copperman05 on Wednesday 18th July 03:30
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