944 S2 - buying, insuring, owning and servicing in E London?
Discussion
Chaps,
I currently run a Mk2 Golf GTi. Cracking car. Love it. One of many, many GTi's I have had, and this is a belter.
BUT, I need more power. And would like to pop my RWD cherry. And am very, very tentatively thinking (only thinking) about a 944 S2.
I have searched on here for buyers guides, and read stacks, found insurance quotes and all the rest of it, but still have a couple of questions.
1. I have been quoted £860(ish) for insurance with a mainstream company (the RAC) through confused.com. (Age 30, fully employed, 8 yrs NCB, no points, left on the street in E3, <6,000 miles/yr.) However, I think this could probaby be bettered by classic cover, or some diligent shopping around. Would classic cover be an option if it is to be my only car (which it will be), and if it is left on the street? Anyone any suggestions for companies to contact?
2. I live in E3 - Bow, East London. Does anyone know of any reliable independant garages who are good with Porches in this area and who will not leave my wallet smarting at service-time?
3. Having said that ... how realistic is DIY-servicing? I do all my own work on the Golf, and have done for years ('all' being everything up to clutches and engine swaps.) However, how much more of a challenge would a 944 S2 be, compared to the Golf?
4. Do these cars attract much attention, of the wrong sort? I am very deterred from looking at M3's (an alternative) partially because of the image, partially because of the attention they would attract. I don't really want to find my P&J vandalised or broken into one evening ...
5. What are these cars like as a daily-driver proposition? To be mainly used as a 2-seater for local trips, with occasional back seat passengers. Longer weekend hoons would also be included, with the odd track day and blast across to the fatherland.
6. (Bit of an ask this). Is there anyone kind of local to where I live who owns one of these, who would be willing to show me their car, and the points to look out for when buying 2nd hand? If you would be willing to take me for a drive as well, that would be great ... (note - [B]take me[/B] for a drive, I am NOT asking to get behind the wheel of your P&J.)
7. Any suggestions of where to look to buy one of these? PH classifieds, autotrader, possibly ask around at a local independant garage to see what they know of in the local area ... any other ideas?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer ...
Oli.
I currently run a Mk2 Golf GTi. Cracking car. Love it. One of many, many GTi's I have had, and this is a belter.
BUT, I need more power. And would like to pop my RWD cherry. And am very, very tentatively thinking (only thinking) about a 944 S2.
I have searched on here for buyers guides, and read stacks, found insurance quotes and all the rest of it, but still have a couple of questions.
1. I have been quoted £860(ish) for insurance with a mainstream company (the RAC) through confused.com. (Age 30, fully employed, 8 yrs NCB, no points, left on the street in E3, <6,000 miles/yr.) However, I think this could probaby be bettered by classic cover, or some diligent shopping around. Would classic cover be an option if it is to be my only car (which it will be), and if it is left on the street? Anyone any suggestions for companies to contact?
2. I live in E3 - Bow, East London. Does anyone know of any reliable independant garages who are good with Porches in this area and who will not leave my wallet smarting at service-time?
3. Having said that ... how realistic is DIY-servicing? I do all my own work on the Golf, and have done for years ('all' being everything up to clutches and engine swaps.) However, how much more of a challenge would a 944 S2 be, compared to the Golf?
4. Do these cars attract much attention, of the wrong sort? I am very deterred from looking at M3's (an alternative) partially because of the image, partially because of the attention they would attract. I don't really want to find my P&J vandalised or broken into one evening ...
5. What are these cars like as a daily-driver proposition? To be mainly used as a 2-seater for local trips, with occasional back seat passengers. Longer weekend hoons would also be included, with the odd track day and blast across to the fatherland.
6. (Bit of an ask this). Is there anyone kind of local to where I live who owns one of these, who would be willing to show me their car, and the points to look out for when buying 2nd hand? If you would be willing to take me for a drive as well, that would be great ... (note - [B]take me[/B] for a drive, I am NOT asking to get behind the wheel of your P&J.)
7. Any suggestions of where to look to buy one of these? PH classifieds, autotrader, possibly ask around at a local independant garage to see what they know of in the local area ... any other ideas?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer ...
Oli.
Personally, I think I've had more fun in my Golf GTi Mk2 than my 944S2, so make sure it's the right move first. Handling on the 944 is good and build is much better, but Golf was loads of fun, not much slower and more chuckable (less weight?). Better steering feedback, too, IIRC.
The E36 M3 you also mention is worth perservering with. Don't worry about the image too much. They're cheap enough and old enough for people not to bother you much these days. Still a bit bling tho'. However, I'd have one over a 944S2; more modern, bit quicker, prominent RWD handling, ie. can be tail happy, whereas 944S2 better chassis and more benign/boring at the limit. In other words, 944S2 would probably lap a circuit quicker if it had the same power, but you'd arguably have more fun in the M3.
My answers:
1. Try footman james and liverpool victoria for insurance quotes. They will advise best policy for your needs (classic or not).
2. East Lahhndan... no idea. Jaz are in Wembley tho'.
3. You could DIY the S2. Not sure how much of an effort it would be tho'.
4. "Do these cars attract much attention, of the wrong sort?" LOL, not really. You have to pay people top notice you in a 944 normally. They are getting on a bit now and were never flashy in their day. I had an S2 cabriolet and a Turbo... the S2 cab was a hood slashing risk. Neither suffered from envious chavs much.
5. Easy daily drive. 944S2 will do all that you ask. Hatch makes it very practical indeed.
6. Would if I had one!
7. PH classifieds, Porsche Post (PCGB magazine, you need to subscribe for 50 GBP a year to get it, worth the money if you're new to it all). Porsche mags. Independent dealer's websites (try Henry at www.911virgin.com - it's his kind of bag).
Rgds
Domster
The E36 M3 you also mention is worth perservering with. Don't worry about the image too much. They're cheap enough and old enough for people not to bother you much these days. Still a bit bling tho'. However, I'd have one over a 944S2; more modern, bit quicker, prominent RWD handling, ie. can be tail happy, whereas 944S2 better chassis and more benign/boring at the limit. In other words, 944S2 would probably lap a circuit quicker if it had the same power, but you'd arguably have more fun in the M3.
My answers:
1. Try footman james and liverpool victoria for insurance quotes. They will advise best policy for your needs (classic or not).
2. East Lahhndan... no idea. Jaz are in Wembley tho'.
3. You could DIY the S2. Not sure how much of an effort it would be tho'.
4. "Do these cars attract much attention, of the wrong sort?" LOL, not really. You have to pay people top notice you in a 944 normally. They are getting on a bit now and were never flashy in their day. I had an S2 cabriolet and a Turbo... the S2 cab was a hood slashing risk. Neither suffered from envious chavs much.
5. Easy daily drive. 944S2 will do all that you ask. Hatch makes it very practical indeed.
6. Would if I had one!
7. PH classifieds, Porsche Post (PCGB magazine, you need to subscribe for 50 GBP a year to get it, worth the money if you're new to it all). Porsche mags. Independent dealer's websites (try Henry at www.911virgin.com - it's his kind of bag).
Rgds
Domster
1) Not sure about classic insurance this year. I was with Lancaster on a 10K policy last year, and they bumped the premium up from mid 600 to over 1200 with no claims in the meantime. When I spoke to them, some was down to moving to SE3 from Hull, but most was down to the underwriters loading ALL 944s with a 4/500 hike (too many losses?). Went with Norwich Union in the end, so no agreed value, but can argue if it happens.
2)Tower Porsche, just next to Tower Bridge. Good lads in my book, and not hideously expensive.
3)Very realistic. The mechanicals are fairly straightforward from what I as a complete muppet can see, if needing a few specialist tools and a big shoehorn sometimes. Certainly on the Turbo, there are a few oddities due to space restrictions. I'd say a mix is the way forward.
4)Not in my experience. I get a bit of traffic light grand-prix, but am happy to lose those (amusing to rev hard and creep a bit, so they go screaming off while you potter up the street behind them). Have had (touching wood) no vandalism issues, but I go for the empty car/glovebox thing.
5)
Full stop. Driver & passenger astonishing comfort. Kids fine in back, have carried 6'10" bloke once, but only for a short trip, as he was lying sideways across both seats.
6)Yup, PM me, and I'll poddle across. Tonight is best for me, tbh, as busy the rest of the week.
7) All of those, and keeping eyes open. Be open minded about the boosties as well, they are enormous fun.
Marcus
2)Tower Porsche, just next to Tower Bridge. Good lads in my book, and not hideously expensive.
3)Very realistic. The mechanicals are fairly straightforward from what I as a complete muppet can see, if needing a few specialist tools and a big shoehorn sometimes. Certainly on the Turbo, there are a few oddities due to space restrictions. I'd say a mix is the way forward.
4)Not in my experience. I get a bit of traffic light grand-prix, but am happy to lose those (amusing to rev hard and creep a bit, so they go screaming off while you potter up the street behind them). Have had (touching wood) no vandalism issues, but I go for the empty car/glovebox thing.
5)
Full stop. Driver & passenger astonishing comfort. Kids fine in back, have carried 6'10" bloke once, but only for a short trip, as he was lying sideways across both seats. 6)Yup, PM me, and I'll poddle across. Tonight is best for me, tbh, as busy the rest of the week.
7) All of those, and keeping eyes open. Be open minded about the boosties as well, they are enormous fun.
Marcus
domster said:
Personally, I think I've had more fun in my Golf GTi Mk2 than my 944S2, so make sure it's the right move first. Handling on the 944 is good and build is much better, but Golf was loads of fun, not much slower and more chuckable (less weight?). Better steering feedback, too, IIRC.
I do wonder about you sometimes badger man!
8v mk2 gti(*) yeh fun & chuckable etc etc & id have not had so many if I wasnt somewhat of a fan, but come on 115bhp & similar torque @ a tonne= they are a heck of a lot less rapid than a 210bhp (often more) & similar torque @ 1300kg S2, ok an S2 is not exactly rocket fast, but it is real world 150+mph & 0-60 in high 6 secs & they do have a nice fully usable bit of grunt & barely any slower than 968 in the real world & on track more than capable of giving similar age 911s a hard time.
(*A well fettled 16ver is a diferent story, but not one we are discussing at present)
Ref steering feel is one area where a fwd just cant compare, S2 much more accureate & uncorupted by driveshafts whirling around.
ref servicing oli, an S2 is kinda just a grown up Golf so you would be able to do normal service bits- plugs filters etc & it would save you a fair bit of £ if you could do the caliper rebuilds yourself, clutches & belts maybe ok but thats where most would call for a specialist.
S2 great all rounder, but funily enough for reasons I can't quite put my finger on I sort of prefred my early Lux even when in comparison to the Turbos & S2, maybe lighter & simpler im not sure, ok a Lux is much slower but dont dismiss an early one (lighter than later ones)
Hi Olly
I live in the same manor as you (plastic cockney though
) and recommend John at Tower...top fella..great knowledge and has a genuine love for the marque...he takes care of my 996 and was even on hand to offer advice when i rang him from the pit at Brands following an oil leak !
On the downside his cappunicino machine isnt as good as OPC stratford
www.towerporsche.com/contactus.html
Tell him Indy sent you....drop me a line if you have any questions.
- I
ps
no vested interest
I live in the same manor as you (plastic cockney though
) and recommend John at Tower...top fella..great knowledge and has a genuine love for the marque...he takes care of my 996 and was even on hand to offer advice when i rang him from the pit at Brands following an oil leak ! On the downside his cappunicino machine isnt as good as OPC stratford
www.towerporsche.com/contactus.html
Tell him Indy sent you....drop me a line if you have any questions.
- I
ps
no vested interest
Chaps,
Many excellent replies - many thanks all.
Domster - no, I am excluding M3's because of the 'bling' image. I happen to live in an area with quite a lot of the demographic which is so disposed to 'bling', and have concluded that over 90% of 3-series hereabouts are driven by either drug dealers or wannabee drug dealers. 90%? I've counted ... Thanks for the insurance recommendations tho'. I'll try them.
Randlemarcus - thanks. The tower porsche site looks excellent, I'll call them. A good contact. Thanks particularly for the offer of a poke around in yours (PM to be sent). That is very kind, but tonight wasn't great! Thanks again for the offer tho'.
Iguana - hello again mate. I'd forgotten that you are a porsche fan as well (wrote the 944 buyers guide for PH - non?) A big Golf eh? Well, if it can be fixed with a 10mm, 13mm and 17mm spanner then I'll be well away! The great increase in performance is one thing I am looking for tho, so thanks for the comments about the early lux, but I think it's an S2 which my heart is set on. Would an early lux be any much quicker than my Golf? Better drive and all that though.
Basil Brush - thanks for the Hartech hint. I have (just!) found the site - It's good.
Atticus - another recommendation for Tower Porsche. I'll definately have to try them. Thanks.
I think the next stage has to be to see a couple of cars, and try them for size. I am in utterly no rush, and am thinking in terms of months rather than days. I tend to keep cars for a long time, and hence will take my time over finding the one that is right for me ...
I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for your input.
Oli.
Many excellent replies - many thanks all.
Domster - no, I am excluding M3's because of the 'bling' image. I happen to live in an area with quite a lot of the demographic which is so disposed to 'bling', and have concluded that over 90% of 3-series hereabouts are driven by either drug dealers or wannabee drug dealers. 90%? I've counted ... Thanks for the insurance recommendations tho'. I'll try them.
Randlemarcus - thanks. The tower porsche site looks excellent, I'll call them. A good contact. Thanks particularly for the offer of a poke around in yours (PM to be sent). That is very kind, but tonight wasn't great! Thanks again for the offer tho'.
Iguana - hello again mate. I'd forgotten that you are a porsche fan as well (wrote the 944 buyers guide for PH - non?) A big Golf eh? Well, if it can be fixed with a 10mm, 13mm and 17mm spanner then I'll be well away! The great increase in performance is one thing I am looking for tho, so thanks for the comments about the early lux, but I think it's an S2 which my heart is set on. Would an early lux be any much quicker than my Golf? Better drive and all that though.
Basil Brush - thanks for the Hartech hint. I have (just!) found the site - It's good.
Atticus - another recommendation for Tower Porsche. I'll definately have to try them. Thanks.
I think the next stage has to be to see a couple of cars, and try them for size. I am in utterly no rush, and am thinking in terms of months rather than days. I tend to keep cars for a long time, and hence will take my time over finding the one that is right for me ...
I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for your input.
Oli.
Iguana,
So, I'd see the Lux as being a little bit brisker than the 16v Golf (to continue the comparison) and the S2 as being quicker still. (It seems that the S2 is fairly often compared with the M3 in terms of performance and driving sensation. What else would appear on a similar list?)
Loz - thanks. 4k for that one in your profile? Nice. How old was it, and where did it come from?
Cheap insurance - you are in the middle of cornwall! And have a vast excess ... bit different in London ... but I'll still try lancaster, thanks for the tip.
Oli.
So, I'd see the Lux as being a little bit brisker than the 16v Golf (to continue the comparison) and the S2 as being quicker still. (It seems that the S2 is fairly often compared with the M3 in terms of performance and driving sensation. What else would appear on a similar list?)
Loz - thanks. 4k for that one in your profile? Nice. How old was it, and where did it come from?
Cheap insurance - you are in the middle of cornwall! And have a vast excess ... bit different in London ... but I'll still try lancaster, thanks for the tip.
Oli.
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