944 S2: buying advice?

[Refill]

I've decided to get one of these as my first 'proper' car. My application to join POCGB will go off today, and I wouldn't buy anything without getting it inspected first.

In the meantime ...

What do I need to know? Anything in particular I need to be aware of, or look out for? Most of the cars I've seen on auto trader or on here have done in the region of 100-130K miles, so I would expect to see 200+K in my ownership. I'm assuming that sort of mileage isn't a problem.

What service / maintenance costs should I expect?

Anyone know any specialists in the Surrey / Salisbury areas? All comments, advice, warnings gratefully received...

Thanks!

[Thom]

Also make sure the cam chain tensioner/chain/cam sprockets have been checked.
Depending on the car the upper pad wears out more or less quickly ; it has never been part of the maintenance programm and it should be checked at least as often as the belts need replacing.

[speedyman]

The top slipper pad on the tensioner costs under a tenner and is easy to replace. Replaced mine on my S as the one in there was original when I bought the car with only 49K on the clock, now only 74K. The car must have a service history, the engines are very tough. Great cars and grin factor.

speedyman

[Paul968]

Watch out - the forced induction boys will be along shortly to tell you that you really want a turbo

[cuneus]

www.944turbo.org.uk/titanicguide.htm

[Refill]

I did consider the turbo - but I'm going to be putting a fair few miles through this car and I thought the S2 would be more practical from a running costs point of view.

[Refill]

cuneus - thanks for that link!

[randlemarcus]

Wouldnt necessarily agree with that. Keep an open mind between S2 and Turbo, and look at both. As Henry is so fond of saying, buy on condition. Budget a service every 6K, even if its just a basic oil, filters and belts change/check, and a minor fault each year (lights/exhaust level).

Yes, they are both bombproof build, but as LA says, they are getting on a bit now, and things are going to do funny things for very little reason. Get to know your local specialist, and you'll be right with either car.

Warning - as a boostie, I'm biased, but drive one and you will not look back

[Paul968]

Told you - they just can't resist it

[randlemarcus]

los Angeles said:

Paul968 said: Told you - they just can't resist it I'm not a great fan of strapping things on engines.

Strapped on! Its when they bury the bu99ers right in the middle of the damned engine, thats when the knuckles get skinned.

Paul - yup, ya got me

[studog]

Around salisbury try MR sportscars, or for Surrey Northway. Both are good independants and should look after you.

I bought my S2 a month ago after 7 years with a 2.7.

Buy the best you can. Small things will need doing and you need to budget for
that even the newest are 13 years old.
My car was bought with a noisy gear box, that is around £600 to sort
and a duff engine mount. As I do some of my own work I was not particulary fazed by
things needing to be done. In my experience you need to be fairly hands on to keep them at their best. Engine mounts are a good bargining point and can be changed in an hour on the drive (been ther done that!)

Go for it they are great fun.

[hammerwerfer]

Paul968 said:

Watch out - the forced induction boys will be along shortly to tell you that you really want a turbo

Well, I set out to purchase an S2 and ended up with a turbo. I look at it as cheap insurance should I get a hankering for a bit more power.

The purchase price of the turbo was less than any of the S2s that I looked at as well.

I'm happy enough with my decision.