Buying Advice 944 turbo
Discussion
Hi all,
I am new here but not new if you see what I mean. I am in need of some advice as to the pitfalls of 944 ownership.
I have been toying for a while with buying one, but living on the isle of wight, has been a barrier. Until last night when a red one caught my eye.
So I went for a look today. Ended up test driving it and the following points came to mind.
Interior= very good cond
service history = very good, lady owner for last 10 years and she has only driven 500 miles or so per year. (IOW is pretty small)
four new tyres, new rear brakes and head gasket 1000 miles ago (by a porsche dealer). 12mnths mot. Mechanically it drove very well indeed. No bumps rattles or squeeks. Brakes were good. Has been specialist serviced every year for last 10 years, at same garage on Island.
So in general a very reasonable beast
But It did have two or three things that I considered could be bad
The tailgate where it closes, the locator pin had been letting water in and the area on the bodywork it locates in was rusting??
is this normal (dealer claims it is)and would this be hard to fix??
The Paintwork is RED, and the bonnet is starting to fade..
And when he started it (it hadnt been started for 2 weeks) battery was flat and it smoked a little until it was warm. But then there was zero smoke on test drive/after test drive as I left it runing a looked around her..
So really are these above things a probelm??
She is 1987 Turbo 134000 miles, in completely orig condition bar the stereo..
And is on the forecourt for 3995. The chap was going to sell it to a trader/specialist in Kent (dont know who)for £3200 and he said he was negotiable on that figure. Does this sound a resonable price. To me the car was in great orig condition, bar the paint not being excellent and the little patch of rust.
what other things should I poke around and be aware of and look for..
Any other suggestions.
Cheers in advance
Charlie
I am new here but not new if you see what I mean. I am in need of some advice as to the pitfalls of 944 ownership.
I have been toying for a while with buying one, but living on the isle of wight, has been a barrier. Until last night when a red one caught my eye.
So I went for a look today. Ended up test driving it and the following points came to mind.
Interior= very good cond
service history = very good, lady owner for last 10 years and she has only driven 500 miles or so per year. (IOW is pretty small)
four new tyres, new rear brakes and head gasket 1000 miles ago (by a porsche dealer). 12mnths mot. Mechanically it drove very well indeed. No bumps rattles or squeeks. Brakes were good. Has been specialist serviced every year for last 10 years, at same garage on Island.
So in general a very reasonable beast
But It did have two or three things that I considered could be bad
The tailgate where it closes, the locator pin had been letting water in and the area on the bodywork it locates in was rusting??
is this normal (dealer claims it is)and would this be hard to fix??
The Paintwork is RED, and the bonnet is starting to fade..
And when he started it (it hadnt been started for 2 weeks) battery was flat and it smoked a little until it was warm. But then there was zero smoke on test drive/after test drive as I left it runing a looked around her..
So really are these above things a probelm??
She is 1987 Turbo 134000 miles, in completely orig condition bar the stereo..
And is on the forecourt for 3995. The chap was going to sell it to a trader/specialist in Kent (dont know who)for £3200 and he said he was negotiable on that figure. Does this sound a resonable price. To me the car was in great orig condition, bar the paint not being excellent and the little patch of rust.
what other things should I poke around and be aware of and look for..
Any other suggestions.
Cheers in advance
Charlie
If you like it check the clutch and other obvious sutff then just buy it. Take it to a good specilsit and if it turns out to be a duffer sell it - it will move quickly at that price
Of course some would say the better thing to to is take it to the specialist before you buy it, but I've never been that sensible
Of course some would say the better thing to to is take it to the specialist before you buy it, but I've never been that sensible
I have been thinking that.
Just suck it and see I guess. I mean its non-money for such a great car. I could (but wouldnt want to) buy it, drive it home to my family residence in Maidenhead and sell it for profit im sure. Even if it turned out to be a dog after an inspection im sure I would get what I paid for it back if I took it to the mainland.
Had three hours out of the seat now and have all but made my mind up..
P.S the clutch seemed very nice, not heavy but well wieghted, gearbox was smooth in each cog and precise when changing gears. Perhaps I should check when the clutch was last changed..
PPS any issues with timing belts etc??
I guess I could just buy it and chuck it in for a full service for peace(ish) of mind.. I mean 3k is a steal i am sure.
Regards
Charlie
Just suck it and see I guess. I mean its non-money for such a great car. I could (but wouldnt want to) buy it, drive it home to my family residence in Maidenhead and sell it for profit im sure. Even if it turned out to be a dog after an inspection im sure I would get what I paid for it back if I took it to the mainland.
Had three hours out of the seat now and have all but made my mind up..
P.S the clutch seemed very nice, not heavy but well wieghted, gearbox was smooth in each cog and precise when changing gears. Perhaps I should check when the clutch was last changed..
PPS any issues with timing belts etc??
I guess I could just buy it and chuck it in for a full service for peace(ish) of mind.. I mean 3k is a steal i am sure.
Regards
Charlie
It seems very good to me. Most 944s have some paint wear around the hatch pins due to the friction process. If left for a while then water will get in and rust will follow. If its minor surface rust then its easily remedied, deeper corrosion would soon give itself away with all the opening and closing of the boot so I would think its minor.
The official period for belt changing is 4 years or 48k miles whichever is sooner. Most sensible owners change every 3 years or 36k miles ( two belts for £300 fitted is much more palatable than a new engine
) so if that belt is over 3 years old (regardless of mileage) then change it ASAP.
If you go back for another look then check the oil on startup again but if its smoke free when on full boost then it 'sounds' ok to me.
The official period for belt changing is 4 years or 48k miles whichever is sooner. Most sensible owners change every 3 years or 36k miles ( two belts for £300 fitted is much more palatable than a new engine
) so if that belt is over 3 years old (regardless of mileage) then change it ASAP. If you go back for another look then check the oil on startup again but if its smoke free when on full boost then it 'sounds' ok to me.
Cheers guys,
Having had the most unreliable car in the world (alfa 3316v) then purchased what I believed to be a bulletproof 306 diesel, which ended up blowing up, I am sure this will sit somewhere in between. As you say if it cost a grand or so to get it straight then its not a bad thing, as the car will be sorted.
I will report back on second peek tomorrow!
Cheers,
Charlie
Having had the most unreliable car in the world (alfa 3316v) then purchased what I believed to be a bulletproof 306 diesel, which ended up blowing up, I am sure this will sit somewhere in between. As you say if it cost a grand or so to get it straight then its not a bad thing, as the car will be sorted.
I will report back on second peek tomorrow!
Cheers,
Charlie
Are you the type that must have everything working - if you are then check the air con because you could spend up to 50% of your proposed purchase price getting that working.
I had a 944 Turbo in red and it was a really great car - sold it last year after 5 years fun and got back very nearly what I paid for it. If I had more garages I would have kept it.
I had a 944 Turbo in red and it was a really great car - sold it last year after 5 years fun and got back very nearly what I paid for it. If I had more garages I would have kept it.
Not that type fortunately, 
I would be more concerned about driving it and it not blowing up or endagering my life than whether I am kept 'cool'. What are windows for??
on this example it is 'working' as far as I checked, its not something I would use in any case I have to admit,
I mean if its sunny open to sunroof/windows right?
So they seem quite highly regarded vehicles when running correctly from the research I have done?
I imagine there are horror stories if they are neglected..
For some reason I know an S2 would be an easier purchase to live with.. But I cant get the turbo outta my head. I keep reverting back to it thinking if I got an S2 then I would be thinking what might have been..
Plus I understand they can be tuned fairly easly..
What sort of mods would I have to do to get a useable 250bhp out of her? it is the earlier 220bhp spec..
I would be more concerned about driving it and it not blowing up or endagering my life than whether I am kept 'cool'. What are windows for??
on this example it is 'working' as far as I checked, its not something I would use in any case I have to admit,
I mean if its sunny open to sunroof/windows right?
So they seem quite highly regarded vehicles when running correctly from the research I have done?
I imagine there are horror stories if they are neglected..
For some reason I know an S2 would be an easier purchase to live with.. But I cant get the turbo outta my head. I keep reverting back to it thinking if I got an S2 then I would be thinking what might have been..
Plus I understand they can be tuned fairly easly..
What sort of mods would I have to do to get a useable 250bhp out of her? it is the earlier 220bhp spec..
Not sure about Porsche turbo's but from what I recall of my old Saab 900 turbo days a little smoke on start-up is a sign of turbo wear. The test was to let the car warm up, park-up and let it tick over for a couple of mins, then floor the gas pedal and see if it blows smoke out the tail pipe = the turbo's on its way out.
Keep it on a battery charger if you don't use it much. I use one on the S2 every weekend. These cars a getting on a bit and to keep them running/looking good they will always need a little TLC. A good one is a pleasure to own, a bad one will cost more to sort than its worth, be careful
Im in Maidenhead, bring it round if you buy it
Keep it on a battery charger if you don't use it much. I use one on the S2 every weekend. These cars a getting on a bit and to keep them running/looking good they will always need a little TLC. A good one is a pleasure to own, a bad one will cost more to sort than its worth, be careful
Im in Maidenhead, bring it round if you buy it
Cheers Guys,
Had a thought that I really ought to test drive some others, just for comparison sake. I mean im not stuck on getting one for 3k, I would spend more obviously if the right one came up. its just I saw this one and it seems good, and if it needs a grand spent on it it would be a good purchase, as it really is completely original. I will try the turbo test and see whats what, as I say I dont wana just buy one for the sake of it, I really want to get a decent one that will be reliable and I can keep for a while, as I do really love em.
Am back in Maids this weekend to see the family. Think I may go on a little hunt with my Dad, (he has had a 944lux and a 924turbo) and his experiences with cars is a lot more succesful than mine.
What sort of money are you looking at for yours.. Above £5k? There is a mint siler one in the Classifieds for £7k I think, It really does look the dogs bittys.
To be honest I would say £5k is the top of what I would spend for the right car.
Cheers
Charlie
Had a thought that I really ought to test drive some others, just for comparison sake. I mean im not stuck on getting one for 3k, I would spend more obviously if the right one came up. its just I saw this one and it seems good, and if it needs a grand spent on it it would be a good purchase, as it really is completely original. I will try the turbo test and see whats what, as I say I dont wana just buy one for the sake of it, I really want to get a decent one that will be reliable and I can keep for a while, as I do really love em.
Am back in Maids this weekend to see the family. Think I may go on a little hunt with my Dad, (he has had a 944lux and a 924turbo) and his experiences with cars is a lot more succesful than mine.
What sort of money are you looking at for yours.. Above £5k? There is a mint siler one in the Classifieds for £7k I think, It really does look the dogs bittys.
To be honest I would say £5k is the top of what I would spend for the right car.
Cheers
Charlie
Hi Fesuvious,
Thats probably a bit out of my range to be honest. But it does look and sound mint. Have you got any other pics online anywhere I could take a peak at?
What sort of work has it had done.. Everything by the sounds of its description.
Is that sort of power reliable? Christ that would be about what my Dads Griff puts out!
Cheers
Charlie
Thats probably a bit out of my range to be honest. But it does look and sound mint. Have you got any other pics online anywhere I could take a peak at?
What sort of work has it had done.. Everything by the sounds of its description.
Is that sort of power reliable? Christ that would be about what my Dads Griff puts out!
Cheers
Charlie
Hi James,
It certainly looks smart from the small profile pic, plus the white is uberkool.. I imagine it goes without saying but I bet it goes considerably well, and say for instance would make a Nissan 350z more than worried? (a friend has just purchased one)
Would it still be insurable on a Classic Policy? I have had a couple of quotes btwn £600 for classic limited miles up to £950 fully comp on a normal policy for a totally standard 87 tub. what would the premium be over a standard vehicle for something so powerful?
Cheers
Charlie
It certainly looks smart from the small profile pic, plus the white is uberkool.. I imagine it goes without saying but I bet it goes considerably well, and say for instance would make a Nissan 350z more than worried? (a friend has just purchased one)
Would it still be insurable on a Classic Policy? I have had a couple of quotes btwn £600 for classic limited miles up to £950 fully comp on a normal policy for a totally standard 87 tub. what would the premium be over a standard vehicle for something so powerful?
Cheers
Charlie
Edited by charlieb on Friday 3rd November 13:45
Best to ask Matt really. The car I have is also moddified and we pay about £400 a year with Norwich union. Its not as powerful as it started with a 220 but still makes 270+ bhp.
I looked at Matts car much earlier in the year and probably should have bought it, but a car I used to own came up and I went for that one instread.
Its a top spec car 6k is a good price.
I will wait for his response. Where abouts is he..? I am on the mainland this weekend... mmm 
Ill assume that it would have bragging rights over the 350z then?
Not talking 0-60 but on a blat through berkshires finest back roads?
How does your 270 feel..
To be honest I have no conception of how fast these cars are meant to be. The standard one was fast I am sure, although I didnt really get to full bore it, it felt very pokey when the turbo cam in. Short roads/ loads of traffic/stupid island.
It has been a while since I drove the alfa in vein (swift car) and have been driving Vans and diesels for last few years.
I think the allure of the tub is that you can get more HP easy if you want it. S2 has 215 or whatever and that is just a bit below the majic 250 I would ideally be after..
But 215 that works and 250 that is unreliable is a different story.
Cheers
Charie
Ill assume that it would have bragging rights over the 350z then?
Not talking 0-60 but on a blat through berkshires finest back roads?
How does your 270 feel..
To be honest I have no conception of how fast these cars are meant to be. The standard one was fast I am sure, although I didnt really get to full bore it, it felt very pokey when the turbo cam in. Short roads/ loads of traffic/stupid island.
It has been a while since I drove the alfa in vein (swift car) and have been driving Vans and diesels for last few years.
I think the allure of the tub is that you can get more HP easy if you want it. S2 has 215 or whatever and that is just a bit below the majic 250 I would ideally be after..
But 215 that works and 250 that is unreliable is a different story.
Cheers
Charie
Edited by charlieb on Friday 3rd November 14:11
Edited by charlieb on Friday 3rd November 14:12
charlieb said:
How does your 270 feel ... S2 has 215 or whatever and that is just a bit below the majic 250 I would ideally be after ... But 215 that works and 250 that is unreliable is a different story.
I've got an S2. They have 211 as stock, and mine recently showed a real 203.5 on Vixpy1's rolling road. I have never driven a turbo, but would say that the S2 doesn't feel *that* quick. It's deceptive, as it is a VERY well screwed-together car, which is civilised at speeds well over the lepton, and consequently you can be doing speeds that would very easily lose you your licence and the only thing you find yourself thinking is 'Why is everyone else going so damn slow?' The turbo will be significantly quicker, and should be every bit as civilised.
The S2 is meant to be more linear than the turbo, with (of course) no lag. In practice it is brisk up to 4k revs, but there is a noticeable extra surge at 4k. At all speeds, it feels entirely bombproof and very, very smooth. (4 pot - yes, but with balancer shafts and whatnot it is a very very smooth 4 pot.) Running it up to and beyond the rev limiter is blissfully (or regrettably) easy.
Oli.
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